Educate & Rejuvenate: The Podcast

It's Friday afternoon at 4:00 PM, and your admin asks for "one quick volunteer" to lead Spirit Week. Silence fills the room—and before you even think about it, you hear your own voice say, "I can do it."

If you struggle with setting boundaries as a teacher, teacher people-pleasing, or constantly saying yes when you mean no, you are not alone! In Part 1 of our 5-part Teacher Boundary Series, we’re looking at what actually happens inside your "Teacher Brain" during those 3 seconds between being asked and volunteering—and why fear of not being a "team player" keeps...

School ended hours ago, so why was your brain still there?

You're standing at the stove making dinner, and instead of hearing about everyone's day, you're replaying the comment your admin made in the hallway after lunch. You left the building at 3:30, but your Teacher Brain is still standing in that hallway, trying to figure out what you should have said.

To dive deeper, sign up for the next Quiet Your Teacher Brain masterclass: https://educateandrejuvenate.com/sp/live-masterclass/

Watch the full episode and leave your own story in the comments: https://www...

Title: What to Do When You Fall Off Track as a Teacher (No Shame Required)

Maybe you set a goal to leave school by a certain time, or to finally hold a boundary, or to do something that would help you live the life you actually want, inside and outside the classroom. Then a week or two later, you look up and you're completely off track. If that's you, there's nothing wrong with you. This is what happens when we're working against years of patterns, and it's more common than you think.

This is part 3...

If you're a teacher and someone asked you right now what you actually want, could you answer? Most teachers can't. You can tell me exactly what your students need, what your admin needs, what your own kids need. Ask what you want, and it's silence.

This is part 2 of a 3-part replay series pulled from the exact episodes that came out with my book two years ago, and they still hold up completely. We're covering the second step of the Inside-Out Teacher Framework: Choose. Once you've started observing your thoughts, feelings, and nervous system (that...

Teacher burnout isn't actually about teaching. Here's what it really is, and where to start.

This is part 1 of a 3-part replay series pulled from the exact episodes that came out with my book two years ago, and they still hold up completely. We're covering the first step of what I now call the Inside-Out Teacher Framework: Observe. Not observing like a principal walking in with a checklist, but observing like a student teacher who's just genuinely curious about what's going on.

In this episode, you'll learn why teacher burnout and overwhelm are rarely about...

Have you ever caught yourself calling a student lazy, unmotivated, or "the bad kid" even just in your head?

In this episode from the archives, Kelsey walks you through where that label really comes from and what to do instead. Using the thought model (one tool inside the Inside Out Teacher Framework), she breaks down how our beliefs about a student's behavior, not the behavior itself, shape the way we show up in the classroom. You'll learn why "they're lazy" is almost never the real story, and how getting curious instead of frustrated can completely change your...

What happens when you’re teaching full time, raising kids, caring for aging parents, and trying to keep approximately a million other plates spinning? In this episode, Kelsey is joined by Joe Vitale and Jamie Wanko, hosts of The Balancing Act Podcast, for a funny, honest conversation about what it really looks like to admit: you don’t have to do it all.

Recorded live at Summer Refresh, this conversation gets into the “sandwich generation” of teaching, parenting, and caregiving, why your Teacher Brain follows you home, and how to intentionally let go of things that no longer s...

What if you could lighten your load this school year without hiring a personal assistant?

In this episode, Kelsey shares practical ways to delegate more, from collaborating with your teaching team and creating better systems at home to using done-for-you resources, technology, and AI. You’ll rethink what delegation actually means and discover ways to free up your time and brain space without trying to do everything yourself.

Your challenge: What’s ONE thing you could delegate this school year?

Does your back-to-school to-do list make you want to pull your hair out? In this episode, Kelsey breaks down the Urgency Matrix, a simple but powerful tool for separating what's actually urgent from what just feels urgent thanks to teacher brain running the show.

Kelsey walks through all four categories of the matrix (urgent & important, not urgent & important, urgent & not important, and not urgent & not important) with real, relatable examples including the time she accidentally showed hundreds of teachers her messy closet mid-presentation. You'll come away with a clear framework for deciding what needs your attention right...

Ever wonder what actually changes when a teacher finally sets a boundary? In this episode, Kelsey shares a panel she hosted live at the Educate & Rejuvenate Summer Refresh, featuring a group of teachers (and one homeschool mom!) from the Educate & Rejuvenate Club. Each of them answers one simple question: what's one thing you did this year that actually changed something for you?

Their answers weren't scripted, just honest, in-the-trenches reflections from women learning to leave work at work, let a hard day be a hard day, and say no without guilt. Whether you're teaching in a classroom...

