Be Grateful | Teacher Evolution Ep 9 

I love your statement that dessert goes to your heart, not your stomach! ;-) I'm definitely using that one.

Am I the only person who isn't a teacher that watches Michelle? I'm a nurse... but for some reason this is so entertaining to me!!!

Michelle, one thing that I found really really helpful when my boyfriend felt like I was not giving him enough attention while I was doing my best to manage planning and grading for 6 high school English classes was coming home and truly dedicating one solid hour to being with him. I know an hour feels like a LOT of time, but if you turn off all technology, put away all school related things, and just say "I'm here! I love you! What do you need?" Then you can ask them same from him, and you can spend that hour helping each other refill your own "cups," meaning helping each other feel loved, filled up, and recharged. It works amazingly! That hour is worth it!

1. Binder clips are the best! 2. Being a teacher is hard. You must be kind to yourself if you wanna survive! 3. You're amazing! Never change!

Someone else commented this as well however, I wanted to say it too. Due to how long your videos are, you should add an additional advertisement. I wouldn't mind at all, and I really believe that you deserve it. I look forward to your videos every week, you are the best!!

"Dessert goes to your heart not to your stomach"- my new motto! I totally understand having trouble with home/work balance. Especially because you have your RU-vid business as well! The teacher life is hard and you are doing a great job fitting everything in!

Ditto to more ads! I personally hate commercials BUT I have zero problems supporting a fellow teacher who is so committed to ALL of her jobs!

This is not Josh- Erin here... 18 years in K... give yourself a break!! You are amazing, the time and dedication you put into your craft is what makes all your kids love you and that means the world to their families as well. Just like in every other part of life we go through seasons. Right now you are able to pour yourself into making your profession a priority. The day will come when you have a family of your own and your priorities will change. In that season of your life you will find that you lean on teachers that are in a season of life where they can afford more time on school stuff... when that happens remember how hard you worked in this part of your career.... and don't feel guilty about it. You are awesome!!!! I appreciate and really enjoy your videos!! Thanks for sharing!!

I just want to thank you for your videos. I always enjoy watching them on Sundays. Especially when I have had a bad week. You make me smile.

Potential time saver for you: I take a shower at night so I can sleep longer in the morning! Since you are up late anyway....end your night with a relaxing warm shower....might help you sleep too.

Seriously thank you for being you! It’s hard to be a teacher and have work life balance, I am really struggling with it too and I’m also taking classes. It’ll get better keep your head up!

My husband and I have the same argument as you and Billy constantly. It's only my second year so I'm still trying to figure stuff out, but I'm also stressed, anxious, and dealing with panic attacks (again)...it's a lot. He gets it somewhat (He saw the stress and stuff when we were dating and newly married when I was in grad school), but I can tell it bothers him still...being conscious for only 2 hours when I'm home takes its toll.

I work at amazon.. and all of your “I got this from amazon” comments gives me job security... 😂😂😂

My youth pastor use to say any questions, comments, or non-violent disagreements, lol

“Dessert goes to your heart not to your stomach!” LoL 😂 I need this on a t-shirt.

I am still watching the video so I don't know if things worked out in the end yet or not, but I am so sorry, Michelle. Will it get better? From my experience alone I would say yes and no. As a teacher (and especially as a teacher who wants to do well and be innovative) you will always have trouble balancing family life and work. It gets even more tricky with motherhood. What works and what doesn't work to balance your work/life changes throughout the years as your family dynamic/work location change. It is super easy to feel guilty quite often about one of more areas of your life. When I feel awesome and accomplished at work, I feel guilty about not spending enough time with my son and having a messy house. When I take time to spend a long weekend completely focused on my family, I feel really happy until I get to work Monday morning and then I feel like a lazy teacher. What seems to work so far for me to minimize the guilt and keep the balance is making prioritized lists for work (which it seems you already do). I tell myself to only do the things on the list that are absolutely necessary and I do a little at a time as each item's due date comes along (for example I don't do the whole week's tasks at once). I set work hours after school M-TH for myself (3:30-5:00), stay focused during those hours and try my best not to be chatty with other teachers ☺️, I multitask as much as possible during the school day and take full advantage of any planning period, and I reserve Saturday for family and Sunday for work. I also leave work immediately after school on Friday and clean my house (I have learned to just deal with it being messy during the week and remind myself it will be clean on Friday😊). It isn't a perfect system and of course I don't always stick to it perfectly but it helps me feel much less guilty and more balanced. It is also super helpful to have a boyfriend/husband who understands and supports the crazy teacher life because you can have the best of both worlds if they will come hang out with you in your classroom while you get some work done. Now I'm going to keep watching the video and hope you guys can work it out at the end! Hugs to you! ❤️

