Educator University

What if feeling better as a teacher isn’t about finding more time—but paying more attention to how you nourish yourself? (00:13) Why Mindful Eating Matters (02:52) Easy Meal Prep Wins (07:46) Managing Emotional Eating (10:27) Mindful Meals Made Simple (17:13) Mindfulness Beyond Food (20:32) Intuitive Eating Basics To learn more about Kathy and her work, visit:www.theyogird.org Annie sits down with...

What if the key to resilience, mental clarity, and stress relief isn’t more work—but more time outdoors? Episode Chapters: (00:00) The Power of Nature for Stress Relief (05:06) Getting Started with Outdoor Activities (08:42) Finding Resilience Through Outdoor Experiences (13:42) Staying Calm Under Pressure (16:47) Exploring Antarctica and Beyond (22:23) Final Thoughts and Teacher Insights To learn...

What if the secret to better focus and less burnout isn’t working harder—but taking smarter breaks? Episode Chapters: (00:00) Why Teachers Feel Busy But Not Productive (03:16) The Power of Micro Breaks for Focus (06:05) What Is a “Distraction Detox”? (12:11) Busy vs Productive: The Hidden Difference (15:17) The Burnout Warning Signs Teachers Ignore (18:07) Simple Productivity Systems for Teachers...

What does dance have to do with great teaching? More than you might think. Episode Chapters: (00:00) Reclaiming Joy Through Movement (03:00) Why Teachers Need Movement (06:12) Finding the Right Dance Class (08:50) Benefits of Dance (11:47) Authentic Movement (14:55) Getting Past the Fear of Judgment (17:33) The Balance of Planning and Flow (20:46) A Simple Reminder for Teachers To learn more about...

The key to sustainable teaching might start with knowing yourself. Episode Chapters: (00:00) Can Personality Prevent Burnout? (00:41) Work Smarter With Your Type (10:04) The Four Personality Packs (13:37) Using Personality With Students & Parents (16:58) Burnout, Fit & Compatibility (26:53) Boundaries That Protect Your Energy (35:33) Pop Culture Personality Examples (41:56) Finding Your An...

Teachers are tired, students are checked out—Project-Based Learning is changing the game. Episode Chapters: (00:00) What Project-Based Learning Is (and Why It Matters) (01:19) Traditional Teaching vs PBL (03:41) How to Start PBL in Your Classroom (07:08) Real Classroom Examples of PBL (11:51) How PBL Reduces Teacher Burnout (17:16) Admin Buy-In + Final Tips To learn more about Ryan and his work, v...

Classrooms feel different—and Generation Alpha is part of the reason why. Episode Chapters: (00:00) What Is Generation Alpha (02:00) Why Gen Alpha Feels Different (05:13) Mindfulness Curriculum for Gen Alpha (14:33) Mindfulness in the Classroom (25:00) Practical Classroom Strategies (32:52) Teacher Wellbeing & Takeaways To learn more about Queen D. Michele and her work, visit: https://www.fula...

More teachers are leaving classrooms for instructional design—and here’s why. Episode Chapters: (00:00) What Instructional Design Is (03:18) Teaching Skills That Transfer (06:53) Instructional Design Career Paths (10:28) Day in the Life of an ID (15:38) Jackie’s Transition Story (20:48) Degrees vs Self-Study (25:58) Portfolios and Networking (31:38) Mistakes Teachers Make (37:18) Advice for Teache...

Behind every foster student is a story teachers rarely hear. Episode Chapters: (00:00) What Foster Care Really Means (05:25) How Trauma Affects Learning (10:07) Understanding the Foster Care System (14:12) How Relationships Change Everything (19:39) Foster Care Terms Explained (25:10) Building a Support System That Works (33:48) Small Tweaks, Big Impact Annie sits down with foster care educational...

Annie sits down with educator and master athlete Jeff Seckendorf to explore how hobbies can prevent burnout—and why teachers need a life outside the classroom. Jeff didn’t start cycling until his 50s — and now, in his 70s he holds multiple world records. This episode is about more than cycling; it’s about how teachers can create a life outside the classroom, embrace change, and find joy in the pro...

Annie sits down with educator and cultural competency advocate  Jebeh Edmonds  to explore how cultural identity shapes the classroom—and why culture is about more than race or ethnicity. To connect with Jebeh and learn more about her work, visit: https://jebehedmunds.com/ Jebeh shares how teachers can use culture as a powerful classroom tool that’s already part of students’ daily lives. This episo...

Annie sits down with Alex DeSorbo-Quinn, Executive Director of Pilot Light, to explore how food can connect learning across subjects and cultures. To connect with Alex and access teacher resources, visit: https://pilotlightchefs.org/ Alex shares how teachers can use food as a powerful classroom tool that’s already part of students’ daily lives. This episode covers practical strategies, low-prep ac...

