Oxygen for Educators

By: Michelle Kinder M.Ed. LPC & Chris Kent Phelps | Produced By: Katie Worden
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  • Summary

  • Oxygen for Educators explores the overwhelming demands placed on today's educators, often leading to burnout and emotional exhaustion. As anxiety, depression, and behavior incidents rise among students, kids need more, and the adults in the building are overextended and under-resourced. This podcast features inspiring interviews with educators, administrators and counselors making a difference in the lives of countless students. In each hopeful conversation, we acknowledge hard truths and real challenges while simultaneously mining for light-lift, high-impact ideas, practices, and solutions.
    2024
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Episodes
  • Eric Chandler

    Eric Chandler
    Dec 13 2024
    In this episode of Oxygen for Educators, hosts Michelle Kinder and Chris Kent Phelps break down the insightful interview with Eric Chandler, the leader of Pride Academy. They explore the challenges faced by educators and students, emphasizing the need for mental health support, trauma-informed practices, and community involvement. Eric shares his unique journey from mental health to education, the mission of Pride Academy, and the importance of supporting both students and educators in a changing educational landscape. This conversation delves into the critical support systems needed for parents and students, emphasizing the importance of mental health services in schools. Chris and Michelle discuss self-care strategies for educators, the significance of community and connection, and the role of educators in reforming mental health practices. The discussion also highlights the need for parent education and practical tips for fostering better relationships between parents and educators, ultimately aiming to create a supportive environment for students. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Oxygen for Educators 02:30 Eric Chandler's Journey: From Mental Health to Education 11:58 The Mission of Pride Academy 15:13 Understanding Student Behavior: A Trauma-Informed Approach 21:57 Supporting Educators: Mental Health and Team Dynamics 27:34 Navigating Challenges: The Role of Parents and Community 32:42 Hope and Resilience in Education 40:01. Systemic Changes Needed in Education 46:21 Support Systems for Parents and Students 49:37 Self-Care and Recharge Strategies for Educators 50:05 The Importance of Connection and Community in Education 54:19 The Role of Educators in Mental Health and Reform 01:00:11 Navigating Bureaucracy and Policy in Education 01:06:39 The Impact of Educators on Student Lives 01:09:12 The Need for Parent Education and Support 01:12:22 Practical Tips for Parents to Support Educators 01:17:17 The Importance of Community Care for Educators
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    1 hr and 32 mins
  • The Art of Rest

    The Art of Rest
    Dec 2 2024

    In this episode, Michelle Kinder discusses the importance of self-care and well-being for educators, inspired by a quote from Nadia Bolzweber. The conversation explores how educators can identify their responsibilities, find strength in their roles, and embrace the necessity of rest and self-compassion. Key themes include the significance of mindfulness practices, the need for supportive relationships, and the balance between effort and acceptance in the demanding field of education.

    Takeaways:

    • Educators often face overwhelming responsibilities that exceed their available time.
    • Mindfulness practices can help clarify what is truly important for each individual.
    • Engaging with trusted colleagues can help identify blind spots in our understanding of our roles.
    • Focusing on our sphere of influence allows us to take meaningful action without feeling overwhelmed.
    • Creating a 'done for the day' list can help manage stress and promote relaxation.
    • The urgency to share our gifts with the world is essential for personal fulfillment.
    • Gatekeeping our attention is crucial in a world filled with distractions and negativity.
    • Coping flexibility allows us to adapt our strategies to better manage stress and challenges.
    • Rest is not the opposite of productivity; it is a necessary component of it.
    • Micro moments of self-care can lead to significant improvements in well-being over time.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to the Theme of Educator Well-being 10:49 Finding Strength in Educator Roles 18:06 The Importance of Rest and Self-Compassion
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    25 mins
  • Dr. Sylvia Lopez

    Dr. Sylvia Lopez
    Nov 11 2024
    This conversation explores the critical challenges faced by educators and students, emphasizing the need for strong support systems and resources for adults within the education system. Michelle and Chris highlight the importance of elevating voices in education, prioritizing self-care for educators, and recognizing the essential role of school counselors. Dr. Sylvia Lopez shares her inspiring story, showcasing the influence of female leadership and the power of human connection in creating a supportive learning environment. The discussion calls for greater advocacy and acknowledgment of school counselors' significant contributions to student success. Together, Michele Kinder and Sylvia Lopez address the layered challenges faced by educators and school counselors in 2024, exploring pressures from external sources, the vital role of counselors, and the importance of emotional well-being for both students and educators. Sylvia offers insights into inspiring students and fostering supportive school environments. The conversation also addresses the decline in the number of school counselors and introduces initiatives like the Thriving Hearts and Minds program. The discussion wraps up with lighthearted rapid-fire questions and reflections on resilience and impact in education. Takeaways Students need more support while adults feel overwhelmed.Elevating voices in education is crucial for change.Educators must be supported to effectively help children.Self-care is essential for educators' well-being.Curiosity about one's nervous system can lead to better self-care.Building a community of support is vital for educators.Human connection is key to student success.Collaboration between counselors and principals is essential.Advocacy for school counselors is necessary for recognition.The impact of female leadership in education is significant.School administrators often lack training in counseling.The role of school counselors is crucial for student success.External pressures on schools can hinder effective counseling.Building relationships with students is essential for their well-being.Inspiration can come from personal experiences and challenges.The decline of school counselors is a growing concern.Programs like Thriving Hearts and Minds aim to support counselors.Educators need to prioritize their own mental health.Resilience is key in navigating the challenges of education.Every interaction with a student can make a significant impact. Chapters 00:00Introduction to the Challenges in Education 01:35The Importance of Elevating Voices in Education 05:20The Need for Adult Support in Education 09:36Resetting the Nervous System for Educators 11:27Curiosity About the Nervous System 15:43Building a Community of Support 19:31Introducing Dr. Sylvia Lopez 20:25Sylvia's Journey into Education 24:18The Impact of Female Leadership in Education 26:36The Role of Counselors in Education 32:23The Importance of Human Connection 34:48Collaboration Between Counselors and Principals 39:07Advocacy for School Counselors 42:25Navigating External Pressures in Education 45:15The Role of School Counselors 49:41Inspiration and Heartbreak in Education 52:11The Decline of School Counselors 54:37Thriving Hearts and Minds Initiative 58:01Rapid Fire Fun Questions 01:04:22Reflections on Resilience and Impact
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    1 hr and 8 mins

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