Michelle, I understand exactly how you feel. I stay late as much as I can, but I'm never able to catch up. I left at 10:00 p.m. last Friday and as soon as I begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, we get called in for a last-minute meeting or given new procedures that involve more paperwork... I just want to teach!! I'm unable to disconnect from work, and I'm glad to see I'm not the only one.

Yes yes yes. You seriously light up my weekend. Love you so much gf💛💛💛

I haven’t even started watching the video yet, but I love that they are almost 90 minutes long. I wouldn’t mind if they were 120 minutes. 😍

Girl yes, I hear you on the work-home life struggle and being able to get to sleep before midnight! I started a new grade level this year at a new school as well and it is just tough! Hang in there, Billy will be understanding, give it time. Chase, my husband and I struggle with this too but in the end you know y’all love one another and it’ll work out. There’s a lot on your plate but don’t be discouraged you’re an amazing teacher! Hugs and love here from NC, yo got this Michelle ❤️

I admire how hard you work and how dedicated you are, it's easy to sit here and say "your home life is important too," but really when you think about it the memories you make doing things you enjoy with the people you love are way more important than any job in the long run. Maybe you and Billy can try to plan more fun things out of the house on weekends/school breaks. I always look for events in our area for my bf and I to do together💕

THANK YOU for being my FAVE (put it on while I am doing all the things) CHANNEL! And THANKS for being REAL and giving us the good, bad, ugly, and crazy of life! LOVING IT ALL!

It cracks me up that you leave that spray can on your steps. It's like a trusty old friend, you know it will always be there! Love your vlogs!

hi! love your vlogs!! best teacher ever! 💓

Okay these videos are what get me through a stressful week in college because I know if I get to the weekend I get to go grab my dunkin coffee and I can stay in bed and watch this before ANYTHING ELSE!

I do not teach but I always wanted to be a teacher when I was younger. I am 22 and graduate college as a fashion major working in retail. I love watching your videos Sunday mornings when I am here approving payroll because you are just so positive and it makes my day start off better than what it did before I watched you.

Love this series!

There is literally no other youtuber that I would watch a vlog that's an hour and a half but I love yours so much!

I am in love with your videos! I look forward to Saturdays even more now. I am a kindergarten teacher my 2nd year. I am stressed out to the max and it is only October! I feel like the younger the children, more behaviors you get. I have 3 children that don't speak English and 3 children that I do believe have ODD......i am beyond stressed. Watching your videos gets me to realize that no matter how long you have taught and no matter what age group, you will have that stress. I also try not to bring work home or stay late at work as well. I loved that you let us no about your headaches because when I get overwhelmed and stressed, I get tension headaches where i cant do anything so this year, i am trying to prevent that from happening. Anyways that's for the videos and I am a big supporter.

I think you could put more ads on the video... it's really long like watching tv and it must take forever to edit and you'd deserve it :) I personally wouldn't mind

Michelle, I am literally in the same spot. I'm teaching a new subject in 6th grade and I'm teaching 5 classes of 34 kids. Two social studies classes and 3 reading. I've been constantly stressed, causing my husband and I to fight more. I just make sure we both talk it out. I love your vlogs. I wish we knew each other in real life, because I need a teacher friend. ❤️

I agree about having more grades being more fair and more accurate for the kids. Thank you for such an awesome video

Michelle, I totally feel you being off mentally post-cold and also with being overwhelmed in the amount of work and stuff you need to get done. I'm a senior finance major in university and also my school's finance tutor and president of our finance club. Between my capstone class and big experiential learning project, and four other classes with one being a Monday night class and the other being an online course I am so overwhelmed for midterms this week and am struggling to be able to get everything done. Throw a badly sprained ankle and limited mobility into the mix and it's been a rough few weeks. Thank you so much for the few laughs you allowed me to have this morning before classes as I really needed them. We laugh with you, not at you :) Also you're allowed to take time for yourself without all of your RU-vid followers getting mad at you :) we're all human and doing our best.

