Teacher, today's topic is an icky subject, but it's so important. That's because it has, or will, happen to all of us! You know that kid, or kids, that make you want to quit? It hurts my heart to admit it, but it happens! When this kid gains ground in your thoughts so much that your reactions are based more on feelings than thoughts, it's time for a reset. Maybe you can't fix the situation. What you can control is yourself. I'm here to tell you that thoughts are powerful. Come with me for a mindset shift that won't make everything glitter and rainbows, but it will give you motivation, purpos ..read more

Teacher Friend, I see you over there caring for everyone in your teaching world. You place so much value on your students, their families, your coworkers, and your administrators. That's a good thing! But what happens when you try to do so many things for so many people? Overwhelm. Burnout. Those might as well be four letter words, and you don't need any part of them! So how about we set some boundaries together? This is teacher selfcare, and it isn't selfish at all. When you're at your best for the things that you do, you and the people you are pouring into are better off. Let's do it! If ..read more

Hello Teacher Friend! It's been a while, but I am back, and I'm so happy to get to talk with you again. I'm going to share why I've been away and how I've grown in the meantime. Today I'm sharing three tips for teaching in harmony. Be in harmony with your time See the harmony in every day Be in harmony with your purpose and passion Ready to talk about what each of these mean for you? Let's dive right in and make you a more joyful teacher TODAY! If you're not on the Teacher Toni email list, join HERE to stay up to date on episodes, content offerings, and what's in store for us in this grand ..read more

Now that we've got a solid foundation under us, let's add on the other layers of classroom management so that our teacher sunflower can sink its roots deep down and thrive. It all started with last episode's bedrock principles. Now, we're going to talk about three other layers of classroom management that will lead to a joyful, efficient, wonderful place for our students, and ourselves, to thrive. The key is to choose one layer at a time to focus on. Don't get overwhelmed by trying to tackle them all at once. Pick the one that needs the most work and start there. You can do it! Links in tod ..read more

Teacher, last week we talked about building connections with our students' families. While these may be the most important connections, that doesn't mean we focus on our students any less. Today's strategy will not only help us build connections with students, it will actually strengthen those connections with families, and it gives them a lifelong skill. Depression and anxiety are major problems in our country, and they are affecting our precious students as well.  One of the culprits is negative self-talk. I used to do it, and I'm betting you do or did too. It's natural, but it is no ..read more

Teacher, we're at the end of our series! This is the perfect way to end out your school year. Today's episode will fuel you up so you're ready to start a new year. Don't worry, this won't eat up your entire summer. But focusing purposefully over the summer will let you have pool time, family time, and jump start you for August. Are you ready? Links for today's episode: Today's blog post ..read more

Teacher friend, is your prize box an asset to your classroom, or do you feel like it's a high maintenance relationship? I decided years ago it just wasn't working out between us, so I dumped my prize box. If you want more time and money to focus on things that have a big impact, you can do it too! Students really want to be appreciated and recognized for just being themselves. That's at the heart of the strategies I'll share with you today. Here's how I still motivate my classroom, even without a prize box! Links in today's episode: Today's blog post Survey to name the podcast Cheer Cards P ..read more

Primary teacher, your curriculum is not the most important thing in your classroom. You are! So if you have a brand new curriculum that's driving you crazy, or an old one that you just hate, let me share how I'm coping with curriculums I don't love. Maybe you feel like there's no room for YOU in your class. There is! Maybe it seems like you can never beat the curriculum because there are Just. So. Many. Things. You don't have to be perfect! Come on over and let's keep that teacher joy, in spite of curriculums. Links in today's episode: Today's blog post Joyful Teacher Academy Survey for ..read more

Sweet teacher, I'm so excited for today's episode! I've got a big, happy announcement. Joyful Teacher Academy is LIVE! This has been a project of my teacher heart for months, and I can't believe I can finally share it with you. If you're facing overwhelm, burnout, have lost your teaching joy, or never found the joy in teaching you thought you would, this one's for you. Don't give up on teaching until you've given this a try. Our kiddos need you! Joyful Teacher Academy is a one-of-a-kind, online professional development. I'll lead you through mindset shifts and teach you strategies to make ..read more

Teacher, do you feel like the wheels on your teacher bus just aren't going 'round and 'round like they should? Is the magic of teaching fading? If you're wondering how you can possibly finish this year, start next year knowing what's coming, or even return to work if you're taking a break, this series will get those wheels rolling again. Just like jets need fuel to keep going, you do too! And your fuel as a teacher is your WHY. It's your purpose. The reason you started teaching in the first place, or maybe a deeper understanding you've developed along the way. The thing is, sometimes that ..read more