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The Peak Performing Teacher
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The Peak Performing Teacher
Five Habits for Success



April 2022 | 128 pages | Corwin

Develop and implement an action plan for self-care

Cultivating focus, re-energizing oneself, and improving daily habits are essential for educators’ well-being and the good that they pass along to students. Mike Kuczala asserts that educators’ greatest tool is a mirror—in it, teachers will find their greatest advocate for personal growth, power, wellness, and vision: themselves.

However, finding the time to implement new habits can be hard. Because small changes are easier to plan for and realize, Kuczala concentrates on the habits that are most likely to yield significant improvements. This book guides educators in meaningful self-reflection by providing:

  • Five critical practices to increase productivity and decrease anxiety
  • Reflection prompts and vignettes to guide readers in developing self-care strategies
  • Practical checklists and templates to help educators maintain goals
Grounded in new research connecting personal change to professional improvement, Kuczala’s approach to well-being builds a bridge between mind and body to create a comprehensive path for success.
 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Author
 
Introduction
The Most Important Piece of Equipment

 
The ABCs of Achievement

 
The Power of “Must”

 
Pain/Pleasure in Practice

 
 
Habit #1: Live the Physical Life
A Paradigm Shift

 
Embracing the Physical Life Does Much More Than Raise Your Level of Fitness

 
Exercise Is Life’s First Answer to This Essential Question: How Do I Create a Life Worth Living?

 
Simply . . . Walk

 
Where Are Your Sneakers?

 
Vary the Environment

 
The Benefits Don’t Stop at School (a Word About the Physical Classroom)

 
 
Habit #2: Change Your Mind
Challenge Your Thinking

 
Same Story, New Moral

 
Fifty States of Mind Where Stress Cannot Exist

 
Just Breathe

 
The Powerhouse

 
A Quick Revisit to the Brain/Body Connection

 
One Man’s Insight

 
Stress in the Classroom

 
 
Habit #3: Sharpen Your Mental Focus: Creating Mission and Purpose
Part 1: The Personal Mission Statement

 
Creating Your Personal Mission Statement

 
Personal Mission Statement Rough Draft

 
Completed Mission Statement

 
Part 2: Setting Goals

 
Understanding the Difference Between a Good Idea and Writing a Goal

 
Creating the Future Now

 
Creating a Transformational Goal

 
The Rocking Chair Test

 
Goal Setting in the Classroom

 
 
Habit #4: Power Up Gratitude
Who Doesn’t Want These Benefits for So Very Little Effort?

 
In the Business of Gratitude

 
Making It Real

 
Who Deserves Your Letter?

 
Gratefulness in the Classroom

 
One More Gratitude Quote for the Teacher Lounge

 
 
Habit #5: Make the Morning Count
The Morning Routines of Real Teachers

 
My Morning Routine

 
 
Putting It All Together
Understand the Power of the Moment

 
Create a Plan

 
Change Your Limiting Beliefs

 
Enjoy the Process

 
Start Now

 
Surround Yourself With Success and Positivity

 
A Final Word

 
 
References
 
Index

"What an incredible, practical road map to spark and guide teachers on how and why it is important to take care of ourselves and develop healthy habits. This book created a real shift in how I view myself and the world. The Peak Performing Teacher unites a lot of discreet ideas and connections that make a lot of sense. I am getting a copy for my principal and looking forward to putting my energy into change instead of fighting just to maintain."

Jenny Boulianne
Physical Educator, Finstead State Montessori Academy, Wilmington, DE

For instructors

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ISBN: 9781071853252
£26.99

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