Atlanta Teacher Self-Care Annual Conference

In 2016, The World Economic Forum published a list of the top 10 skills students need to have by 2020. Of these 10, two skills either moved up the list in priority or appeared for the first time: creativity and cognitive flexibility. While most teachers are familiar with the word "creativity," most are NOT familiar with the idea of "cognitive flexibility" and the relation between the two. Yet, these are skills our students need to know. If we don't teach them, who will? In this engaging TED Talk Session, learn why Cognitive Flexibility is a necessary skill for students as well as teachers through the lens of my life-altering situation.

Can two "little" things have such a huge impact on the course and enjoyment of one's life? 

Hell yes!

My talk highlights how I went from being ignorant of my own depression & anxiety because I thought it wasn't bad enough to merit support (a sadly recurring theme in so many of our lives) to becoming aware and completely freaking out!

Well eventually, I got sick and tired of feeling helpless and that I could never really love or enjoy my life.

Meditation & Mantras put me in the driver seat of my life for the first time in forever. And I can't wait to take you on the ride along with me.

In 2016, The World Economic Forum published a list of the top 10 skills students need to have by 2020. Of these 10, two skills either moved up the list in priority or appeared for the first time: creativity and cognitive flexibility. While most teachers are familiar with the word "creativity," most are NOT familiar with the idea of "cognitive flexibility" and the relation between the two. Yet, these are skills our students need to know. If we don't teach them, who will? In this engaging TED Talk Session, learn why Cognitive Flexibility is a necessary skill for students as well as teachers through the lens of my life-altering situation.

Many, if not all, educators chose a career in education to make a positive impact on the students they serve. This session will focus on how we, as teachers and humans, can use backward design to gain perspective on the work we do each day. This workshop will give educators the opportunity to look at life from its end and help them identify some core objectives they want to accomplish. The session will motivate educators to take care of themselves first, so they can take care of their family and students better. During the session, participants will reflect on why they chose the field of education and brainstorm what they want for themselves, something many don't do enough. Educators will leave this workshop with a fresh perspective that will help them manage all the moments teachers process on a daily basis.

Can you return to the classroom after burn-out? Yes, but adopting self-care strategies is the key. In 2015, I left classroom teaching after a 20 year career. Self-care was never in my vocabulary.  When I returned in 2017, I finally put myself first and learned how to apply simple self-care strategies which I share in my talk.