Exploring Purpose Driven Education Ep. 118

May 28, 2025 by Inspired Together Teachers Leave a Comment

Season 8 Episode 118

Check out this episode to hear our sometimes controversial, sometimes edgy discussion of purpose driven education.

Show Notes:

Episode Summary:

Have you ever watched a TED talk that left you dying to talk to someone else about it?

Last week our guest was Ted X speaker Nick Marmolejo. His Ted talk, Are Schools Destroying Purpose, gave us plenty of fuel for further conversation. Today, we’re exploring purpose driven education.

If you haven’t yet listened to our interview, no worries, feel free to jump into today’s podcast and we’ll link to last week’s episode below.

In this episode:

The following is a recap of key points in the episode. It is not a word-for-word show transcript. For the best experience, we always recommend listening to the episode where we share addition stories and examples.

Recap/ Introduction:

Last week our guest on the podcast, was Nick Marmolejo, who talked about purpose driven education. We talked about some of the ideas in his TEDx Talk, Are Schools Destroying Purpose. There is a lot to unpack there, and we want to extend that conversation with our own thoughts and insights today.

The Definition of Purpose

Let’s start by talking about the definition of purpose as it connects to education. It is not necessarily what you might think of as purpose is finding your passion, for example, what you want to do with your life.

That is a pretty big expectation for students, and though they can certainly think about their passions, they aren’t necessarily going to find their passion in third grade.

Nick said the he thinks purpose is using the best of your talents to help or serve others and in ways that we find personally fulfilling .

We also discuss purpose in terms of understand why you are doing things-how learning connects to value in your life. So for example, why you need to be able to add money or write a paragraph with supporting ideas. Purpose is in understanding the value of something in a larger context. When you have purpose, you do things not just just for compliance, but because you understand why you should do something, you see the bigger picture.

Purpose is the reason, the justification, the “why.” It is having an understanding of the reason for doing something, the connection to a greater end game.

However we describe it, we are clear that purpose means that you see a bigger picture.

Examples of Purpose in School:

We share examples about teaching students to count money. When students understand the purpose, they are often excited to learn and become more engaged.

Examples of Purpose in Teachers:

Nick referred to “purpose driven teachers” which is such an important phrase. Purposeful teachers are confident. They see a bigger picture in what they are doing every day, they know they are not just giving students information. They connect the dots and bring that purpose into their work with students.

We connected this idea to Backwards Design, when you start with the end goal in mind, you see the steps that will get you to that end goal.

Teachers need to stay conected to their bigger purpose. Schools are busy and there are a lot of conflicting priorities. It is easy to get disconnected and lose sight of your bigger purpose. It is easy to start to question, Who am I? Why am I even here? Disconnection with purpose leads to overwhelm and burn-out.

It is not the teaacher’s fault, but school systems, with their many priorities and conflicting demands are not helping teachers stay connected to the work they believe in and know they can do. For example, they want teachers to be their best and use their best skills and then they also prescribe a curriculum and demand that it is used with fidelity, even going so far as teachers’ manuals that tell teachers exactly what to say. Those goals are at odds with each other.

The Power of Teachers as Role Models

Teachers want to build good relationships with students and help make a difference in students lives. That is deeply connected to their purpose. It is why they became educators.

We talked about two examples of teachers who are role models.

Mr. Feeney, from the television show Boy Meets World is a major character in the show. He is more than a teacher, often guiding the students to be their best. Nick said that Mr. Feeney was also a role model for him as a young boy.

Another example is the science teacher who taught Temple Grandin. Temple Grandin has Autism, and many teachers wrote her off, determining that she would never be able to succeed. Her high school science teacher saw things differenlty and encouraged her. Temple went on to be a success, designing systems for cattle treatment that are humane. She is also a professional speaker and author who encourages teachers to see the best of students, rather than their limitations.

What is the purpose of school?

