Embracing a Larger Calling

Every journey begins with a dream. For us, that dream was to inspire young minds, shape the future, and create a positive impact through education.

We started our careers as elementary teachers with hearts full of passion and a determination to make a difference. Little did we know that our journey would evolve, taking us beyond the confines of the classroom and leading us to a bigger calling within the realm of education itself....

Our journey began in the classroom, where we discovered an unyielding love for teaching. We loved teaching, so much so, that we never thought about NOT teaching! Teaching was who we were! Witnessing the spark of understanding in a child's eyes, observing their growth not just academically but also personally, fueled us and our passion in education.

When we started to work together, we spoke about our dreams in education. We acknowledged the amount of time we were both spending and wanted to reach a point where we could devote our days to education, but also have our nights and weekends available for our families and mental health. Balancing a love of teaching with a desire to have a thriving personal life is *not easy* by any means... And so, after years of progress (not perfection!) we feel we've developed to a point at which we're ready to take a leap of faith and embrace a larger calling... one in which we can help facilitate both a prosperous classroom community AND a balanced home life for a larger web of educators than our current sphere.

Now that all sounds like sunshine and roses!! But to get to this decision we had to acknowledge some key points.. We had to grow, develop, and adapt. The last few years haven't always been beautiful, but we feel it's all lead us to an important place in our lives.. one where we're ready to share what we've learned and actually *help* more than ourselves. Here's a little journey down our path over the last few years.. and we'll finish it up with an *official* update... so stay with us!

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Embracing (educational) Transformation: As you know, the landscape of education is ever-changing, and, as educators, we too must evolve to meet the needs of our students in an increasingly dynamic world... or risk losing ourselves to unmanageable classrooms and decreasing mental health. We decided to see these changes as an opportunity both in our schools and out. Inside the classroom we implemented active teaching, engagement, and connection.. we went to lots of P.D. and tried to "be the change" we wished to see. We embraced the role of classroom educators wholeheartedly, cherishing each day spent guiding our students toward their potential and challenging ourselves to create educational opportunities that students loved and remembered. At the heart of our transformation as educators is the commitment to making learning enjoyable. We realized that when students are having fun, they're more likely to retain information and seek out new knowledge willingly. We incorporated interactive games, hands-on experiments, and even the arts into our lessons, ensuring that (most :)) every day in the classroom was a memorable experience. By infusing joy into learning, we felt we were paving the way for a lifelong love of education.

Our journey from traditional educators to transformative and active facilitators of learning has been a fulfilling one. Through differentiated instruction, project-based learning, immersive experiences, interest groups, and a focus on fun, we've witnessed a profound change in our students' attitudes towards education. As we continue to evolve, we're reminded that education is not just about imparting knowledge—it's about nurturing curiosity, igniting passions, and empowering students to become lifelong learners who can thrive in an ever-evolving world. But our dedication didn't end at the classroom door. We found ourselves naturally drawn to the concept of lifelong learning. We understood that in order to be effective educators, we needed to be continuously evolving, staying updated with the latest teaching methodologies, pedagogical trends, and technological advancements. We pursued workshops, attended conferences, and devoured educational literature, all to ensure that our teaching remained relevant and impactful.

Finding Balance: All of the adapting to new ways of teaching and learning, adapting to new strategies, and becoming experts in new fields came with the need to step back in other areas. We really needed to balance out our home life and school life. We found that we were neglecting our self-care and other relationships and would end the school year feeling drained and exhausted. Finding the balance in our work life--- has been a journey within itself... and it's one we know we aren't alone in walking! The need to set boundaries and value oneself as both a teacher and as a professional is growing at an exponential rate and we were feeling it...

Through trial and error, we have found small ways to help balance our lives in and out of the classroom and we're ready to share (we will have a more in depth blog post about this later too)! We will be the first to say we aren't experts and we are still figuring it out!! But we became dedicated to finding a sustainable way of teaching and living not only for us, but for ALL teachers! One where burnout is infrequent and there's joy in the job, as well as at home!

Finding our balance was one of the reasons our educational paths have evolved. Being a classroom teacher is everything we ever wanted, but so is being a wife, sister, friend, and mom... and we wanted to be good at all those things! We realized at our current stages of constant moving and new babies, we knew that we had to take a moment to reflect and think about what we needed to do to be the best educator, wife, and mom we could be....

So, here are some "small things" that we have been implementing to find balance in our educational careers and ultimately, helped us decide what we needed to do to change:

1. Be Self-Reflective and Self-Aware:

We know that effective teaching begins with self-awareness and self-reflection, so why shouldn't our personal lives begin with that too?? Know your boundaries in and out of the classroom. Self-reflect on your time spent in the classroom and prioritize when that extra time might not be necessary. 2. Rest is a priority for fueling the mind and body:

A rested mind and body are essential for delivering quality education and being a quiality human being! While the demands of teaching can be intense, prioritizing rest is not a luxury—it's a necessity. Allocating time for adequate sleep, leisure activities, and regular breaks rejuvenates our energy and creativity, ensuring that we bring our best selves to the classroom. This includes vacation time! Take those personal days when you need them!

