Happy Friday, After The Bell listeners!
Roy and I recently had a wonderful interview for our podcast that really shifted how I think about teacher well-being—and I’d love to share some of those insights with you.
The conversation was with Lisa Baylis, an educator, counselor, and author of Self-Compassion for Educators. From her journey, I gleaned a simple truth: small, intentional practices can make a profound difference. Not grand gestures, but tiny shifts—like mindful breathing during a quick bathroom break or offering ourselves the same kindness we give our students.
Lisa shared how, throughout her career, she observed the importance of modeling joy and self-compassion. For example, she describes the power of quick mindful moments—just taking a deep breath before responding to a challenging student, or even turning a moment of chaos into a playful opportunity, like a spontaneous game of chase with students. These little acts aren’t just moments of fun—they are powerful acts of resilience.
What surprised me most is her emphasis on authenticity. “Model it,” she said. Whether it’s showing genuine kindness or taking a brief moment to pause and breathe, kids can tell when actions are real. When we normalize imperfection and acknowledge that both joy and struggle coexist, we create a classroom culture based on safety and humanity.
Lisa also touched on the idea that self-compassion isn’t about indulging or avoiding; it’s about meeting ourselves with kindness, especially during tough moments. When we slip into self-criticism, it triggers the stress response that fuels burnout. But with intentional self-compassion, we shift that response—literally providing ourselves with a mental ‘life preserver’ amidst the chaos.
One practical takeaway: know those small moments—such as brushing your teeth or walking to the photocopier—are opportunities for mindfulness. Just a few seconds of paying attention to your breath or your senses can reframe your experience of the day. Lisa shared that research shows even 12 minutes of intentional mindfulness can make a meaningful difference.
And here’s something I had to hear—life will always be messy. We can’t self-care our way out of the struggles, but we can choose to meet them with compassion. That’s the real “practice”: listening to that inner critic, recognizing its voice, and consciously turning up kindness.
I left the interview reflecting on a simple, yet powerful idea: when teachers care for themselves, they’re better equipped to care for their students. Self-compassion becomes not just a personal practice but a foundation for creating resilient, joyful classrooms.
If this resonates, I encourage you to listen to the full conversation. Lisa’s stories and practical tips remind us that even tiny, consistent acts of kindness toward ourselves can transform our experience—and our classrooms.
Here’s to practicing kindness, patience, and presence, because every small act counts. And check out our new Friday Freebies page on our website.
Till we talk again,
After the bell,
Martin
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