Nick says that he’s asked hundreds of principals and school leaders, what is the purpose of school, and he gets all kinds of different answers. That is fascinating to us. It seems like in order to do a good job at educating people, we ought to understand what the purpose of that education is. How is it possible that we get this so wrong or that it is so confused?

Nick talked about Purpose leading to Priority then to Productivity (in that order). However, he said schools focus on Productivity. This was a light bulb moment. It is similar to CSA in math (concrete, semi-concrete, abstract). There is a progress which is needed to understand the purpose. If you skip the first steps, people walk through the motions without really understanding. If you learn 2+2 is 4 but don’t understand that abstract concept, it is like focusing on productivity without understanding the purpose.

In an ideal world, we would start with purpose. Knowing our purpose would lead to setting our priorities. Once we set priorities, it would lead to productivity- the day to day steps and activities we need to do. However, schools are very productivity driven, and purpose and prioties can get lost along the way.

When we start without purpose, activities can become meaningless. We give examples of phonics drills, middle school students attitudes and learning high school geometry. If we just work on the skills, without building an understanding of how or why to use the skills, students just see it as busy work and become unengaged.

Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose

We discuss how the idea of purpose aligns with one of our favorite books, Drive by Daniel Pink. According to Pink, motivation requires three things: autonomy, mastery and purpose.

We need some autonomy in how and what we are doing.

We need to believe that we can master something worth mastering or something that we care about. If we know we will never be able to succeed, motivation disappears.

The third requirment is purpose. Without purpose, we find apathy and disengagement.

Finding Purpose Driven Education

We end by discussing how we need to have conversations around the purpose of school. If you look at particular problems in your school, how might purpose be at the heart of it? What might be missing?

Conclusion:

Nick Marmolejo gave us a lot to think about in our discussion on the last podcast episode and also in his TEDx talk. His take on purpose driven education is a conversation that might make some people have to stop and think about how they would answer the question, “What is the purpose of school?” He surely made us think and grow. We hope he did the same for you. If you have not yet listened to our interview with him, you will definitely want to skip back one episode and listen.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Purpose of Education with Nick Marmolejo

TED x with Nick Marmolejo Are Schools Destroying Purpose?

Connect with the Inspired Together Teachers Community:

Website: https:www.inspiredtogetherteachers.com

Instagram: Inspired-Together-Teachers

Facebook: Inspired Together Teachers

Inspired Together Teachers Network Facebook Group

Linked In: Inspired Together Learning

More About Inspired Together Teachers:

Are you a teacher struggling to balance your best work with your best life?

If you are dedicated and caring but often overwhelmed and exhausted, join us at Inspired Together Teachers. We’ll give you inspiration, strategies and tips that help you navigate life’s challenges as a stronger, more confident, and more joy filled person, both in and out of the classroom.

Inspired Together Teachers will give you practical tools to experience more of what matters most in your life.

Co-hosts Paula Schmidt and Michele Vosberg are award winning educators with the experience and skills to help teachers thrive in life and work. They’ve taught at all levels, worked with thousands of teachers, and conducted workshops around the world. They are also the authors of the #1 best-selling book The Inspired Teachers Journal: A Weekly Guide to Becoming Your Best Self.

Paula and Michele would love to have you to join them on their quest to live inspired lives.

The Purpose of Education with Nick Marmolejo Ep. 117

May 21, 2025 by Inspired Together Teachers Leave a Comment

Season 8 Episode 117

Check out this episode as we talk about the purpose of education and how there is a missing link that could make all the difference for both teacher and student fulfillment.

Show Notes:

Episode Summary:

Do you want to feel more motivated, more engaged in life and more excited about your job and your life? Do you want your students to feel more motivated, engaged and excited about not only school but their lives? We all want success, for ourselves and for our students.

According to today’s guest, Nick Marmolejo, there is a missing link that could make all the difference.

Nick Marmolejo, an award-winning educator who works with superintendents and workforce development directors to speak on mental health, career readiness, and school turnaround.

He also the author of a soon to be released children’s book, Where’s My Compass. He’s got a lot to say about what might be missing in schools today.

