Educator University

Annie Lowry

Welcome, I'm Annie and I'm so glad you are here! 🎓 Educator University features interviews that support and empower teachers. Hear from educators, experts, and inspiring voices to fuel your teacher life, both in and out of the classroom. New episodes every Monday :)

  1. Mar 31

    How Mindful Eating Can Transform Your Teaching Day 🍽️

    What if feeling better as a teacher isn’t about finding more time—but paying more attention to how you nourish yourself? (00:13) Why Mindful Eating Matters(02:52) Easy Meal Prep Wins(07:46) Managing Emotional Eating(10:27) Mindful Meals Made Simple(17:13) Mindfulness Beyond Food(20:32) Intuitive Eating Basics To learn more about Kathy and her work, visit:www.theyogird.org Annie sits down with mindful eating coach Kathy Brown to explore how small, intentional shifts in how teachers eat can reduce stress, boost energy, and support overall wellbeing. Kathy breaks down realistic strategies for mindful eating, simple meal prep tips, and how to navigate emotional eating with more awareness and compassion. She also shares how mindfulness extends beyond food—offering teachers powerful tools to stay grounded throughout the school day. • Why mindful eating helps teachers reduce stress and stay energized• How meal prep can simplify your week and reduce decision fatigue• Ways to manage emotional eating through mindfulness• Simple practices to make meals more calming and intentional• How tuning into your body’s cues supports true self-care• Why mindful eating is about progress, not perfection Packed with practical tips and gentle encouragement, this episode helps teachers build a healthier, more mindful relationship with food—one that supports resilience, balance, and wellbeing inside and outside the classroom. #MindfulEating #TeacherWellbeing #EducatorSelfCare #StressManagement #IntuitiveEating #TeacherLife #HealthyHabits #EducationPodcast #TeacherSupport #TeacherTips

    28 min
  2. Mar 24

    How Teachers Can Find Calm in Nature 🏞️

    What if the key to resilience, mental clarity, and stress relief isn’t more work—but more time outdoors? Episode Chapters: (00:00) The Power of Nature for Stress Relief (05:06) Getting Started with Outdoor Activities (08:42) Finding Resilience Through Outdoor Experiences (13:42) Staying Calm Under Pressure (16:47) Exploring Antarctica and Beyond (22:23) Final Thoughts and Teacher Insights To learn more about Ryan and his work, visit: https://ryandelaney.com/ Annie sits down with professional mountaineer and ski guide Ryan Delaney to explore how outdoor adventures—from hiking and climbing to extreme expeditions in Antarctica—can transform stress into resilience and foster personal growth. Ryan shares his journey from a challenging childhood to finding strength through nature, along with practical tips for teachers on incorporating outdoor experiences for themselves and their students. What you’ll learn: How spending time outdoors supports mental clarity and presence Ways outdoor activities build resilience and manage stress How movement can support emotional and behavioral regulation Simple ways to start hiking or other outdoor activities safely Insights for teachers on connecting with students and creating meaningful experiences Why exploring extreme environments like Antarctica can transform perspective Packed with inspiration and practical advice, this episode shows how connecting with nature can boost wellbeing, resilience, and self-discovery. #OutdoorAdventures #NatureTherapy #TeacherWellbeing #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #Hiking #Mountaineering #EducationPodcast #TeacherTips

    30 min
  3. Mar 16

    Small Habits That Keep Teachers Focused and Sane ✅

    What if the secret to better focus and less burnout isn’t working harder—but taking smarter breaks? Episode Chapters: (00:00) Why Teachers Feel Busy But Not Productive (03:16) The Power of Micro Breaks for Focus (06:05) What Is a “Distraction Detox”? (12:11) Busy vs Productive: The Hidden Difference (15:17) The Burnout Warning Signs Teachers Ignore (18:07) Simple Productivity Systems for Teachers (21:01) Why Your Health Is Your Productivity Engine To learn more about Mark and his work, visit: https://misterproductivity.com/ Annie sits down with productivity expert Mark (Mr. Productivity) to explore practical strategies teachers can use to improve focus, manage distractions, and protect their energy throughout the school day. From micro breaks to distraction detoxes, Mark explains how focusing on what truly matters—and taking care of your health—can help educators avoid burnout and regain control of their time. What you’ll learn: How micro breaks can dramatically improve focus and productivity Why a distraction detox helps identify and manage interruptions The difference between being busy and being productive Early warning signs of teacher burnout and how to respond Simple systems to support better daily habits and energy management Why protecting your health is key to long-term productivity Packed with practical strategies and encouragement, this episode shows how small, intentional habits can help teachers stay focused, energized, and in control of their day. #TeacherProductivity #TeacherBurnout #TeacherWellbeing #TeacherFocus #EducationPodcast #EducatorUniversity #TeacherTips #TeacherLife

