The Balancing Act

Joseph Vitale and Jamie Wanko
  • 5.0(13개의 평가)
  • 가이드
  • 격주 업데이트

Fun Fact: If you draw a venn diagram of the circus and being an educator you get a perfect circle! At least, that’s what Jamie and Joe have learned. Straight out of Central New Jersey, join two seasoned teachers as they try to make sense of balancing their teaching careers with parenting multiple children, helping with aging parents, supporting their loving spouses, and navigating the very strange landscape of education in a post-Covid world. With guest interviews, deep dive explorations on contemporary topics, and so much more – we’re here to look at the highs and the lows that come with being an educator. Whether you’re fresh to the job or a seasoned vet, we can’t wait to share in this journey together! Visit our website for feedback, love letters, or guest/general inquiries.

  1. 1일 전

    From Teaching to Content Creation: Jessica Hawk on Education, Tech & Teacher Burnout

    In this episode of the Balancing Act Podcast, we’re joined again by Jessica Hawk, who shares her journey from a 32-year teaching career into full-time content creation—and what that transition has revealed about the value of educators beyond the classroom. We keep things real (and a little nostalgic) as we reflect on the shift from pre-tech classrooms to today’s device-filled learning environments, unpacking both the benefits and the challenges that come with it. Jessica brings a thoughtful perspective on why critical thinking, authentic connections, and depth of learning matter now more than ever, especially as teachers navigate burnout, increased demands, and the realities of screen-heavy classrooms. We also dip into the role of AI in education—what excites us, what concerns us, and where we need to stay grounded. It’s an important conversation, but one that stays true to our style: honest, practical, and rooted in the joy (and complexity) of teaching. Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠ Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by: For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities. We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment!    Follow  Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    59분

  2. 4월 14일

    100th Episode Special: Lessons in Teaching, Podcasting, and Building an Education Community

    In this special 100th episode of The Balancing Act, we celebrate in style from the New Jersey Hall of Fame—and yes, it feels just as cool as it sounds. We take a trip down memory lane, from recording in a kitchen with one microphone (and plenty of background noise) to building a podcast shaped by incredible guests and a supportive education community. Along the way, we share some laughs, reflect on how far we’ve come, and highlight ideas that have inspired us in and out of the classroom. We also tease what’s ahead, including exciting conversations about technology in education. Most of all, this episode is a big thank you to our listeners for being part of the journey—and we’re just getting started.  Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠ Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by: For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities. Interested in Giving Lesson Launchpad a try?  Don’t forget to use our code “Balance” for $5 off a yearly subscription.  Lesson Launchpad - Plan. Present. Automate.  www.lessonlaunchpad.com We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment!    Follow  Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    43분

  3. 4월 7일

    Executive Functioning for K–3 Teachers with Mitch Weathers and Sarah Oberle

    In this episode of The Balancing Act, we welcome back Mitch Weathers and chat with Sarah Oberle about their new book, Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom, diving into the critical role executive functioning plays in young learners. We keep things light and relatable while unpacking how skills like focus, self-regulation, and impulse control develop—and why kids aren’t misbehaving, they’re still learning how to learn. The conversation blends practical classroom strategies with real-life moments, showing how small changes in routines and environment can make a big difference. We also explore how to recognize when students may need extra support without jumping to conclusions. It’s a fun but meaningful discussion that leaves educators and parents with simple, actionable ways to better support kids from the start. Check out the new release from Mitch and Sarah.  Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom: Promoting Self-Regulation for a Strong Start Looking for Mitch’s first book?  See the link below! Executive Functions for Every Classroom, Grades 3-12: Creating Safe and Predictable Learning Environments Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠ Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by: For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities. Interested in Giving Lesson Launchpad a try?  Don’t forget to use our code “Balance” for $5 off a yearly subscription.  Lesson Launchpad - Plan. Present. Automate.  www.lessonlaunchpad.com We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment!    Follow  Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51분

  4. 3월 31일

    Work-Life Balance for Educators: Parenting Teens, Caregiving, and Managing It All

    In this episode of The Balancing Act, we blend humor and real life as we swap stories—from a much-needed raspberry Snapple boost to saying goodbye to a trusty old car and even a beloved classroom pencil sharpener. We dive into the emotional rollercoaster of parenting teens through the college decision process, sharing both the stress and the perspective we try to keep. Along the way, we lighten things up with memories from our own college days and how different things feel for students today. We also open up about the challenges of balancing work, family, and caregiving during difficult times. Through it all, we focus on staying connected, finding the humor, and doing our best to balance it all. Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠ Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by: For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities. Interested in Giving Lesson Launchpad a try?  Don’t forget to use our code “Balance” for $5 off a yearly subscription.  Lesson Launchpad - Plan. Present. Automate.  www.lessonlaunchpad.com We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment!    Follow  Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    47분

  5. 3월 24일

    Teaching Multilingual Learners: Why NJ Teacher of the Year Gillian Ober Says Classrooms Are Changing