Stay tuned and listen in as we talk about the purpose of education.

In this episode:

This is not a word -for – word transcript. Here we highlight some of the key topics of discussion. We recommend listening to the full podcast episode for the best experience.

Introduction:

Today’s guest is Nick Marm0lejo, an award-winning educator who works with superintendents and workforce development directors to speak on mental health, career readiness, and school turnaround. He also the author of a soon to be released children’s book, Where’s My Compass.

Michele: I met Nick on Linked in, and quickly realized that we share a philosophy of education that goes beyond content, curriculum, and assessments. Nick challenges the status quo of our K-12 education system and its impact on the workforce. I see him as someone who thinks differently, and also someone who understands big ideas and how they intersect for the betterment of the entire person.

Welcome to the podcast Nick!

Opening question:

Nick, tell us about yourself and your journey to where you are today.

Nick shared his journey from mentoring high school seniors to joining Teach for America and becoming an educator.
He taught in Texas and Washington, eventually moving into leadership roles before transitioning to speaking engagements.
Nick emphasized his purpose of helping others succeed by connecting them with resources and knowledge.

Discussion topics:

We teased in the introduction to the missing link, and that missing link is purpose. Your TED talk is entitled Are Schools Destroying Purpose?

Can you talk about what you mean when you use the world purpose?

Nick discussed the concept of purpose, distinguishing it from passion and emphasizing its role in fulfilling work.
Purpose is defined as using one’s best skills to serve others, which is more sustainable than passion alone. It is not a job, it is what you find fulfilling.
Nick’s TED Talk questions whether schools are destroying purpose by focusing too much on productivity rather than purpose-driven education.

What drew you to making the conclusion that schools might be destroying purpose?

Many people, not just educators, are feeling unfulfilled in their work.
Nick described how he asked many educators, including superintendents to describe the purpose of school. This highlighted the difficulty in defining the purpose of school, noting varied responses from people. It seems that no one really agrees on the purpose of school.
Schools often focus is on productivity rather than purpose-driven education and helping students find meaning.

Challenges in Education

Nick, Michele and Paula discussed the conflicting priorities in education, such as content delivery versus preparing students for life and work. If you chase two rabbits, you can’t catch either one. Teachers want to be purposeful and do the work they know matters, but they are torn with many conflicting priorities.
Nick proposed simplifying educational priorities to focus on purpose, then priority, and then productivity, inspired by the book The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan.
Most schools are so focused on the productivity side that purpose gets lost. This leads to compliance and doing things you don’t understand for unknown reasons.

Solutions for Purpose-Driven Education

Nick suggested asking students and teachers about the problems they want to solve as a way to focus on purpose.
He advocated for involving families in the educational process in a way that helps them feel involved and empowered.
Of course we need to address systemic issues like funding and policy constraints.
Nick emphasized the importance of creating environments where lifelong learning is prioritized and supported. This is important for both students and teachers.

Vision for Education

Nick envisioned a less stressful educational environment where students and teachers are motivated and engaged.
He hopes for a resurgence of veteran teachers to mentor younger educators and contribute to a positive school culture.
The ultimate goal is to create schools that foster lifelong learning and personal development for both students and teachers.

If you walked into a school you have never been in, how long would it take you to know whether or not it was a good school?

Paula said 2 minutes, Nick said 10 and Michele said 15-20.
We discussed how you know if a school is good and it came down to how students are treated, the expectations for students and the “feel.” What feeling do you get?
What is the goal for these kids. Is the goal for them to feel wanted, to feel needed, to feel like they are part of a greater purpose?
You can recognize that there is truly a greater purpose. They are learning something to contribute to the world versus it is just a compliance -you sit still while I open your heads, dump knowledge in.
In quality schools, purpose is very evident as in a focus on life-long learning. Life-long learning is the axiom.