Ever catch yourself reacting on autopilot when a parent email hits your inbox or your admin drops a last-minute request? In this episode, Kelsey shares a session she taught live at Summer Refresh in front of 1,000 teachers, all about making decisions before you're tired and stretched thin — not in the middle of the chaos. You'll learn the four types of decisions every teacher can make ahead of time, including the one most of us skip entirely (and it might be the most important one of all). If you've ever felt like everything on your plate is "important," this episode wi...

The Sneaky Way Your Teacher Brain Steals Your Last Weeks of Summer

If you're down to your last couple of weeks of summer and staring at a list of everything you meant to get done, this episode is for you. Kelsey shares a live coaching clip from this year's Summer Refresh event, over 1,000 teachers watched it happen in real time, featuring a teacher named Tori, who came to the call with two weeks of summer left, an unfinished to-do list, and a heavy, anxious feeling she hadn't quite named yet.

What unfolds is a masterclass...

Fresh off the Summer Refresh, Kelsey is sharing a special crossover episode from the Teacher Approved Podcast, hosted by sisters Heidi and Emily of Second Story Window. This episode is the perfect classroom-side companion to everything we talk about here at E&R because you can't build a classroom rooted in safety and connection if you don't have that foundation for yourself first.

Heidi and Emily walk you through the three questions every student is silently asking in their first three days of school: Am I safe? Am I seen? Am I needed? Answer those, and you've...

Tired of hearing what works in theory? This episode is all about what's actually working, for real teachers, in real classrooms, right now.

Kelsey shares a live panel recording from the Summer 2025 event featuring Educate & Rejuvenate Club members who show up and tell it straight: how they've navigated burnout, set boundaries they actually keep, and found their footing again.

From 30-year veterans to brand-new teachers, from public school to homeschool, this conversation covers the full spectrum. If you've ever wondered whether any of this stuff actually makes a difference, this episode is your answer.

You can't organize your way out of a cluttered mind. In this episode, Kelsey pulls back the curtain on a top-requested coaching workshop from the Educate & Rejuvenate Club and gives you the inside scoop on what actually makes decluttering work and why it has to start with your thoughts, not your stuff. From thought downloads to scarcity mindset around that mug a student gave you four years ago, this episode is part pep talk, part practical playbook for a cleaner space and a clearer head.

Does your brain ever get in your own way? In this episode, Kelsey revisits one of her most beloved archives — a 2023 episode she recorded just one hour after signing her book deal — and shares the simple mindset hack that has carried her through every hard season since. Using a hilarious story from the Eras Tour, she walks you through the core tool at the foundation of her Inside Out Teacher Framework: learning to tell the difference between a thought and a circumstance. Once you know it, you can't un-know it, and it just might change the way you show up i...

Some conversations just make you feel less alone, and this is one of them. Kelsey sits down with Joe Vitale and Jamie Wanko of the Balancing Act Podcast for a warm, hilarious, and deeply relatable conversation about what it really means to balance life as a teacher. They talk beach mishaps, Gilmore Girls, making time for yourself without guilt, and the kind of friendship that makes you a better teacher and human.

Joe and Jamie are also our Day 2 keynote speakers at the Educate & Rejuvenate Summer Refresh 2026, where they'll record a live podcast episode on July 1st...

Burn out all year. Crash all summer. Repeat. Sound familiar? This episode breaks that cycle.

Kelsey is back with a tried-and-true archive episode on how to have a purposeful teacher summer, not just one where you're recovering. She covers the two summer mistakes most teachers make, how to set real intentions for your time off, and why this isn't a planning problem... It's a burnout problem. With a fresh 2026 update layering in her Inside Out Teacher Framework, this one hits different.

Listen now, then grab your free spot at the Summer Refresh event on June 30–Ju...

What if the key to surviving winter wasn’t doing more...but doing less?

In this episode, Kelsey shares how she’s lightening her mental load this season by simplifying on purpose. Plus, the tiny shifts that are making a big difference in her work and home life. From meal planning hacks and chore resets to decision fatigue relief, she’s offering practical ways to take things off your plate. Because let’s be real… your plate’s already full.

You'll also hear why nervous system regulation is the secret first step... and how your Anchor Menu...

🎉 The Educator Winter Reset You’ve Been Waiting For Is HERE! 🎉

What if your professional development felt like a cozy night in… with major inspiration, fresh ideas, and a whole lot of fun?

This special episode is a replay of our LIVE 2025 Reveal Party, where we officially opened registration for Educate & Rejuvenate: Winter 2025... our most rejuvenating teacher event of the year.

Inside this episode:

✨ Our full speaker lineup announcement

🎁 A surprise freebie for all attendees (if you listen to this, email me for th...

