<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[The Reading Teacher Journey]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Reading Teacher’s Journey shares literacy strategies, classroom insights, and practical tools to help teachers strengthen reading instruction.]]></description><link>https://sperkins05.wixsite.com/website/sperkins05</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:57:05 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://sperkins05.wixsite.com/website/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Designing Effective Teacher Wellness Initiatives]]></title><description><![CDATA[Teaching is a beautiful, challenging journey. It’s like tending a garden - nurturing young minds, watching them grow, and blooming with every success. But just like any gardener knows, the soil needs care too. That’s where teacher wellness initiatives come in. They are the sunshine and rain that keep educators thriving, not just surviving. Let’s dive into how we can design these programs to truly support the heart and soul of education. Why Teacher Wellness Initiatives Matter Imagine a...]]></description><link>https://sperkins05.wixsite.com/website/post/designing-effective-teacher-wellness-initiatives-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e7951f8e63193b95d64bb8</guid><pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:32:50 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/914db9_6986b62d325e4a75b172d645e1065f91~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Sebrina.Perkins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mastering Instructional Coaching Techniques for Teachers]]></title><description><![CDATA[Instructional coaching is like planting a garden where every seed has the potential to bloom into something extraordinary. As someone who has walked the path of both teaching and coaching, I can tell you that mastering instructional coaching techniques is a journey filled with discovery, growth, and a lot of heart. It’s about nurturing teachers’ strengths, gently guiding them through challenges, and celebrating every small victory along the way. Let’s dive into this vibrant world together and...]]></description><link>https://sperkins05.wixsite.com/website/post/mastering-instructional-coaching-techniques-for-teachers-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c2ae1ee959cef02a7d3c7b</guid><pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:30:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/914db9_cd41300ff47e4c30aa96d55635e70ab8~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_576,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Sebrina.Perkins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mastering Instructional Coaching Techniques for Teachers]]></title><description><![CDATA[Instructional coaching is like planting a garden where every seed has the potential to bloom into something extraordinary. As someone who has walked the path of both teaching and coaching, I can tell you that mastering instructional coaching techniques is a journey filled with discovery, growth, and a lot of heart. It’s about nurturing teachers’ strengths, gently guiding them through challenges, and celebrating every small victory along the way. Let’s dive into this vibrant world together and...]]></description><link>https://sperkins05.wixsite.com/website/post/mastering-instructional-coaching-techniques-for-teachers</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c2ae9eadda444fefb1a9b2</guid><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:30:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/914db9_cb28ac1b1583438383b2a6b811470d67~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_576,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Sebrina.Perkins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Designing Effective Teacher Wellness Initiatives]]></title><description><![CDATA[Teaching is a beautiful, challenging journey. Every day, we pour our hearts into shaping young minds, often putting our own well-being on the back burner. But what if we could nurture ourselves just as much as we nurture our students? Designing effective teacher wellness initiatives is like planting a garden - with the right care, attention, and tools, it blossoms into a thriving space where educators feel supported, energized, and valued. Let’s explore how to cultivate these programs with...]]></description><link>https://sperkins05.wixsite.com/website/post/designing-effective-teacher-wellness-initiatives</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b979045303a105b06bfb5d</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:30:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/914db9_a87a3bd679894200b9a2ad93e3fd29af~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_576,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Sebrina.Perkins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding Community in Online Teacher Support: Embracing Online Teacher Communities]]></title><description><![CDATA[Teaching is a journey filled with moments of joy, challenge, and endless learning. Yet, it can sometimes feel like walking a winding path alone. That’s where the magic of online teacher communities comes in. These vibrant spaces are like cozy campfires where educators gather to share stories, swap ideas, and find encouragement. I’ve found that connecting with fellow teachers online not only sparks fresh inspiration but also nurtures a sense of belonging that fuels my passion every day. The...]]