Mr. Feeney and Temple Grandin, and Teachers who Make a Difference:

Nick gave examples of powerful teachers who modeled learning and helped students find purpose. These include one of his teachers, Mr. Feeney from Boy Meets World, and Temple Grandin.
Teachers are role models. Students are looking for guidance.
Helping students is a part of most teachers’ purpose. They want to guide students.
With the exit of so many teachers, especially veteran teachers retiring or choosing other roles, we’ve lost some of that mentoring of students. Nick wants all of these teachers who are committed to the profession, to feel supported in doing the mentoring of students work that they do so well and is so meaningful. Teachers want to fulfill this role, but they need more time for this.
School has become all about delivering the test, passing the test, raising the scores, and everybody forgets about the stuff that is really important. We need to remember that teachers can do much more that teach content.

Key Takeaways

Nick emphasized that the purpose of school is to create lifelong learners and to support teachers in maintaining their passion for education.
Nick has said that your mission is to create the largest collective of purpose-driven educators in the world so we can bridge the gaps between school and work. We would take that one step further- it isn’t just work it is LIFE. This aligns with the goals on Inspired Together Teachers.
If we had purpose infused in schools, it would be less stressful for everyone. Students would be more likely to show up. Teachers would be morefulfilled, and those who have left might even return to the classroom.

Conclusion:

Nick: I would say that the purpose of school is quite simply to create lifelong learners. And our biggest priority is really to get out of the way of kids from learning, where to stay out of their way, essentially, and not to mess things up too much.

And for educators, it’s kind of the same, right? Teachers have walked into the classroom, some have committed to it for a lifetime. And our job is to not extinguish that flame for them.

And so I would just remind families, parents, teachers, superintendents, our whole point is to create lifelong learners in a place where we all want to show up.

Find Nick:

Listen to Nicjk’s TEDxTalk on Your Tube here.

You can also find Nick on Linked In.

Recap:Available Tools

The episode has so much more discussion of big issues in education. We hope you will listen in and let us know your ideas!

Quote:

The key to purposeful education is asking and answering this question:

What’s the problem that you would like to help others solve?

Nick Marmolejo

Inspired Together Teachers Network Facebook Group

Linked In: Inspired Together Learning

More About Inspired Together Teachers:

Are you a teacher struggling to balance your best work with your best life?

Inspired Together Teachers will give you practical tools to experience more of what matters most in your life.

Paula and Michele would love to have you to join them on their quest to live inspired lives.

Mindful Education: Creating Calm in a Chaotic World Ep. 116

May 14, 2025 by Inspired Together Teachers Leave a Comment

Season 8 Episode 116

Check out this episode as we recap our take aways from episode 115 Mindfulness is Magic with Molly Shreiber. We talk about resilience, breathing, core values and much more!

Show Notes:

Episode Summary:

Have you ever had a good conversation with someone and really wanted to talk to someone else about it?

Last week we talked with Molly Schreiber of Challenge to Change, Inc. about mindful education. There were so many good ideas, that today we are extending our conversation and sharing our take aways and key insights.

In this episode we discuss the power of resilience, breathing, aligning to core values, presence, transformation and teacher impact. If you’re looking for less stress and more calmness in your life, this episode is for you.

Whether or not you’ve listed to last week’s episode yet, please join us today because we are exploring mindfulness education, something that can help every teacher both in the classroom and at home.

In this episode:

This is not a word for word transcript. Here we share some highlights. For the best experience, please listen to the show where we tell stories and give more examples.

Recap of last week’s episode:

Last week our guest on the podcast was Molly Schreiber, CEO of Challenge to Change, Incorporated.

Challenge to Change is an organization dedicated to teaching Mindful Education. Molly shared her personal journey, which is an inspiring story of resilience. She also shared strategies for teachers to incorporate mindfulness in classrooms. There is a growing awareness to mindfulness in education, which aligns with other current areas of focus such as trauma informed education and social and emotional learning.

Today, we are extending that conversation by adding in our own insights and examples.

Podcast discussion topics:

The Power of Resilience

Molly’s story as an example of the power of resilience. Left with three young children after the death of her young husband, she had a choice, roll over and cry and just give up or turn her experience into something powerful.