Ever tried to balance teaching, family, and life—and felt like you’re spinning a dozen plates at once? In this heartfelt (and hilarious!) conversation with Joe and Jamie from The Balancing Act Podcast, we explore everything from beach mishaps and Gilmore Girls binges to hallway hugs and burnout. Together, we dive into what it really looks like to make time for rejuvenation, create supportive communities, and embrace your unique season of life as an educator.

Get ready for real talk, belly laughs, and a refreshing reminder that you’re not alone in this balancing act. This episod...

🎧 Replay: Open Coaching Call — The Real Shift Beneath Classroom Chaos

In our opening public coaching call, we explored The Self-Coaching Model together—and how it applies to real, everyday challenges educators face.

One powerful scenario came up that become our main focus: when a student gets sent to the office for behavior and comes back with a treat. 😳

Together, we unpacked the thoughts, emotions, and identity layers that show up in moments like these—and how to shift them from reactive to rooted.

Inside this replay, you’...

Want to walk into this school year feeling clear, grounded, and in control—not overwhelmed before it even begins?

Join Kelsey live for a real-time walkthrough of the Educate & Rejuvenate Planner. You’ll learn how to plan in a way that supports your values, energy, and nervous system—not just your to-do list.

This session is for the teacher (or homeschooler!) who wants more than just organization. You want alignment. You want peace. You want to feel like you again.

✨ What you'll learn:

Get ready for an exciting live demo where Kelsey introduces the 4 new GPT-powered Educate & Rejuvenate Coaches—custom-built to help you save time, reduce stress, and actually feel supported in your week. These are a BRAND NEW BONUS inside the Educate & Rejuvenate Club!

(NOTE: This bonus is for CLUB MEMBERS only, not included in the individual Cohort purchase) 

The VIDEO version of this call is available inside the Educate & Rejuvenate App!

You’ll get to meet and see in action:

💬 Coach GPT

Your go-to mindset and emotional support coach. Helps you work thro...

🎧 LIMITED TIME RELEASE: Session 3 of Educate & Rejuvenate!

This special episode won’t be available forever, so don’t wait to hit play!

In this exclusive session titled “Teach in the &. Live in the &.”, Kelsey Sorenson dives deep into the powerful concept of embracing both/and living. You’ll explore how to show up fully as a teacher and a whole human being, without needing to choose one over the other. Whether you're navigating burnout, striving for balance, or simply craving a mindset shift, this session will equip you with the tools to honor all the parts of your

🎧 Limited-Time Release: Teacher, Know Thyself (E&R Summer 2025 Session 2)

This episode is available for a limited time only—listen before it disappears on July 22nd!

In this powerful second session from Educate & Rejuvenate Summer 2025, Kelsey takes you deeper into the journey of reconnecting with yourself. If you’ve ever felt like you're just “going through the motions” or burned out from constantly putting your role as a teacher ahead of your own needs, this episode is for you.

Kelsey explores what it means to truly know yourself—your patterns, your nervous system, your thoughts—and...

🎧 Limited-Time Release – Listen Before July 22! 🎧

This powerful session from the Educate & Rejuvenate Summer 2025 event is only available for a short time—so don’t wait! Tune in for a heartfelt and empowering kickoff from Kelsey Sorenson that reminds educators they are more than just teachers—they’re whole humans, too.

In this high-energy episode, Kelsey shares why she made her signature sessions free for all educators this week, even if you didn’t grab a ticket. You’ll explore themes of identity, burnout, and reclaiming joy both inside and outside the classroom. From inspiring stories and reflective journ...

The countdown is officially ON! Educate & Rejuvenate 2025 starts TOMORROW—and whether you’ve already grabbed your ticket or you’re still on the fence, this episode is for YOU.

In this special pre-event message, Kelsey breaks down:

✨ Exactly how to access your sessions (yes, replays are included!)

✨ What to do once you’re inside the event platform

✨ How this isn’t just another PD week—it’s a full mind-body recharge

✨ Why this low-cost, high-impact event was intentionally created for YOU

You’ll also hear a min...

In this jam-packed episode, Kelsey Sorenson is joined by a group of amazing presenters from the upcoming Educate & Rejuvenate 2025 event, happening July 15–21! This special speaker panel gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s coming, who’s speaking, and why this event is exactly what teachers and homeschool parents need this summer.

💡 Here’s what you’ll get in this episode:

✔️A preview of each speaker’s session topic

✔️Real, actionable tips you can start using NOW to teach and live with more joy

✔️FREE downloadable resources from each presenter

✔️An exclusive walkthroug...

🎶 Ready to get your co-teaching groove on?

Ready to remix your co-teaching routine? Join Erica Terry and Lynea Laws—authors of Teaching In Sync: The Ultimate Playlist for Co-Teaching Success—for a high-energy conversation on all things collaboration, classroom harmony, and AI-powered lesson planning.