Wonderful video, as a fellow teacher I hope that you have an awesome school year!

Your Awesome! Don't change a thing :) I admire and respect you so much...Happy early birthday & I hope you and Billy get to do something extra special.

I can not believe the difference in you this year compared to last year. It broke my heart to see you so unhappy at your last school. I can tell you love where you are now and I hope you and your students flourish. Love you AND your vlogs. ❤️

I got so excited when I saw the sloth calendar. Hahaha. How sweet was that!!

Heads up use Google docs and slide it is so easy it's better then power point

I'm a night owl too! I wash my hair at night so I can sleep in until 5 am . Have you ever tried washing your hair at night? I love teaching high school but I hate getting up so early.

My teachers would do our seating charts by the way you did but then they wrote on the names on the computer then displayed it on the smart board.

ive had ppl do that the paying for my meal at a resturant because i have alopecia and ppl often assume i have cancer

Also, I’m always worried about your safety when you stay late and are the only one there! Be safe!

I totally understand trying to balance home and the classroom. People tell me to go home and not worry but I want to be prepared. Tomorrow I'm walking into a messy room and grading and I hope I don't end up crying by the end of the day.

Remind is great!!! It helps me reach out to all of my teachers!!! 10/10 would recommend!!!

YEY YEY YEY!!! Michelle, i’ve been waiting for this ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Tnx :)

Hi Michelle!! You're the absolute best example of a productive teacher...thank you for your dedication!

i’m 14 and i’m genuinely obsessed with these videos 😂xx

Michelle I am such a night person too! Fortunately I can wake up semi early and still function but I struggle to get to bed before midnight.

Love your VLOG! It's a great way for me to escape my crazy teacher life and see that I'm not alone. I LOVE your schedule cards with the circles and your number talk "cards" and I was hoping you would upload to TpT. I have not found the home/work balance wither (but I've been doing this for such a long time - it seems hopeless)... however, I am on a mission to really pare down some things and get more focused when I work. Anyway, keep doing what you're doing... it'll work itself out... at least you can relax more during breaks. Look forward to that right now! Take care!

Love the video. More great ideas. Thanks for all you do. I know how hard it is to balance school and home. Some days I don't get home till 7:00. I tutor one of my students 3 days a week, then stay to get my planning, etc. done. Some days my husband just doesn't get how much time goes into teaching. You'd think after being married for almost 32 years, he'd get it. Lol Hang in there!! ❤️

I just found her channel and I love you. You make me so happy. Everyday since I found your channel I watch it while i get ready for school Im in high school but you still inspire me for school. I know you may never ever read this but keep doing what you doing you may have bad days but just think you are making someone's day so much better everyday.

Thanks Michelle for all of your 4th Grade Classroom Tours You are a wonderful Person I've been watching your Videos

I'm a morning person, but I still get teacher tired. I am waking up too early, so I've been just using that time...getting up and emptying the dishwasher, grading, getting to work early and taking a short nap if I can. So keep embracing your late night personality and find ways to fit in a nap or whatever you need to keep yourself going.

GIRL YES I have that exact same sloth calendar and it’s my favourite thing. I can’t wait for January so I can put it up 🙈

Oh my gosh you're so beautiful! Without make up and with make up 💜💜💜 I love your energy and you are just so inspirational. I think you're so smart and kind and I just want to be like you when I become a teacher 💖💖💖💖💖💖

You Ned to try go formative. You can put tests, quizzes, worksheets, etc in digital form and it grades it for you!