It’s a reminder of the power of resilience. It is easy to give up. It is easy to close your eyes and shut out the negative things in the world. It is easy to look for excuses for why something isn’t working out for you or why something can’t happen.

Molly’s pain led to her movement to bring mindful education to schools. It is a powerful example of experiencing something horrific, and being able to deal with it and move on in a positive way. It is the definition of resilience.

What Molly was doing was setting the tone. We’ve often talked about how it is in our power to set the tone. Molly’s action set the tone for her children and eventually for hundreds of other teachers and students. She was leading by example and teaching others to lead by example.

The Power of Breathing

Molly spoke of breathing as a free and resourceful tool. So often we forget what a resource our breath is for us.

Molly started going to yoga, just for an hour break from her three babies and discovered the breathing in yoga was calming her and ultimately changing her, helping her feel more in control.

When we become unregulated, which is another topic she discussed, our bodies are in such a fight or flight mode we aren’t even considering the power of deep breathing. For example, imagine yourself in a dark scary alley. What happens to your breathing?

When we are dysregulated, even if the threat is perceived and not real, our breathing changes. Staying in that hyperalert bodily change for too long is how we get into chronic stress.

When we become unregulated, and our bodies are in a flight or flight mode, we can get back into control by breathing.

Molly also gave examples of how she discusses breathing with students and teaches them to breathe intentionally.

Raising Happy, Healthy, Safe Kids

Molly said her noble goal is “raising happy, healthy, safe kids who make the world around them better than they found it.”

Many teachers can relate to that idea. Most of us went into education to help students and that is usually what is keeping us in the field.

We want to acknowledge some of the things teachers are doing that align with that goal.

Seeing kids for who they are and helping them grow
Recognizing individual potential and helping students seeing it
Being a sounding board for students who need a safe place to talk
Helping students to deal with big emotions in positive ways
Service learning projects
Helping students to understand people of all different backgrounds so that there is more understanding and less fear in the world
Teaching them to love learning so they will continue to grow throughout their life

All of these are things good teachers do; they are integral to good teaching. It is part of a teacher’s integrity- what is integral to you and the things that you value.

When Your Core Values are Rocked, You Feel Unregulated

Molly talked about the KCG model (know yourself, choose yourself and give of your yourself). She talked about bringing it back to your core values.

This is a discussion we have had on the podcast. We’ve read and followed noted educator Parker Palmer for years. We can connect the discussion of core values with Parker Palmer, whom we admire greatly in his work on teacher integrity- staying true to what is “integral” to you. He is essentially saying that as teachers we need to stick to our core values. When we feel things are “off” it is usually because we are compromising something that is “integral” to us, one of our core values is compromised.

We’ve done core values exercises at our workshops. There is a relationship between feeling stress and being out of alignment with things you feel are important. When your purpose is compromised, you will feel uncomfortable and likely, stressed.

Here is a challenge, if you have not identified your core values (which are likely the same across your work and home life) take the time to do it. It will explain a lot about what in your work and home life make you comfortable or uncomfortable.

Being Inside Your Body

Molly realizing that parents and teachers were busier and busier in anxious and stressed and that their feelings would trickle down to children.

When you feel that stress in your body, you need a way to let it out. You need to get back into your body and learn to release that stress. If you don’t release the stress, you will feel more and more hurt or stress in your body. Your body will eventually yell at you!

How can we be more present in our own bodies? And how can we be more present in this world that we live in? You need to pay attention to your body. That’s where mindfulness comes in.

Mindfulness is Magic

“Mindfulness is magic.” This was a direct quote from Molly. She talked about mindfulness being transformative. We agree which is why we have given it so much attention, directly or indirectly, on this podcast. Transformation and magic are something we all want in our life. By being more mindful and by teaching kids to be more mindful, we can transform.

One common response is, ” I don’t have time for mindfulness. I’m too busy.” The more that you say that, the more that you probably need it! The idea of being centered is good for you both mentally and physically.