Annie sits down with  Emily Cadiz , a former classroom teacher, musician, and founder of Prelude Early Learning, to explore how a classroom injury that left her unable to speak reshaped her understanding of  how children learn language and literacy . To connect with Emily, visit: https://www.preludeearlylearning.com Emily shares how teachers can use  music, storytelling, and creativity  to support...

Annie sits down with Gail Showalter, a teacher with over 20 years of classroom experience, including a decade teaching Braille, to explore what it really takes to support visually impaired students and create inclusive, effective learning experiences. To connect with Gail, visit: https://www.gailshowalter.com/ Gail shares how teachers can understand how students learn Braille, adapt their teaching...

Annie sits down with Keith Anderson, a former teacher turned career coach, to explore how educators can navigate a career change with clarity, confidence, and purpose. To connect with Keith, visit: https://www.careeralchemylab.com/calendar Keith shares how teachers can recognize their transferable skills, challenge limiting beliefs, and explore new career paths safely. This episode covers curiosit...

Annie sits down with  Zarina Derveni , a certified life and empowerment coach, to explore how perfectionism shows up in teaching—and why it’s quietly draining teachers’ confidence, energy, and joy. To connect with Zarina, check out her website here: https://www.zerinalifecoach.com/contact With her background in coaching and personal development, Zarina shares practical, teacher-friendly strategies...

Annie sits down with Samantha Foote, a board-certified music therapist, to explore how music can transform classrooms and support students of all abilities, especially neurodivergent learners. To connect with Samantha, check out her website here:https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com With her expertise in music therapy and education, Samantha offers practical, teacher-friendly strategies for using...

Annie sits down with  Dr. James Lane  to unpack what really happens behind the scenes in education leadership—from navigating complex decision-making to staying connected to the teachers and students at the heart of every school. To connect with Dr. James Lane, check out his website here:  https://leadingwithlaserfocus.com (00:00) Inside Education Leadership (02:55) Why Decisions Are So Hard (06:1...

Annie sits down with architect  Milton Shinberg  to explore how people-centered school design can completely transform the way students learn and teachers work. With decades of experience in architecture and education, Milton breaks down what makes a school truly supportive, functional, and inspiring. To connect with Milton, check out his website here:  https://www.miltonshinberg.com (00:00) Fixin...

Annie chats with  Dr. Jagdeep Johal , a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, about how teachers can manage stress, reset their nervous systems, and find true ease amidst the emotional demands of the classroom. To connect with Dr. Jagdeep Johal, check out his website here:  https://www.drjagjohal.com/ (00:00) Intro (01:04) Why Stress Hits Teachers Hard (03:29) Ease vs. Comfort: The Key Differenc...

Annie chats with  Avonley Lightstone , author, advocate, and trauma survivor, about how educators can better understand student trauma, build resilience, and create classroom environments rooted in compassion and empowerment. To connect with Avonley, check out his website here:  https://avonleylightstone.com/ (00:06) Hidden Struggles Students Face (10:36) From Pain to Purpose (18:17) Finding Stren...

Annie chats with  Rafi Bilek , a marriage counselor and author of  The Couple’s Communication Handbook , about how teachers can strengthen their relationships and improve communication with their partners amidst the emotional demands of the classroom. To connect with Raffi, check out his website here:  https://www.thecommunicationbook.com/ (00:09) Feeling Drained? Here’s Why (03:10) Say What You N...

Annie chats with  Doug O’Brien , a master hypnotist, trainer, and storyteller, about how hypnosis and storytelling can help teachers manage stress, improve focus, and create calmer, more connected classrooms. To connect with Doug, check out his website here:  https://ericksonian.com/ (00:13) Intro: Hypnosis for Teachers (02:49) Hypnosis Myths vs. Reality (05:43) Manage Stress Fast (08:48) Storytel...

Annie chats with  Matt Bauman , a former teacher, author, and founder, about the transformative power of personalized learning in education. Matt shares how tailoring learning to students’ interests can unlock critical thinking, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills, offering practical insights for teachers, parents, and students at any experience level. To connect with Matt, check out his w...

Annie chats with  Rachel Lundberg , a 20+ year yoga teacher and founder of Yoga Oak University, about the transformative power of yoga for teachers. To connect with Rachel, check out her website here:  https://www.thriveyogaoc.com/ (00:00) Why Yoga Matters for Teachers (02:40) Finding the Right Yoga Class (05:18) Recognizing Stress in the Body (07:50) Breathwork & Relaxation Techniques (12:59)...