Happier Music Teacher

May is a lot!  I don't have to tell you that.  You are doing better than you think!  I'll be back with a solo episode next week to encourage you.  I hope you have enjoyed a brief change of format in the podcast. It would mean the world if you would take a minute to leave a kind review of my book or podcast. This is the last part of the series with music educator and author, Debbie O'Shea.  If you...

Welcome to Maycember!  We are back with author and music educator Debbie O'Shea and this time she is encouraging us to complete a 7 Day Challenge.   Love hearing from Debbie?  Sign up for Debbie's newsletter here Thank you for following my podcast!    How to subscribe to a podcast

Microhabits.  Small actions. Stalagmites. Positivity.  Debbie and I are wellness enthusiasts who wrote about these things and try to live them out.  I think you'll be just as encouraged by spending time with Debbie as I was. Debbie's Book: The Stalagmite Effect Not just for music teachers! Beth's Book: Happier Music Teacher Paperback

Morning routines.  Sleep.  Habit Stacking.  The power of small steps.  Join music educators, authors and self-care enthusiasts Beth and Debbie as we share about the small steps that changed everything and challenge you to do the same. Debbie's Book: The Stalagmite Effect Kindle is a steal! Beth's Book: Happier Music Teacher Paperback is cheaper and better for you than some fast food meals!

Natalie and I wrap up part 4 of the series discussing our faith and how it is the ultimate self-care.  Jen Rafferty's Podcast Contact Natalie@empowerededucator.com Empowered Educator  

This is part 3 of my conversation with Natalie James.  We'll discuss keeping up our instrument, different seasons of life and the best part of the job as music teachers. Contact: Natalie@empowerededucator.com Empowered Educator

Welcome to Part 2 of my conversation with the delightful Natalie James!  You're going to want to implement her wellness hack immediately.  I also can't wait for you to hear her thoughts on addition and subtraction and our spicy take on lesson planning. You can reach Natalie at Natalie@empowerededucator.com https://empowerededucator.com/

What would it feel like to state your intention for a calm, centered day at school?  To build and seek community among music educators?  It was my pleasure to interview Natalie James, a community engagement associate for Empowered Educator.  Natalie has been a member of the Happier Music Teachers Facebook group and a long time listener of the podcast.  You can hear her bio in this episode.   You c...

Looking to grow or advance as a music teacher in your district?  Make it as easy as possible on the powers that be to fill out forms and connect the dots for them on why a music teacher (you!) can easily add value in whatever role you are seeking.  Also, it is wise to specialize.  If you are feeling like your campus jack of all trades, maybe it is time to focus on your one thing. Today is a great...

When we are looking to grow or expand professionally as music teachers, sometimes the best opportunities are right in our district.  It takes confidence and gumption to get started, followed by evaluating if it is worth the investment at this time.  Sometimes self care can finding the right offering through your district that energizes you and uses your gifts. If you've enjoyed the book or podcast...

Curious about taking a step back from social media? Here are my thoughts on breaking up with Facebook (why can't I be on decent social media?) for a month.  From abstinence to posting for validation to addiction, I speak freely about my month. ----more---- Debbie O'Shea and Beth Part 2, Two Books Two Teachers

Bonus tip for this episode: Your email signature can be a powerful way to celebrate.  Don't forget to add things like your grant award button, teaching awards and/or NAFME Best Community in Music Education status.  This is a simple way to let everyone you communicate with via email about some of the wonderful work you are doing professionally. Listen to Beth on Debbie O'Shea's Podcast: 2 Books

Before social media, a poster, a press release to the local paper and a guest appearance on the announcements were the main methods of promoting your program.  The good news and bad news about this digital age is that there are many more methods available.  Discover what methods are the best fit for you and your program and how to work them into the natural rhythms of your year. Submit to be an F-...

When you want all the best music education instruments and supplies for your students, grants can be a wonderful way to stretch your budget.  They can be a bigger blessing when you've thoughtfully decided what you have room in your curriculum and storage closet for.  If you are traveling to TMEA, have a wonderful time!  Don't forget to visit Kristin Behlmann, F-Flat Books and Musicplay while you a...

Are you and your teaching feeling uninspired and stale lately?  Are your lessons fine but you and your students aren't engaged or excited?  Here are my best easy, inexpensive and fast ways to energize your lessons again during a season that can feel like one long indoor recess. Purchase Happier Music Teacher  

Early in the semester but feeling burnout?  You deserve to feel good!  Here are some hacks to implement today to help.  Cheers to being a happier music teacher at home and at school!

There is a lot of talk about teacher burnout going around social media.  How do we fight it so we can teach music with longevity and joy?  Tune in next week for part 2 in this series. Buy Happier Music Teacher in Paperback

Sometimes one of our biggest stressors happens before we even leave our home.  Getting ready!  Here are some tips and tricks from a pretty decidely low maintenance music teacher to help you get out the door with less stress.

Six days in to the new year and already feeling overwhelmed and behind at home and at school?  Let's start with mindset shifts and achievable action steps.  Relax, friend, it does not all have to be done at once. Look soon for a two part interview with Debbie O'Shea of Crescendo Music Education about her new book! See you at the Musicplay Wednesday Webinar tomorrow! Register for the Primary Singin...

Do nothing for a week!  Clean and organize your home before the start of the new year!  Our culture gives us so many conflicting messages during this time we are fortunate to have off.  Let's say no to the extremes but yes to journaling and reflection about 2025 so we can enter 2026 with kindness and clarity. If you haven't reviewed the book or podcast, will you please take a few moments to do so...

Need a moment of peace in a December that has felt bonkers?  Join me for a few minutes of quiet prayer as we enter break and all that entails.  I love you.  Thank you for being here.

We are counting down the days to break.  Just me?  When that break comes, let's get the type of restorative rest we deserve!  Let's chooose quality over quantity and treat ourselves like someone we love. Register Here for Beth's Wednesday Webinar Buy Beth's Book on Amazon Support F-Flat Books and Beth with this Purchase

The most wonderful time of the year but you are tired, hungry and over it as a music teacher?  Sounds perfectly normal with all you have going on!  There are no quick fixes but a few of these tips can help you feel better during this busy time. Looking forward to joining you for a Musicplayonline webinar in a month!  

Relaxed holiday seasons for music teachers sounds like an oxymoron and you might be right!  A more relaxed season and prioritizing your joy will take some intentionality and possibly some tough decisions.  Enjoyed this episode?  Text it to a friend or share it on your socials! Buy Happier Music Teacher in Paperback Buy Happier Music Teacher on F-Flat Books Beth's Blog Post for F-Flat on Surviving...

Happy Thanksgiving!  You've earned a well-deserved break.  If you could use a reframe about our profession and a break from some of the negativity in the online space, here is my list of some things about being an elementary music teacher that I think are great! HMT Considering Important Career Changes Tracy King Thankfulness Blog