Morning Motivation for Educators

In this episode, Danielle Neufer addresses "well work" as a solution for teacher burnout. She shares strategies like time block planning and seasonal mapping, urging educators to manage their time effectively. Emphasizing self-care as essential for teaching success, Danielle inspires listeners to prioritize their well-being to benefit themselves and their students.

Show Notes

In this episode of *Morning Motivation for Educators,* host Danielle Neufer delves deep into the transformative power of "well work"—a critical yet often neglected aspect of teaching. Drawing from her two decades of experience in the classroom, Danielle shares her personal journey through burnout and exhaustion, ultimately leading her to discover effective tools and practices that not only helped her survive but also allowed her to thrive as an educator. This podcast is a dedicated space for teachers to explore ways to manage stress, build resilience, and reignite the passion that initially drew them to the profession. Each episode serves as a gentle reminder to pause and take small, actionable steps toward feeling more grounded, energized, and fulfilled—a necessary change for the sake of both educators and their entire school communities. The episode builds on the concept of sustainability in teaching and proposes a shift towards a more ambitious North Star: regenerative teaching. Danielle emphasizes the importance of fostering a teaching environment that not only sustains but enriches the educator's journey and well-being. To this end, she introduces the practice of time block planning, an approach designed to help teachers structure their work thoughtfully around their own energy levels rather than adhering strictly to a to-do list. Throughout the conversation, Danielle outlines practical strategies, like seasonal planning, allowing educators to frame their academic year in terms of the natural rhythms of fall, winter, spring, and summer. For example, she narrates how fall often brings a rigorous pace, while winter serves as a critical time for reflection and regrouping, ultimately leading to a revitalizing summer. Additionally, she encourages listeners to think about weekly and daily planning—instead of attempting to tackle everything each day, why not set aside specific day parts for certain tasks? Danielle underscores the notion that our environment does have a structure, and with intentional planning, teachers can align their demanding work with their most productive times. The emphasis on time block planning acts as a crucial pivot point for educators. Danielle passionately inspires her audience to view their school year as a roadmap rather than an endless to-do list—encouraging them to adopt a mindset that embraces strategic management of time, energy, and efforts. She reveals that her own experience with time block planning has led to a more fulfilling and enriched life, breaking away from the exhausting cycle of "white-knuckling" through the school year only to collapse during breaks. The episode is both practical and uplifting, positioning self-care at the center of educational efficacy. By reminding teachers that caring for themselves is foundational to caring for their students, Danielle not only empowers her listeners but also encourages a collective elevation in the educational field. For those eager to delve further into the world of time block planning, she invites them to explore her book, *The Path of the Mindful Teacher,* or to join her upcoming program, *Meet the Mess with Mindfulness,* where these concepts can be practiced collaboratively. The episode concludes with a reminder that small, intentional changes can lead to profound personal and professional regeneration—making it a must-listen for all educators seeking sustained fulfillment in their teaching lives.

connect with Danielle and Teaching Well…

Get on the waitlist for Meet the Mess with Mindfulness.  The problems in schools are real.  But so are the solutions. (teachingwell.life/meetthemess)

Sign up for the Teaching Well Wish Newsletter

Ready to talk through your situation? Schedule a time to talk https://teachingwell.life/call

Here’s the Final 30 Checklist that I used….make a copy and adapt it however it works for you.

Or contact Danielle directly at danielle@teachingwell.life

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. 

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Creators and Guests

Host
Danielle Nuhfer

What is Morning Motivation for Educators?

On this show, educators get a daily dose of inspiration helping them do the most important job in the world, helping students become amazing adults. You’ll hear from a variety of formal and informal educators who help put this podcast together. If you’d like to contribute your voice to this show, please go to Morning Motivation E D U dot com to apply.

https://auphonic.com/api/download/audio-result/8MD64RdkKqzuKnHbf442kd/Time Block Planning for Teachers Danielle Nuhfer.vtt