></description><link>https://sperkins05.wixsite.com/website/post/finding-community-in-online-teacher-support-embracing-online-teacher-communities</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b03dbc709b661fe6334182</guid><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:00:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/914db9_561422b6010a43d18eb7d8fc52ba2d4f~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_576,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Sebrina.Perkins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Teacher Life Balance Tips: Achieving Balance in Teaching and Life]]></title><description><![CDATA[Teaching is a beautiful, rewarding profession, but it can also feel like a juggling act on a tightrope. Between lesson planning, grading, meetings, and personal commitments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I’ve been there, and I know how important it is to find that sweet spot where work and life dance together in harmony. Let’s explore some practical, uplifting ways to achieve balance in teaching and life, so you can thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Embracing the Rhythm: Why...]]></description><link>https://sperkins05.wixsite.com/website/post/teacher-life-balance-tips-achieving-balance-in-teaching-and-life</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699e0592e9360bd69c344e1b</guid><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:55:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/914db9_5e74b06fa9eb44e2b9f4c674e0091d2d~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_576,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Sebrina.Perkins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Practical Teacher Burnout Recovery: Embracing New Energy in the Classroom]]></title><description><![CDATA[Burnout can sneak up on us like a slow fog rolling in on a quiet morning. One day, you’re energized and ready to inspire, and the next, you feel drained, overwhelmed, and questioning your passion. I’ve been there, and I know how tough it can be. But here’s the good news: teacher burnout recovery is not only possible, it can be a journey filled with growth, self-discovery, and renewed joy. Let’s explore some practical, heartwarming solutions that can help us reclaim our spark and thrive again....]]></description><link>https://sperkins05.wixsite.com/website/post/practical-teacher-burnout-recovery-embracing-new-energy-in-the-classroom</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69a8ac5059c2d6395a44e152</guid><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:00:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/914db9_2c2c04db2e5149728fbc5c47ac09a27f~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_576,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Sebrina.Perkins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Real Engagement Looks Like in the ELA Classroom: A Journey to Meaningful Learning]]></title><description><![CDATA[For years, teachers have been told the same thing: If students aren’t engaged, you need to make the lesson more exciting. Add a stronger hook.  Include more movement.  Make it more interactive.  Compete for their attention.  Over time, engagement has quietly become a performance. Teachers feel pressure to keep the room energetic and entertaining, while students learn to associate learning with activity rather than thinking. The result is a cycle that leaves teachers exhausted and students...]]></description><link>https://sperkins05.wixsite.com/website/post/what-real-engagement-looks-like-in-the-ela-classroom</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69ac74193fdd64550e6a4c8e</guid><pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 19:01:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/914db9_f90b457f7a20485bbf5ed206567a1c71~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_464,h_662,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Sebrina.Perkins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[When a Trash Can Feels Like a Funeral]]></title><description><![CDATA[Today I sat in my car. Not the cute “let me take a quick breather before car rider duty” kind of sit. I mean the close the door, stare at the steering wheel, blink back tears, question your entire existence in education  kind of sit. Because something sentimental — something I’ve had since I first stepped into this profession bright-eyed and hopeful — was thrown away. Not misplaced.Not tucked into the wrong drawer.Not borrowed. Thrown. Away. And I didn’t even know until after I searched the...]]></description><link>https://sperkins05.wixsite.com/website/post/when-a-trash-can-feels-like-a-funeral</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69a5f3bbfe2730c04134d95b</guid><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 20:33:29 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Sebrina.Perkins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Creative Teacher New Year Wishes to Inspire and Uplift]]></title><description><![CDATA[As the calendar flips to a fresh page, the air buzzes with new possibilities and bright hopes. It’s the perfect moment to pause and send heartfelt wishes to those who shape minds and nurture dreams - our teachers. Crafting creative New Year wishes for teachers is more than a tradition; it’s a celebration of their dedication and a spark to fuel their passion for the year ahead. Let’s dive into some inspiring ways to express gratitude and encouragement that resonate deeply and spread joy....]]