self care winter

Making It Work: Self Care for Teachers

Chaotic Harmony Podcast Episode 17:
Self Care for Teachers

It’s the most wonderful time of year, but also one of the most stressful for music teachers.  Teachers take care of everyone else first and often neglect their own care. In their recent podcast, the members of Chaotic Harmony Classroom tackle the subject and share openly about their own struggles to find balance and peace while managing the ups and downs of teaching hundreds of students.

For more goodness from the Chaotic Harmony team, check out their weekly podcast in which they share the joys and challenges of teaching general music in public schools.

Twitter: @CHClassroom
New Episodes Posted to Apple, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, Castbox, or anywhere you can find podcasts
Video versions of the podcast are posted to YouTube channel: Chaotic Harmony Classroom

Chaotic Harmony

The Chaotic Harmony Podcast is created for elementary music teachers by elementary music teachers. The podcast chronicles the genesis and continued development of four music programs in Southern California by Crystal Pridmore, Jon Seligman, Marc Keehmer, and Zoe Kumagai. Each of theses educators is working in schools 5-10 miles from the US/ Mexico border in schools with high rates of poverty that had not supported music education programs for more than the previous three decades. They share the joys and challenges of teaching music in the elementary school music room.

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9 Comments

  1. Lisa Werst on December 11, 2019 at 11:10 am

    I’m having a hard time with balance between school and home life and been so down. So glad to find this channel and I’ll be listening! And I’m learning to self care! I am a single mom and have 620 students each week. Whew

    • Crystal Pridmore on December 12, 2019 at 6:20 pm

      It’s not easy to prioritize ourselves when we’re taking care of hundreds of kiddos! I feel like it’s less about balance and a lot more about finding a rhythm that works for you. Thanks for listening!

  2. Lisa Mandelstein on December 11, 2019 at 12:51 pm

    I have to smile to see that you sent a 50 minute video the week before my concert on self-care. I definitely won’t have time to watch it now, but maybe over the break?

    • Crystal Pridmore on December 12, 2019 at 6:22 pm

      You can find us in a podcast app if it’s easier to sneak in a listen that way, too. But I get it- so many things have to wait for break. Good luck during concert week, and I hope you find time to rest and recharge this winter break!

  3. ROBIN SAUNDERS on December 11, 2019 at 5:32 pm

    So good to hear that other music teachers are going through the same things I am….You are so right that we are working in isolation. I am going to share this with all 16 of my music colleagues! Love the star war round. Most of all, love the reminder that we need to take time for ourselves… This is the first time I tuned in while I was putting my room back together. Felt like I was talking to friends. not only don’t other teachers get it, but friends and family say, ” But I thought you are doing what you love? ” if ever I try and explain I’m feeling that I am on overload! Loved it! Thanks
    sincerely,

    • Crystal Pridmore on December 12, 2019 at 6:24 pm

      People mean well, and they don’t understand that our need to talk about the fact that our jobs are hard doesn’t mean we don’t love them! Just that… sometimes our jobs are hard. I’m so glad you felt part of the community- we’re in it together, and there’s strength in that. Thanks so much for listening and sharing!

  4. Bryan Pridmore Sr on December 12, 2019 at 8:23 am

    Your Podcast held my attention this morning on my BART ride. That is beyond Bloomberg, music, FACEBOOK, emails and cars. Luckily it wasn’t until the very end that Crystal Miss quoted a Star Wars episode. Then totally redeemed herself with a fifth grade breakout vocal excercise that gets even the reluctant on board. It works!

    • Crystal Pridmore on December 12, 2019 at 6:24 pm

      Well hey, I’m glad the podcast beat out your other options, Dad. Thanks for listening! And glad you liked the round!

  5. Sasha Stone on December 12, 2019 at 11:58 am

    Thank you Chaotic Harmony for once again grounding me and helping me remember what I do is important and also challenging.

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