’Tis the season of giving , and what better way to spread a little joy than by surprising the social studies teacher in your life with something thoughtful and practical? Whether you’re a colleague, partner, or friend, this 2025 Gift Guide includes ideas that teachers will love—both in and out of the classroom. If you can find meaningful gifts by thrift shopping (my personal favorite), I believe that's always a great place to start, but here are some ideas. Every item featur

Teachers make so many decisions each and every day. Some say that teachers make more decisions in a day than a brain surgeon. With teachers wearing many different hats and needing to make split-second decisions, it can easily lead to decision fatigue. I can think of one year in particular--my fifth year of teaching that led to burnout. After a full day of teaching, I just wanted to come home and lie on the couch. Between being in a new school and learning the ropes of new sys

I'm excited to once again share my summer book recommendations for teachers! Since I've been sharing summer books recommendations for...

We just got home from an incredible trip to Cuidad de Mexico, which was a surprise trip for my husband's 50th birthday. My husband did...

For the past few years, I've been sharing my summer book recommendations. I've heard from so many of you that you love having a book list...

This gift guide is a great place to start for meaningful gift ideas for the social studies teacher in your life.

Over the past few years, I have been making transitions to live more sustainably and include more eco-friendly choices in my daily life....

As the back-to-school season approaches, teachers everywhere are juggling lesson plans, classroom setup, and personal goals. Maybe this is the year you finally pack lunches the night before, or commit to leaving school by 4:30. While you’re setting goals for a smoother school year, don’t overlook these four small but powerful habits that can help you stay organized, reduce stress, and create more balance. 1. Discuss Household Responsibilties Before School Starts If you live w

This post contains affiliate links to make it easier for you to find the books shared in this post. Summer break provides a well-deserved...

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “teachers do it for the outcome, not for the income.” I want to take a moment to dismantle this concept...

Do you have sticky notes covering your computer screen or all around your desk? Maybe you have a long to-do list that feels overwhelming and you aren't sure where to even begin. I've been there, and the feeling of being pulled in multiple directions while never seeming to get ahead can lead to burnout quickly. I'm glad you're reading, because this teacher productivity hack is a game-changer. The Urgent Importance Quadrant As teachers, we quickly find out that the work is neve

Are you a first-year teacher drowning in work, feeling like you are being pulled in multiple directions, and struggling to find that...

As we start a new year, this is a great time to consider goal setting. Even if you are reading this and it’s the middle of June, there’s...

I was recently listening to a teacher share how they ran out of sick days in October. Knowing that any future days off would mean taking...

As a teacher, we quickly realize that the work is never done. This means that we have to be intentional with our time because it's super...

When I landed my first teaching job, most of my clothing involved jeans, oversized sweatshirts, and tennis shoes that I wore around the...

How will I make it to the end of the year? This was a question I often asked myself when I felt completely overwhelmed, inadequate, and...

In the summer, I usually have more time to sit down and dive into books that have been added to my ever-growing book list. When I was...

During my first year of teaching, I stayed late at school most days of the week. I hate to admit it, but sometimes I was at school as...

"A woman is like a tea bag--you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt said these famous words,...