We’re breaking down how to get your co-teaching in sync (literally!) and what’s coming up in their must-watch session at the 2025 Educate & Rejuvenate event.

✔️ Mindset shifts that help co-teachers thrive

✔️ Small tweaks that make a huge impact

✔️ How ChatGPT can revolutionize your co-planning flow

✔️ Plus a b...

 Student motivation can feel like a mystery—especially when we’re trying to reach every learner in an inclusive classroom. In this episode, I’m joined by returning E&R speaker and special education expert Rebekah Poe to unpack what really works when it comes to boosting engagement, building buy-in, and helping students show up for learning.

We’re diving into:

✔️ The mindset shift that helps teachers move from compliance to confidence

✔️ One of Rebekah’s go-to strategies from her Educate & Rejuvenate session

✔️ Practical examples of motivation in action—especially for students with IEPs or oth...

What if your math block became the most joyful part of your teaching day?

In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by the brilliant team from Rainbow Sky Creations to share six practical strategies you can implement right away to bring more joy, creativity, and clarity to your math lessons. Whether you’re a brand-new teacher or a seasoned pro ready to shake things up, these tips are:

✔️ Curriculum-aligned

✔️ Differentiated

✔️ Creative & engaging

✔️ Backed by real classroom results

✨And here’s the...

🎨🤖 What do you get when you mix robots, emotions, and augmented reality? A wildly creative new way to teach SEL through art and tech—and this week’s guest is leading the charge.

In this Summer Sips episode, I’m joined by Tricia Fuglestad, award-winning art teacher, tech integration specialist, and author-illustrator of PETER O’METER—a picture book that helps kids explore their emotions in a truly interactive way.

We’re talking about:

✔️ Why she wrote PETER O’METER and what kids can learn from his “emotions meter”

...

Ever feel like food has way too much control over your day? Former teacher and certified Health Coach Laura Banks (of bhealthyhabits) joins me for a down-to-earth convo on why cravings happen, what they really mean, and why willpower isn’t the answer.

We’re breaking down:

 ✔️ The two types of cravings (and how to tell them apart in the moment)

 ✔️ The surprising connection between your schedule and your snack habits

 ✔️ The truth about why so many teachers feel out of control with food

 ✔️ How awareness alone can start to change everything

Feeling overwhelmed every time writing block rolls around? You're not alone. In this special co-hosted episode, I’m joined by Susan Swensen—elementary teacher and host of The Shared Teaching Podcast—to chat about simple, effective ways to take the stress out of writing instruction.

We’re talking real talk around:

What’s actually essential in a writing block

How to keep lesson planning simple and flexible

Common writing challenges and how to troubleshoot them

How Susan’s approach helps students grow as writers and helps you breathe...

 Helping Kids Take Ownership of Their Learning

What if your homeschool or classroom could feel less overwhelming—and more inspired? In this Summer Sips episode, I’m joined by Kami Wanous, homeschool mentor and creator of The Freedom Scholar, to talk about building a family learning culture that fuels curiosity, connection, and confidence.

We’re chatting about:

✔️ Why giving kids OWNERSHIP of learning really matters

✔️ What it really means to raise leaders and lifelong learners

✔️ How to get intentional about your learning environment and family rhythms

✔️ The mindset shift that give...

Emotional regulation isn’t just a personal growth tool—it’s one of the most powerful classroom management strategies you have.

In this episode, I’m joined by Jenn Adams from Teach Love Autism to explore how your ability to regulate your own emotions can transform student behavior, reduce classroom chaos, and lead to a more peaceful and effective learning environment. Whether you're a teacher or homeschool parent, this conversation will help you shift from reactive to intentional—and from stressed to centered.

☕ Come listen in as we talk about:

Ready to sip on something sweet this summer? In this special kickoff episode of the Educate & Rejuvenate Podcast, Kelsey spills all the tea (and coffee!) on the 2025 Summer Event, the new Summer Sips podcast series, and the mission fueling a movement in education. Whether you're a classroom teacher, homeschool parent, or educator in another space, you're invited to join the “I Educate & ___” revolution.

We had some tech hiccups (classic live stream life!), but once things got rolling, this episode became a celebration of everything Educate & Rejuvenate stands for: support, strategy, community—and a whole lot of fun.

...

Key themes from Savor Your Summer: What Do You Actually Want?:

☀️ A Fresh Start for Summer: What Do YOU Really Want?

You’ve made it to the final stretch of the school year, and while summer break is right around the corner, you might still be carrying mental baggage from the classroom. That inner voice telling you, “You should’ve done more,” or “You’re not allowed to feel this burned out”—yep, that’s exactly what we’re talking about today. In this live podcast episode from the Ease Into Summer series, we’re tackling the guilt and self-judgment many teachers face at the end of the school year and inviting in something more nourishing: self-compassion.

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