Strained and Drained

Reviews / Votes

Teachers are among the people I admire most in this world. They carry a heavy load in order to make a difference for others, too often at the expense of their own health and well-being. The quality of our future depends on our ability to develop systems, processes, and strategies in which student outcomes and teacher well-being are not mutually exclusive. In Strained and Drained: Tools for Overworked Teachers, Dorothy VanderJagt and Connie Hamilton offer timely tools for teachers working in our current system of public education, as we all must continue to work on that system. I recommend this book wholeheartedly to all of my teacher friends and colleagues! -- Kyle Mayer, superintendent, Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, Holland, Michigan I'm not sure a book could be more timely or more needed than now! Prior to a pandemic, educators were overworked and highly dedicated, and now they are carrying that to the nth degree. Unfortunately, we are seeing the wear and tear. The good news is that you have some control. VanderJagt and Hamilton strike the heart and soul as they share many gold nuggets on how you can take back control of your life in healthy ways and with a smile! This book will take you from thoughts of self-care to actions of self-care. You deserve it! -- LaVonna Roth, founder, consultant, and lead speaker of Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E. Challenging and demanding situations have confronted teachers and administrators now more than ever. Like many educational leaders, I've struggled to find resources to help my staff and team stay focused and healthy under stressful conditions. In Strained and Drained I found tools to support physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual wellness that help us be at our best for students. Educators can use this resource to energize themselves and others in their schools. -- Jonathon Wennstrom, elementary principal, Livonia Public Schools, MI The pandemic didn't just push many teachers' emotional well-being over the edge; instead, it revealed how far over the edge too many teachers already are. From internal to external pressures, to ever-increasing workloads, to the very nature of the work, teaching can be immensely stressful. However, it also carries the potential for so much joy. This book helps educators find ways to discover balance and wellness so that they can experience the joy of their work. Through research-based, practical tips, VanderJagt and Hamilton guide educators toward careers they can thrive in. The wisdom and practices found in Strained and Drained can fill educators' cups so they can overflow to their students-something that is needed now more than ever. -- Trevor Muir, teacher, author, and speaker