    31 min
  4. Mar 11

    Why Every Teacher Should Try Dancing 💃

    What does dance have to do with great teaching? More than you might think. Episode Chapters: (00:00) Reclaiming Joy Through Movement (03:00) Why Teachers Need Movement (06:12) Finding the Right Dance Class (08:50) Benefits of Dance (11:47) Authentic Movement (14:55) Getting Past the Fear of Judgment (17:33) The Balance of Planning and Flow (20:46) A Simple Reminder for Teachers To learn more about Alexandra and her work, visit: https://www.alexandrabellerdances.org/ Annie sits down with dance educator Alexandra Beller to explore how movement and dance can help teachers reduce stress, reconnect with creativity, and rediscover joy in their work. From simple movement rituals to authentic self-expression, Alexandra explains how getting out of your head and back into your body can shift the way teachers approach both their energy and their classrooms. What you’ll learn: How movement can help teachers recover from stress and fatigue Why dance builds adaptability, creativity, and self-awareness Simple ways to incorporate movement into your daily teaching routine How letting your body move freely can unlock new ideas and energy Why overcoming fear of judgment leads to more authentic expression How balancing planning and improvisation can improve teaching Packed with practical insights and encouragement, this episode shows how reconnecting with movement can help teachers bring more energy, presence, and creativity into the classroom. #TeacherBurnout #TeacherWellbeing #TeacherEnergy #TeacherLife #EducationPodcast #EducatorUniversity #CreativityInTeaching #TeacherStressRelief

    43 min
  5. Mar 2

    How Your Animal Personality Shapes Your Teaching 🐬

    The key to sustainable teaching might start with knowing yourself. Episode Chapters: (00:00) Can Personality Prevent Burnout? (00:41) Work Smarter With Your Type (10:04) The Four Personality Packs (13:37) Using Personality With Students & Parents (16:58) Burnout, Fit & Compatibility (26:53) Boundaries That Protect Your Energy (35:33) Pop Culture Personality Examples (41:56) Finding Your Anchor To learn more about Eric and his work, visit: https://youtopiaproject.com/youtopia-16-assessment-2/ Annie sits down with educator Eric Gee to explore how understanding your personality as a teacher can completely shift your classroom experience—and prevent burnout before it starts. From “personality packs” to boundaries that protect your energy, Eric shares how knowing yourself can improve student relationships, enhance communication with parents, and help teachers work in alignment with their strengths. ' What you’ll learn: How personality types influence classroom management and student relationships Why burnout isn’t always about long hours or difficult students The four “personality packs” and how they show up in schools Practical ways to communicate better with parents Why compatibility and boundaries matter for sustainable teaching How aligning your teaching style with who you actually are can transform your classroom Packed with reflective, teacher-centered advice, this episode shows how understanding personality can reduce frustration, improve relationships, and reignite joy in teaching. #TeacherBurnout #TeacherPersonality #ClassroomManagement #EmotionalIntelligence #EducationPodcast #TeacherLife #EducatorUniversity #TeachingStrategies

