Chad Dumas, the author of, The Teacher Leader Handbook: Simple Habits to Transform Collaboration in a PLC at Work, explores the mindsets, skills and strategies that generate team collaboration. Chad describes the important mindsets of “Seeing in others what they don’t yet see in themselves,” Being humble with a posture of learning, and “Spreading the […]

What happens when a school system makes four promises as their mission: joy, connection, growth, and success and consider joy as the lead to the others happening? “If we want people to be present, engaged, and thriving, joy can’t be an afterthought. It must be a priority.” (George Philhower, Superintendent Eastern Hancock Schools in Indiana) […]

Jason McKenna explores five strategies that can assist teachers in focusing on the joy and passion in teaching: creating a not to do list, embracing periods of unproductivity, redefining success metrics, prioritizing dialogue over data, and protecting personal time diligently. Read Jason’s article, “Embracing the Teaching Marathon with Joy and Well-being” here. Contact Jason & subscribe […]

Experiencing joy has been described as a tonic for all of us, helping with various ailments and concerns. Joy can be healing and has benefits for children of all ages. How do we increase our focus on experiencing the joyful opportunities around us? Read the article, “How Experiencing Joy Can Help Children and Promote Optimal […]

Author, Kindergarten teacher, dance teacher, and parent, Madeleine Rogin, illustrates the impact of play for wellness and learning. Memories of joyful and meaningful play experiences help bind families together emotionally, even long after children are grown. A great reward for all involved. Read Madeleine’s article, “Emphasizing the Importance of Play During Distance Learning” here. Read […]

Hear how this teacher’s joyful mindset resulted in a classroom where student learning excelled. Brittany Cabrera describes why “keeping it simple” is a key to joyfulness. Find Brittany on LinkedIn. Subscribe to the Steve Barkley Ponders Out Loud podcast on iTunes or visit BarkleyPD.com to find new episodes!