🎙️ After 100+ episodes, I'm distilling EVERYTHING into one powerful episode. These 10 truths will transform your teaching career from surviving to thriving. Save this episode. Share it with every teacher you know. This is the one that changes everything. 🌟
In this episode, Grace shares the 10 most critical pieces of advice she wishes she'd known when she started teaching—and the lessons that took her years to learn the hard way. Whether you're a brand new teacher or a 20-year veteran, these truths will help you create a sustainable, joyful teaching career.
✨ #1: Your Energy > Your Lesson Plans Self-care isn't selfish—it's the foundation of great teaching. Your calm, consistent presence matters more than perfect Pinterest-worthy activities.
💪 #2: No One Is Coming to Save You The only person who can transform your teaching experience is YOU. Learn the boundary-setting and communication skills they never taught in teacher training.
🎯 #3: You Always Have a Choice Stop saying "I have no choice." You might not like your options, but denying you have them is disempowering. Focus on what you CAN control.
🚫 #4: Nobody Is Indispensable Don't sacrifice your health because you think the school can't function without you. (Spoiler: Your job will be posted on EDJOIN by 3 PM if you quit today.)
🤐 #5: Not Everyone Is Your Friend Be careful what you share and with whom. Protect your peace and privacy—especially in the age of social media.
⚽ #6: Don't Catch Every Ball Drama, complaints, and other people's battles will constantly come your way. Learn to "validate and bounce" instead of getting dragged in.
❤️ #7: You Can't Be All Things to All Students You cannot care more than everyone else in a student's life. Focus your energy where it will make the most impact.
👤 #8: Teaching Isn't Your Whole Identity You are a human first, teacher second. Cultivate interests and relationships outside the schoolhouse or risk burnout.
📉 #9: LESS Is More Do less, talk less, hold onto less. Not everything urgent is important. Learn to prioritize ruthlessly and make peace with "good enough."
🚷 #10: Ditch the Comparison Game Stop comparing your messy Tuesday to someone else's filtered Instagra
➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno
Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
Check out my signature on-demand self-study course, Balance Your Teacher Life. Complete details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance
📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:
The Empowered Teacher Toolkit
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here
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