logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2023
39m 55s

EP275 What does it mean to "bring the be...

ANGELA WATSON
About this episode

Who you ARE matters just as much as what you DO. How can you show up as the best version of yourself each day, not only for students, but in every aspect of life?

I'm talking today with Elena Aguilar, a writer, leader, teacher, coach and the author of seven highly acclaimed books including The Art of Coaching, (2013) Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators (2018), Coaching for Equity (2020), and The PD Book: 7 Habits that Transform Professional Development (2022).

Elena is the founder and president of Bright Morning Consulting, and host of The Bright Morning podcast (which is a phenomenal listen, by the way.) She also collaborated with Dr. Rebecca Branstetter and I on the Reversing Educator Burnout course–you can hear her as a special guest expert in Module 2. 

Listen in as Elena and I discuss:

  • Why "bringing your best self" brings ease rather than "one more thing" to your plate
  • The power and simplicity of being fully present in challenging moments
  • Trying harder vs letting go
  • The traits and dispositions we display when we are our best selves
  • What to do when you're too exhausted to bring your best self to the classroom

Click here to read the transcript and participate in the discussion or, join our podcast Facebook group here to connect with other teachers and discuss the Truth for Teachers' podcast episodes.

Up next
Nov 16
EP338 Looking ahead to 2026: A new direction beyond Truth for Teachers
<p>It's the final episode of the 2025 season, and I want to leave you with something meaningful. I'm sharing some personal thoughts as I prepare to step away for my December internet sabbatical. I'm thinking deeply about alignment, presence, and what it means to move forward with ... Show More
34m 52s
Nov 2
EP337 Restorative practices aren't a strategy–they're a way of being (with Marisol Quevedo Rerucha)
<p>"The adults in the building need healing just as much as the kids do. Self-compassion isn't soft. It's the most radical act of self-preservation an educator can practice." <br /> That's a quote from my guest in this episode, Marisol Quevedo Rerucha. She's the author of Beyond ... Show More
51m 2s
Oct 19
EP336 4 routines to help students notice and adjust their thinking
<p>Metacognition — "thinking about your thinking" — is one of the most powerful skills we can teach students, and it doesn't require adding anything new to your already packed schedule. In this episode, you'll learn four simple, one-minute routines you can weave into your daily c ... Show More
27m 23s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2024
The Getting-to-Know-You Conversation: Episode 217
<p><b>Elena demonstrates how to facilitate an impactful getting-to-know-you portion of a coaching conversation. Playing the role of a school-based coach working with a new coaching client, she models how to integrate a client’s core values into the discussion, learn more about th ... Show More
18m 43s
Aug 2024
Six Things Coaches Need to Know Before School Starts: Episode 213
<p><b>Unclear expectations are a recipe for resentment. Elena shares how coaches and admin can align from day zero and the six things to cover in a beginning-of-the-year meeting. </b></p><p><b>Mentioned on this episode: </b></p><ul><li><b>Become a </b><a href='https://www.brightm ... Show More
6m 50s
Dec 2024
62. Practical Tips for Thriving in the Classroom
<p>We are so excited to share this special replay episode of Ashleigh’s interview on <em>The Teacher Approved Podcast</em> with Emily and Heidi! We had a great conversation about supporting new teachers and how veteran educators can play a key role in helping them thrive. </p><p> ... Show More
31m 11s
Feb 2025
Navigating Standardized Testing Woes: Coaching Conversation: Episode 233
<p><b>Standardized testing season is upon us, and that means you’re likely to experience some big feelings in your schools and coaching conversations. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how you can skillfully coach a teacher to consider how they want to approach this season. </b ... Show More
29m 56s
Apr 2025
How to Return to Presence: Episode 236
<p><b>Not being present is a recipe for unproductive conversations and relationships. Unfortunately, it’s a hard state for most people to be in–especially in a world where much is designed to distract us! In this episode, Elena offers practical strategies to help you return to pr ... Show More
12m 40s
Oct 2024
Navigating Client Cancelations: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 221
<p><b>What do you do when a client continues to cancel their meetings with you? That’s what you’ll learn in this episode. Elena demonstrates practical strategies through three role-playing scenarios with Cary, a former teacher. This episode is a must-listen for coaches seeking to ... Show More
32m 42s
Aug 2024
Crafting Your Personal Vision for the School Year: Episode 214
<p>The beginning of the school year is the ideal time to ground yourself in who you want and need to be in your role this year. Elena provides two exercises to help coaches and school leaders start the year with the clarity they need to thrive. </p><p><b>Mentioned on this episode ... Show More
6m 24s
Aug 2024
Determining Your Schedule for the School Year: Episode 212
<p><b>Trying to do all the things is a recipe for burnout. Elena shares considerations for how to create a weekly schedule that sets you up to thrive as a Transformational Coach.  </b></p><p><b>Mentioned on this episode: </b></p><ul><li><b>Become a </b><a href='https://www.bright ... Show More
7m 27s
Oct 2024
Coaching an Emotions-Resistant Client: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 222
<p><b>How do you coach emotions with a client who doesn’t want to talk about their emotions? That’s what you’ll learn in this episode. In just ten minutes, Elena skillfully supports her “client” to consider the anger he’s experiencing with his administrators in a new light. At th ... Show More
23m 16s
Aug 2024
How to Introduce Yourself to Clients: Episode 211
<p><b>The way you introduce yourself to your clients sets the tone for your work together. Elena shares four options to consider and the pros and cons of each. </b></p><p><b>Mentioned on this episode: </b></p><ul><li><b>Join Elena at an </b><a href='https://www.brightmorningteam. ... Show More
7m 35s