    In this episode, we engage with Gillian Ober, the 2026 New Jersey Teacher of the Year, as she shares her inspiring journey from undecided college student to passionate educator. We delve into her experiences teaching abroad in Spain and Thailand, which ignited her commitment to education and shaped her teaching philosophy, particularly concerning multilingual learners. Jillian discusses the complexities of teaching English Language Learners (ELLs) and the importance of changing mindsets among educators to recognize the strengths ELL students bring. She highlights her advocacy work with the New Jersey Department of Education, focusing on supporting multilingual learners and the need for professional development across all teaching staff. The conversation blends serious educational insights with light-hearted anecdotes, culminating in Gillian's vision for a more inclusive educational landscape that honors the diversity within our classrooms. Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠ Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by: For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities. Interested in Giving Lesson Launchpad a try?  Don’t forget to use our code “Balance” for $5 off a yearly subscription.  Lesson Launchpad - Plan. Present. Automate.  www.lessonlaunchpad.com We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment!    Follow  Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    48분

  6. 3월 17일

    Teachers Are Burning Out—And Self-Care Isn’t the Solution

    In this episode, we examine the challenges of self-care for educators, particularly women, as they juggle multiple roles at home and in the classroom. We discuss the mental load and guilt associated with prioritizing personal well-being amidst end-of-year responsibilities. Highlighting systemic issues like weaponized incompetence, we share personal stories of finding joy while navigating demands. Ultimately, we stress the importance of recognizing mental load, advocating for better support, and encouraging guilt-free self-care. Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠ Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by: For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities. Interested in Giving Lesson Launchpad a try?  Don’t forget to use our code “Balance” for $5 off a yearly subscription.  Lesson Launchpad - Plan. Present. Automate.  www.lessonlaunchpad.com We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment!    Follow  Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    50분

  7. 3월 10일

    Teacher Burnout Crisis with Dr. Allison Hitchens

    In this episode of the BalancingAct podcast, our hosts speak with Dr. Allison Hitchens, a doctoral graduate specializing in teacher burnout and mentoring novice educators. We discuss the challenges faced by teachers, particularly during the pandemic and in rural areas, and the systemic issues contributing to high attrition rates. Dr. Hitchens advocates for redefined mentorship that focuses on emotional support and resilience rather than just instructional methods. The episode also addresses the "reality shock" novice teachers encounter and the need for supportive networks.  Check out some of the articles that we discussed in our chat: Teacher Self-Care Mandates as Institutional Gaslighting in a Neoliberal System - Alyssa Hadley Dunn The Professional Life Cycle of Teachers - Michael Huberman Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠ Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by: For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities. Interested in Giving Lesson Launchpad a try?  Don’t forget to use our code “Balance” for $5 off a yearly subscription.  Lesson Launchpad - Plan. Present. Automate.  www.lessonlaunchpad.com We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment!    Follow  Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTubePart of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    53분

  8. 3월 3일

    Grind My Gears 2: Teacher Pet Peeves, Parent Drama & Staff Culture

    In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, Jamie Wanko and Joe Vitale engage in a candid discussion that merges personal anecdotes with educational reflections. They kick off by celebrating Joe's milestone birthday, sharing humorous insights on aging and societal perceptions shaped by social media.  As seasoned educators, they delve into frustrations surrounding classroom management and the challenges of maintaining student engagement amidst distractions. Highlighting their experiences, Jamie and Joe unpack various pet peeves, from snow removal to driving etiquette, while sharing relatable stories about school drop-off dilemmas.  Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠ Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by: For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities. Interested in Giving Lesson Launchpad a try?  Don’t forget to use our code “Balance” for $5 off a yearly subscription.  Lesson Launchpad - Plan. Present. Automate.  www.lessonlaunchpad.com We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment!    Follow  Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51분
모두 보기(101개)

예고편

평가 및 리뷰

5
최고 5점
13개의 평가

소개

Fun Fact: If you draw a venn diagram of the circus and being an educator you get a perfect circle! At least, that’s what Jamie and Joe have learned. Straight out of Central New Jersey, join two seasoned teachers as they try to make sense of balancing their teaching careers with parenting multiple children, helping with aging parents, supporting their loving spouses, and navigating the very strange landscape of education in a post-Covid world. With guest interviews, deep dive explorations on contemporary topics, and so much more – we’re here to look at the highs and the lows that come with being an educator. Whether you’re fresh to the job or a seasoned vet, we can’t wait to share in this journey together! Visit our website for feedback, love letters, or guest/general inquiries.

정보

  • 제작진
    Joseph Vitale and Jamie Wanko
  • 방송 연도
    2023년 - 2026년
  • 에피소드
    101
  • 등급
    전체 연령 사용가
  • 저작권
    © 2026 Joseph Vitale and Jamie Wanko. All rights reserved.
  • 웹사이트 보기
    The Balancing Act

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