Thinking about self-care — and, importantly, figuring out how to be cared for — is always good for every teacher any time. In this episode, I talk with Deb Calderara, a teacher who knows what it feels like to be completely overwhelmed. After facing burnout, a serious health crisis, and the confusing and exhausting pandemic, Deb had to figure out how to find strength and keep going, both for herself and her students.
This conversation is about navigating those impossible moments and discovering unexpected ways to care for ourselves when it feels like there's no room.
We discuss:
* Commitment: The exact moment Deb decided to leave the classroom and the realization that brought her back with a new goal.
* Introspection: How internal regulation and mindfulness were literal lifelines during a medical emergency.
* Teacher Health: Why green juice and yoga aren’t enough. We unpack holistic wellness that considers the emotional labor of teaching.
* Student Behavior: How shifting our internal state can lead to surprising behavior changes in students.
* From Survival to Coaching: How Deb now uses her experience to help other educators build sustainable careers.
Taking care of yourself isn't selfish; it's truly the foundation of resilient teaching. Better yet, being cared for by trusted colleagues and others can make all the difference in the world. And students' most challenging behaviors? They're often vital data points about their world, waiting for us to create the space to see them.
Got a story to share? Leave me a voicemail at (413) 239-4158 and we might feature your perspective in a future episode!
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Credits
Founder and Host: Betsy Burris
Producer: Jullian Androkae of PodVision
Music: Thom Burris/Jabbering Trout