Year 14 = never easier. I am more stressed this year than any other year.... and it is my 8th year in the same grade. This this the nature of teaching. Fall always is the hardest! It will get better!

It would be really cool to have everyone send you post cards from where they are and then you can do something with your class with them and keep track of where all these are comming from! It would be cool to be able to get your students involved!

The best thing that I've ever done for myself is to separate my personal and professional life. Separate instagram/Pinterest etc for teaching stuff. I very,very,very rarely bring anything home. I intentionally plan 1 night a week to stay a bit later at school to prep. Yes there are times I wish I could do more or make things cuter or be planned further ahead however having that at home me time is totally worth it. It has made me a better teacher and a happier person. I really suggest making a list of all the things you do and cut out as many extras as you can!! Teacher burn out is real and as much as teachers love to do do do we also have to know when to stop for our own good!

You help me out because this is my first year teaching third grade so thank you for everything.

Wow! Michelle, your nausea and "it's not a migraine" sounds so much like me years ago. Do you know that you do not have to have a headache to be having a migraine? I didn't, and now, looking back at that part of my life, I realize I was having a low-grade, "invisible" migraine 24/7. Eight to 15 times a month I'd have major migraines (headache, nausea, vomiting, blind spots, etc.) I often went through a 90 day supply of my Maxalt in one month. So, to keep this short. Try going off artificial sweeteners (they are in EVERYTHING) - I was consuming one or two yogurts every day. I'd often have protein shakes 2 or 3 times a week...... After cutting out these items, it has been life changing. I went from 8-15 disabling migraine per MONTH to less than that a YEAR! When you're feeling "off" (no headache, but all other symptoms), chances are you are having a mild "invisible" migraine....... I can email you if you'd like to discuss this privately. I am limited to a LOT of things I can consumer, and this even goes with medications because artificial sweeteners are really everywhere. AND, sometimes, they will call them something else!

I had to pause the video and just stare at the sloth calendar! That is the CUTEST. :) sending you positive vibes, Michelle. ❤️

Watching now! 💖

Michelle, I'm so glad that you received your box of goodies! I can't wait for you to begin to explore some of the tools and resources! Maybe one day we can do a Google Hangout for your viewers going over some of them! Like a "Tech Tool/Resource of the Month Club" type thing! LOL . You are such an inspiration and I LOVE your videos! Glad that I could provide a little sunshine to your day and spread some techie-knowledge! As a fellow educator, I believe in passing the knowledge along! Keep up the great work!!! Also, I have another set of Plickers cards that we can totally raffle off to one of your viewers! Let me know if you're interested!

It not easy when your new to a year group or work and it takes out of the already little time that you have. I've been having similar issues. You are good at what you do and will work it out. ❤ from London

Unfortunately it doesn't get easier. I have been teaching for 24 years and there is always something new to learn or a different challenge to take on. Hang in there--the rewards are worth it although they are not often tangible. I have never had another job that hasn't bored me to tears after the first year. It's a ton of work but I always make time for one guilty pleasure--you and your vlogs. I love you and your honesty. Wishing you the best in all things.

I literally get so excited every weekend because I know I'll see a new video from you! You are such an inspiration :)

I did not send the Yankee Candle, but live 30 miles from Bossier City and the Boardwalk. I live in Minden, La. Worked for Bossier Parish for 6 years (4 grade math, science, and social studies, and also 5th grade math, science, and social studies) I finally had the courage to move to the district I live in. My school is literally 1.4 miles from my house!! Yankee candles are the best!!!

I love you so much your just a inspiration to me

I absolutely love your P.O box unboxings! :)

i love that i am not the only one feeling all of these stresses right now. I am also working on school stuff because this is my first year teaching fourth grade math as well. i am also struggling to find the most efficient way to meet all of my students needs. AND i worry about not spending enough time with my boyfriend. luckily he understands. hopefully billy will too!

