Unleashing Our Impact: Empowering Music Educators
In episode 52, Kathryn and Theresa talk to Jen Rafferty, a former music educator and the founder of the Empowered Educator. Jen discusses the importance of educators taking care of themselves to create a positive impact on students. By prioritizing self-care and practicing breathing exercises, teachers can regulate their nervous systems and make better decisions. Jen advocates for shifting the narrative from selflessness and martyrdom to empowering educators, as their well-being directly affects student success. Modeling healthy behaviors for students can create a positive learning environment and foster emotional awareness and resilience in young learners.
Throughout the interview, Jen shares some great tips for music educators to slow down and make thoughtful choices that will benefit you and your students.
Here are some key takeaways from our interview with Jen Rafferty:
- Many music educators faced a challenging identity shift when the pandemic disrupted their routines and took away a part of their identity tied to their jobs.
- By leveraging concepts of mindset, emotional intelligence, and cognitive neuroscience, educators can better understand their own brains and create positive changes for themselves and their students.
- Taking care of oneself is essential for teachers to provide the best support and care for their students. Prioritizing self-care and well-being leads to better outcomes for both teachers and students.
- Slowing down and connecting with one’s body and emotions helps teachers make aligned choices, leading to more effective and efficient work. Breathing exercises can serve as valuable tools to manage stress and enhance emotional awareness.
Connect with Jen and learn more about her work:
- Website: The Empowered Educator
- Meditations: Beginner Guided Meditations
Ready for more?
You can check out the full interview on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. Or you can listen right here, on Spotify Podcasts!