></description><link>https://sperkins05.wixsite.com/website/post/creative-teacher-new-year-wishes-to-inspire-and-uplift</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6995dbd17b02767d86617cf7</guid><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:25:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/914db9_7b0383ae131f48efa5447bf7ea6ccba2~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_576,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Sebrina.Perkins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Empowering Teachers Through Instructional Coaching: Unlocking the Benefits of Instructional Coaching]]></title><description><![CDATA[Teaching is a journey filled with moments of discovery, challenge, and growth. As educators, we often find ourselves navigating the vast ocean of pedagogy, searching for ways to enhance our craft and better serve our students. Instructional coaching is like a lighthouse guiding us through this journey, offering support, insight, and encouragement. Today, I want to share how instructional coaching can empower teachers, illuminate their strengths, and open doors to new possibilities. The...]]></description><link>https://sperkins05.wixsite.com/website/post/empowering-teachers-through-instructional-coaching-unlocking-the-benefits-of-instructional-coaching</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6995dbdbbd1e38a23b7efb7e</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 07:26:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/914db9_e5b37651a1af490cad338afe0d1297b6~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_576,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Sebrina.Perkins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[When Leadership Feels Like Bullying: Protecting Your Mental Health in Difficult School Spaces]]></title><description><![CDATA[No one enters education expecting to protect themselves from leadership. We prepare for lesson plans.  For parent emails.  For state testing.  For student behavior.  For long hours and longer weeks.  We do not prepare for feeling small in staff meetings. Recently, a fellow educator shared that her principal belittles staff, threatens them with evaluations, and uses authority as intimidation. She said something that sat heavy with me:  “I love teaching. I just don’t feel supported where I...]]></description><link>https://sperkins05.wixsite.com/website/post/when-leadership-feels-like-bullying-protecting-your-mental-health-in-difficult-school-spaces</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69989bf8f63bd550f09f6f72</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 17:58:33 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Sebrina.Perkins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Teacher Work-Life Balance Tips: Achieving Balance in Your Teaching Life]]></title><description><![CDATA[Teaching is a beautiful, rewarding journey, but it can also feel like a whirlwind at times. Between lesson planning, grading, meetings, and the endless to-do lists, it’s easy to lose sight of yourself. I’ve been there, feeling like I’m juggling flaming torches while walking a tightrope. But guess what? Achieving balance in your teaching life is not just a dream—it’s absolutely possible! Let’s dive into some practical, uplifting strategies to help you find that sweet spot where work and life...]]></description><link>https://sperkins05.wixsite.com/website/post/teacher-work-life-balance-tips-achieving-balance-in-your-teaching-life</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6972d44093f6d3facb615da9</guid><pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 01:35:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/914db9_a3186947aa984d00a97d272d6323057a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Sebrina.Perkins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Effective Instructional Coaching for Teachers: Techniques That Truly Work]]></title><description><![CDATA[Stepping into the world of instructional coaching feels a bit like tending a garden. You plant seeds of ideas, nurture growth with encouragement, and watch as vibrant learning blossoms. Over the years, I’ve discovered that effective instructional coaching for teachers is not just about sharing tips but about building relationships, fostering trust, and sparking genuine curiosity. Let’s dive into some energizing techniques that can transform coaching sessions into powerful moments of growth!...]]></description><link>https://sperkins05.wixsite.com/website/post/effective-instructional-coaching-for-teachers-techniques-that-truly-work</link><guid isPermaLink="false">698b7fa45ce248ef4486de2d</guid><pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:20:35 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/914db9_d2a5e9cacf8d412d841b2f61ef102065~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Sebrina.Perkins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Top Strategies to Combat Teacher Burnout Effectively]]></title><description><![CDATA[Burnout can sneak up on us like a slow-setting fog, dimming the bright passion that once fueled our classrooms. I’ve been there—feeling drained, overwhelmed, and questioning if I still have what it takes. But here’s the good news: burnout isn’t a dead end. It’s a signal, a nudge to pause, reflect, and recharge. Together, let’s explore some uplifting, practical strategies to combat teacher burnout effectively  and rekindle that spark that makes teaching such a rewarding journey. Recognizing...]]