Remind would be really helpful to remind your parents of field trips, tests and other really important events. My teachers use it (I’m in high school) to remind us if we have a potluck, a test or if they are going to be absent

“Dessert goes to your ❤️ “ 😂

Hopefully Billy understands with time and youre a teacher first. Itll get easier next year when your lessons are already planned from this year.

I totally understand how your feeling about balance work and spending time with your boyfriend. I work in private childcare center teaching Pre-kindergarten and believe me sometimes I don't get home until 7 or 8 pm plus my husband and I have 2 children. Your doing amazing and I love your channel💖💖💖

Ahhh I'm so excited! I have the same gold, white, black folder!!

Another amazing VLOG. Love watching your videos, Michelle! I totally know how you feel with spending so much time with school stuff and feeling like you can't keep up. Keep your head up, you're amazing! ❤️

I am loving your vlogs so much im on a marathon of your videos everyday x

That’s so cool! About that one letter, I’m 20, I was in college initially for nursing (so medical) and I just switched to elementary education ! Life twins girl

Ok, I’m pretty sure he mean’t you hardly do things together so appreciate the small time you do have. Like going to get medication with him and not be on your phone. Or sit and eat dinner and talk.. not watch TV. You know? I’m positive he was not trying to hurt you by saying anything and he more than likely sees you working your butt off. Every grown adult knows life is hard and that you make time for the things you care about... you can kick RU-vid or grade papers at home... relationships can’t be fixed so easily. I guess life is much about enjoying the small stuff.. So, Good luck sweets. I know it can be hard and that it’s not technically my business.

I have a personal theory that it takes a full year to adjust to a new school - give yourself the space you need! I totally get that frustration of wanting to be more efficient and not managing the level efficiency you want or are used to, especially when you were used to things being more streamlined. I went from administration to learning assistant to teacher....I feel like a little kid who doesn't know anything. And I'm old (well...older than you)! I was used to doing my job by intuition! Thanks for another fantastic video. :)

I have migraine headache real bad too and I decided to start my own daycare at in my home in Bowling Green, MO and I love working with kids. I love the storage box that you use in your classroom and I'm looking for the storage box for art boxes for my daycare kids.

Simply amazing...keep up good job in uploading your videos..it is very nice...

This series is awesome!!!

It's a first year all over again. Teachers get it. Good Luck.

When you were showing the composition notebookI realized I had just learned about the 5 themes of geography last year! IT was in my 11th grade world history class! I don't know weather I should be impressed that your 4th graders are doing it, or embarrassed that I didn't learn it till 10th grade!

Your lip shade looks great on you!!!

Love Remind to contact parents through email or text. It is easy to use and parents love it.

I don't feel bad eating in front of my kids. I tell them that when they get their bachelor's degree, they, too, may have a snack in class. (I DO, however, bring snacks for them periodically.)

Great video like always! Is it possible to see more of your science planning, I'm sure you have wonderful ideas, fun activities for your kiddos, thanks, and keep inspiring us all :)

Seeing how many tabs you have open makes me laugh... I do the same thing! People think I'm crazy for having so many.

For the seating chart you can put it on the projector screen and and the kids can see where they sit when they come in.

I Love your outfits they are sooo cute and adorable

The way I see it , I would rather eat in front of kids than throw up .. or I would rather my teacher do that. Also, I understand you on being one of if not the youngest ina workplace(in my case it was in school when I was first at college as I went to a community college which had more older students) it is defiantly harder.

I agree about the grades! I always go over the minimum requirement of grades. I just feel like it’s more fair.

Awe wow what a blessing to get your meal paid for ! I love macaroni grill

I LOVE BINDER CLIPS. ( as well as most other office supplies 😜)

I saw that same jeopardy episode!!

Does billy help you with work? My husband always is willing to help me grade and do small tasks. Ask him! It helps. Also, don't go to bed mad at each other ❤️

Michelle I totally understand re : Billy. My husband and I have this type of argument sometimes too. Right now I try to spend at least 30 mins as soon as I get home, instead of doing my school related work as soon as I get home. I plan for most of the week on Sundays so I have more time after school. Does it ever get easy? No...but you both learn to work together ! Hope this helps : )