    51 min
  6. Feb 23

    How to Actually Do Project Based Learning ⚙️

    Teachers are tired, students are checked out—Project-Based Learning is changing the game. Episode Chapters: (00:00) What Project-Based Learning Is (and Why It Matters) (01:19) Traditional Teaching vs PBL (03:41) How to Start PBL in Your Classroom (07:08) Real Classroom Examples of PBL (11:51) How PBL Reduces Teacher Burnout (17:16) Admin Buy-In + Final Tips To learn more about Ryan and his work, visit:https://magnifypbl.com/ Annie sits down with educator Ryan Steuer to explore what Project-Based Learning really is—and why it’s changing how students learn and how teachers teach. PBL shifts classrooms from passive worksheets to real-world problem solving, student voice, and authentic learning. Ryan shares how teachers can start small, see real results in student engagement, and reduce burnout without adding more to their plates. What you’ll learn: What Project-Based Learning actually is (and what it isn’t) How traditional teaching often disengages students Simple ways to start PBL without overhauling your curriculum Real classroom examples that work How PBL can reduce teacher burnout and increase joy Tips for getting admin and school support Packed with practical, teacher-centered advice, this episode shows how PBL can transform classrooms, reignite joy in teaching, and make learning feel relevant and engaging. #ProjectBasedLearning #PBL #TeacherBurnout #StudentEngagement #ClassroomInnovation #TeachingStrategies #RealWorldLearning #EducationPodcast #EducatorUniversity

    26 min
  7. Feb 17

    What Teachers Need to Understand About Generation Alpha📱⭐️

    Classrooms feel different—and Generation Alpha is part of the reason why. Episode Chapters: (00:00) What Is Generation Alpha (02:00) Why Gen Alpha Feels Different (05:13) Mindfulness Curriculum for Gen Alpha (14:33) Mindfulness in the Classroom (25:00) Practical Classroom Strategies (32:52) Teacher Wellbeing & Takeaways To learn more about Queen D. Michele and her work, visit: https://www.fulaamerican.org/ Annie sits down with educator and mindfulness curriculum creator Queen D. Michele to explore what makes Generation Alpha different—and what teachers can do to support this new generation of learners. Generation Alpha students are growing up with constant technology and stimulation, which shapes their attention, behavior, and emotional development. Queen shares how mindfulness can help students build attention, self-awareness, and emotional regulation, while offering practical classroom strategies that don’t add more to teachers’ plates. What you’ll learn: What makes Generation Alpha different from previous generations How technology and early digital exposure impact attention and behavior Simple mindfulness routines teachers can implement immediately Strategies for supporting students’ emotional regulation and connection How teacher wellbeing impacts classroom success Packed with practical advice and teacher-centered strategies, this episode helps educators rethink how they approach student behavior, attention, and emotional development in today’s classrooms. #GenerationAlpha #MindfulnessInEducation #TeacherSupport #ClassroomBehavior #TeacherWellbeing #EducationPodcast #StudentEngagement #EmotionalRegulation #TeachingStrategies #EducatorUniversity

    45 min
  8. Feb 9

    The Remote Job Teachers Are Switching To 💻🏡

    More teachers are leaving classrooms for instructional design—and here’s why. Episode Chapters: (00:00) What Instructional Design Is (03:18) Teaching Skills That Transfer (06:53) Instructional Design Career Paths (10:28) Day in the Life of an ID (15:38) Jackie’s Transition Story (20:48) Degrees vs Self-Study (25:58) Portfolios and Networking (31:38) Mistakes Teachers Make (37:18) Advice for Teachers To learn more about Jackie and her work, visit:⁠https://www.designingwithloveblog.com/⁠ Annie sits down with instructional designer and educator Jackie Pellegrin to explore how teachers can transition into instructional design, what the job actually looks like, and why so many educators are uniquely positioned for this growing career path. Instructional design is becoming a popular option for teachers looking for remote, corporate, or higher education roles. Jackie shares how classroom skills translate to instructional design, what the day-to-day work involves, and realistic steps teachers can take to start building experience and a portfolio—without quitting their job or going back to school right away. What you’ll learn: What instructional design actually is (and what it isn’t) How classroom teaching skills transfer to instructional design roles Different career paths in corporate learning and higher education How to build a portfolio and start networking Common mistakes teachers make when transitioning careers Small steps you can take right now to explore instructional design Packed with practical advice and encouragement, this episode helps teachers rethink their career options, recognize the value of their classroom experience, and explore new pathways in education beyond the classroom. #InstructionalDesign #TeacherCareer #TeacherTransition #EducationPodcast #TeacherProfessionalDevelopment #EdTechCareers #TeacherResources #OnlineLearning #EducatorUniversity

    46 min
5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome, I'm Annie and I'm so glad you are here! 🎓 Educator University features interviews that support and empower teachers. Hear from educators, experts, and inspiring voices to fuel your teacher life, both in and out of the classroom. New episodes every Monday :)