></description><link>https://sperkins05.wixsite.com/website/post/top-strategies-to-combat-teacher-burnout-effectively</link><guid isPermaLink="false">697905ba67f9308d29717432</guid><pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:35:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/914db9_490a7e9c79604a2a8011085a8481ac46~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Sebrina.Perkins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Essential Wellness Programs for Teachers Explained]]></title><description><![CDATA[Teaching is a beautiful journey, but it can also be a whirlwind of challenges. Between lesson planning, grading, and managing classrooms, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why wellness programs designed specifically for educators are like a breath of fresh air—offering support, balance, and a chance to recharge. Today, I want to share some essential wellness programs that can truly transform the teaching experience. Let’s dive in and explore how these programs can nurture your well-being...]]></description><link>https://sperkins05.wixsite.com/website/post/essential-wellness-programs-for-teachers-explained</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69839ec70b2d097f708ba95d</guid><pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:35:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/914db9_503a845c4ec444e8bb8e68be47a23c86~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_576,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Sebrina.Perkins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Snow Days Aren’t a Cure for Burnout]]></title><description><![CDATA[Snow days don’t feel the way they used to. They used to mean quiet. A slow morning. Coffee while watching the snow fall. Your body finally unclenching a little. Now… they feel heavy. Your inbox is full before you’re even fully awake. There’s a “quick check-in.” A reminder to upload something. An unspoken expectation that since you’re home, you’re still on . And somehow, a day that should have felt like relief just feels like school—without the building. That wears on people. Because being...]]></description><link>https://sperkins05.wixsite.com/website/post/snow-days-aren-t-a-cure-for-burnout</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6978d63be9e3448a1cd6b6f3</guid><pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:23:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/914db9_3bbe76b736304bb8b3df1b32139a78de~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_260,h_194,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Sebrina.Perkins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[From Instruction to Insight: Using Wayground to Make Student Thinking Visible]]></title><description><![CDATA[On The Reading Teacher’s Journey, I often reflect on the space between what we teach and what students truly understand. In ELA, that space can feel especially wide. Students may complete an assignment, but their thinking remains hidden until it shows up later—often too late. That’s why I intentionally used Wayground in my classroom to measure student understanding of 6.RI.KID.3. I wasn’t looking for another score to record. I was looking for meaningful data—data that could tell me how...]]></description><link>https://sperkins05.wixsite.com/website/post/from-instruction-to-insight-using-wayground-to-make-student-thinking-visible</link><guid isPermaLink="false">696a6535022bfc82f766d7e7</guid><pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:20:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/914db9_58cbe7f696c544ca9d7df91221f8fd84~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Sebrina.Perkins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A New Semester, A Gentle Reset]]></title><description><![CDATA[Winter break often arrives quietly—but its impact can be powerful. For many teachers, it’s one of the few times in the year when the noise softens: no bells, no lesson plans due at midnight, no constant emotional labor. It’s a pause that allows us to exhale, even if just a little. As we step into a new semester, I want to begin with this simple hope: I hope you took care of your mental health. Not in a picture-perfect, productivity-filled way—but in the way you  needed. Maybe you rested.Maybe...]]></description><link>https://sperkins05.wixsite.com/website/post/a-new-semester-a-gentle-reset</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6957e51f62dea684c2ec0352</guid><pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 15:48:03 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Sebrina.Perkins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[When the Seasons Change: A Heartfelt Message to Teachers Battling Seasonal Depression]]></title><description><![CDATA[This  morning, a teacher friend looked me in the eyes and whispered, “I’m depressed.” Not stressed. Not tired. Not overwhelmed. Depressed. And the truth is… she’s not alone. Across our schools, behind classroom doors and cheerful bulletin boards, so many educators are quietly fighting the same battle. With the time change, colder weather, shorter days, and the nonstop pace of teaching, seasonal depression has a way of creeping in before we even notice. As teachers and educators, in general,...]]></description><link>https://sperkins05.wixsite.com/website/post/when-the-seasons-change-a-heartfelt-message-to-teachers-battling-seasonal-depression</link><guid isPermaLink="false">691dcb18f5cdcb8137dc1509</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:53:58 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Sebrina.Perkins</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>