Dr. Michele Ogden shares her journey from elementary principal back to the classroom, highlighting the importance of aligning career choices with personal strengths and sources of joy. Her story challenges traditional career progression narratives, demonstrating how finding the right fit can enhance wellbeing and professional satisfaction.

• Former elementary principal who returned to teaching second and third grade
• Experienced burnout during COVID with high blood pressure, insomnia and anxiety from administrative demands
• Found greater purpose and joy working directly with students all day
• Brought valuable leadership skills from administration into classroom teaching
• Creates consistent routines, calm environment and strong community in her classroom
• Emphasizes the importance of joyful connections with both students and colleagues
• Philosophy of making students sad when they miss school - creating positive FOMO
• Wisdom: "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should"
• Encourages educators to reflect on what energizes them versus what drains them

This episode is sponsored by Joyful Learning Connections.

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