3. Wellness and Fitness is a must!

Teaching is a dynamic profession that demands physical and mental agility. Engaging in wellness practices like pilates, yoga, meditation and prayer, or deep breathing exercises can help alleviate stress and promote overall well-being. Incorporating regular physical activity into our routines boosts our energy levels and enhances cognitive function. No matter what, we made sure to get in physcial activity at least 4 times a week! For some of us it was before school, some it was after, no matter when it is, we just have to get it done! 4. Meal Prepping is an organizational hack!:

Healthy eating often takes a back seat in the midst of a busy teacher's schedule. However, meal prepping can be a game-changer. Setting aside time to plan and prepare nutritious meals not only saves time but also ensures that we're fueling our bodies with the right nutrients. A balanced diet supports mental clarity, sustained energy levels, and a strong immune system—essential for navigating the demands of teaching. 5. Spirituality nurtures the soul:

Spiritual practices such as mindfulness, meditation, or spending time in nature provide solace and perspective. Cultivating spirituality helps us remain grounded, resilient, and focused, allowing us to approach challenges with grace and maintain a positive outlook. We would try to journal or participate in prayer daily. 6. Hobbies and Interests fuel our passion:

Maintaining hobbies and pursuing personal interests outside of teaching is vital for maintaining a sense of identity. Engaging in activities we love provides a valuable outlet for creativity and self-expression. Whether it's painting, playing a musical instrument, or gardening, these pursuits rejuvenate our spirits and contribute to a well-rounded life. We would remind each other regularly to take a break and do something that makes us feel "alive!" 99% of the time, we would come back rejuvenated, more positive, and eager to start again!

In conclusion, balancing the responsibilities of being a teacher with self-care and personal growth is an ongoing journey, one that requires conscious effort and dedication. By prioritizing self-reflection, rest, wellness, fitness, meal prepping, spirituality, and indulging in our hobbies, we not only become more effective educators but also model the importance of a balanced life to our students. Remember, finding equilibrium isn't just about becoming better teachers—it's about becoming better versions of ourselves!

Entering a new ERA: As the years went by, an undeniable feeling began to take root within us—a sense that our journey in education was meant for something bigger. Our experience in the classroom had taught us the power of education, not just for students, but for fellow educators as well. We realized that our passion for teaching extended beyond our own classrooms; it encompassed a desire to uplift a larger educational ecosystem. It became clear that our true calling was to inspire and educate others in education, and therefore have an influence on a growing number of students. We recognized that by sharing our experiences, insights, and expertise, we could have a far-reaching impact.

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Announcing....

We've got some big changes to share!! Here's a peek into the professional changes in our life this year!

Yes.. it's true.. we have left the role of classroom teachers for now. However, this does not mean we are leaving the field! Our journey from elementary teachers with a big dream to educational innovators with a mission has been a transformative one. While we will forever cherish the moments spent in the classroom, we've come to realize that our impact can extend beyond those four walls. By sharing our passion for teaching, inspiring fellow educators, and continuing our own educational pursuits, we're able to contribute to the betterment of education as a whole. Our big changes so far this year include.......

Together: As educational innovators, we started conducting workshops and training sessions for fellow educators! We discussed effective teaching strategies, classroom management techniques, and ways to integrate technology seamlessly into lessons. The joy of seeing other teachers light up with new ideas and renewed enthusiasm was immeasurable! We continue to hold in person AND virtual workshops to collaborate with other teachers and help them grow. We are working to create and publish educational products for teachers to use to make their educational experiences in the classroom easier and more effective, in hopes to promote that balance that we speak of! Simultaneously, we embraced the responsibility to continue our own education. Pursuing advanced degrees and certifications will not only expand our knowledge base but will also lend credibility to our role as educational leaders. We understand that in order to guide others, we must constantly strive to broaden our horizons.

Emily: After living apart from my husband during COVID and doing long-distance while he finished law school, I knew it was time to prioritize our time together. My time had come to make the big change, move away from my family and hometown, and move to California. At this point, I knew big changes were going to be happening in my life personally. Therefore, I made the decision to take time to reflect and think about what my goals were for the next 5 years, before jumping into a new school.

I spent the summer interviewing at other schools, talking with various administrators, applying and looking into multiple education programs, and working on my personal health and wellness. I fell in love with pilates and felt called to become a pilates instructor and pursue teaching on a different level and different kind of platform. I loved working with adults and have become passionate about promoting teacher wellness and am taking classes to learn more about how I can promote wellness and help others. The looming question was; what was I doing in education now? I always knew I wanted to go back to school, but wasn't sure when and what direction I was headed. After years of prayer, and the right place and time, I, or God rather, decided it was time for me to pursue my masters in educational leadership. I am taking this journey one day at a time, I'm not sure where this will put me in 5 years, but I am eager to learn, help other educators, and go where I am called.

Alex: With two kids three and under, the decision to shift my responsibilities was an easy one. While traveling to share our workshops is not always easy on my family.. neither was my daily absence and accompanying teacher responsibilities. This change has given me the opportunity to spend so much more time with my family on a daily basis. I take extreme pride knowing I'm helping shape my own children.. not just my students. And also... my house is way cleaner and I am mentally feeling better and better :):):) Will a third child be in the cards?? Who knows!

I've also begun the journey to become certified as a school counselor and/or become a master of curriculum and instruction. My passions include helping students and teachers work through challenges.. and these are two areas I would love to develop in. While attending my university for my education degree, I also received a degree in psychology.. so I have always especially loved how that plays into education. I particularly enjoy mindfulness, regulation, play based learning, character building, and incorporating data centered growth goals in the classroom and out. I've sought out extra trainings and certifications in these areas in the past.. all that's left is to take a step into a larger role. I'm so excited to begin sharing more about these topics soon!

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As we heed the call to something bigger in education, we're reminded that our journey is not just a personal one—it's a journey that connects us with the countless educators who share our dream of making the world a better place through learning. And so, we march forward, driven by a passion that burns brighter than ever, fueled by the knowledge that education is not just our profession, but our purpose. We hope you'll join us as we start a new chapter in our journey! Don't forget to subscribe for all the new updates, ideas, workshop opportunities, and materials we'll be sharing soon!

Alllll the love --- Emily & Alex