When you think you don’t have time for mindfulness, think about a few minutes rather than hours. You can find a few minutes in your day to stop and breathe deeply. You can have a mantra, such as ” I am calm, I am at peace” and allow yourself to say it in the car after school before you drive home. You can find a few minutes to listen to a relaxation meditation for five minutes before you fall asleep.

You can find free resources on Molly’s website, https://www.challengetochangeinc.com/

Conclusion:

Mindfulness is a great practice for students and teachers. If you haven’t already listened to last week’s episode, it’s not too late, the link is below.

Quote:

You often feel tired, not because you’ve done too much, but because you’ve done too little of what sparks light in you.”

Alexander den Hejer

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Molly has many resources for teachers on her website www.challengetochangeinc.com

Related Episodes/Blog Posts:

Episode 115 Mindfulness is Magic with Molly Schreiber

Episode 9 You Set the Tone

Episode 7 Prevent, Eliminate and Reduce Stress

Send me the free guide!

Connect with the Inspired Together Teachers Community:

Website: https:www.inspiredtogetherteachers.com

Instagram: Inspired-Together-Teachers

Facebook: Inspired Together Teachers

Inspired Together Teachers Network Facebook Group

Linked In: Inspired Together Learning

More About Inspired Together Teachers:

Are you a teacher struggling to balance your best work with your best life?

Inspired Together Teachers will give you practical tools to experience more of what matters most in your life.

Paula and Michele would love to have you to join them on their quest to live inspired lives.

Mindfulness is Magic with Molly Schreiber Ep.115

May 7, 2025 by Inspired Together Teachers 1 Comment

Season 8 Episode 115

Check out this episode as we discuss the power of resilience, how breathing changes stress and increases your control, why mindfulness is magic, and why you don’t want to disconnect from your core values!

Show Notes:

Episode Summary:

If you are like most teachers, you struggle to juggle it all. Your to-do list is long, and there are hundreds of things competing for your attention. It’s no wonder that many of us feel overwhelmed and exhausted.

Join us today as we welcome our Guest Molly Shreiber, former teacher and owner of Challenge to Change Incorporated, which empowers teachers and students to live mindfully and embrace health, happiness, and a positive mindset.

In our discussion we talk about the power of resilience, the importance of breathing, mindful education, and how disconnecting from our core values causes dysregulation.

Don’t miss this powerful episode as Molly shares why she believes mindfulness is magic!

In this episode:

This is a summary of the key things we discussed in the show, not a word-by-word transcript of the show. for the best experience, we encourage you to listen to the episode.

Introduction to guest:

We are delighted to welcome our guest, Molly Schreiber. Molly is a former elementary school teacher in Dubuque, Iowa. In addition to a Master’s Degree in Education from Western Illinois University, Molly is an E-RYT 500 yoga instructor, a Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher, and a certified sound healer.

Molly’s heart has always been in education, and working with students and school personnel remains at the core of her mission. Molly is CEO of Challenge to Change Incorporated, which offers teachers a variety of ways to implement mindfulness education into their schools and classrooms.

Challenge to Change holds a core belief: the power to change and create a fulfilling life resides within us. That is also a core belief of ours at Inspired Together Teachers. We are delighted to welcome Molly to the Inspired Together Teachers Podcast.

Discussion topics:

Molly’s Powerful Story of Finding Mindfulness, Being Present, and Her Breath

We begin the show by inviting Molly to share her personal story, and what caused her to start her company. It is a heartbreaking story, but also a story of resilience. Molly shares how she first started with yoga, and how she began to understand the power of breathwork and mindfulness and how it was making her a better person. She also shares the tragedy of the death of her young husband and how in a minute, everything in the world changed.

She developed her goal of raising healthy, happy children. She needed to recreate her entire life.

Molly returned to her job as a first grade teacher. She found a missing link in education, people were so much more hurried and anxious and needed some kind of relief. Texting was becoming more and more prevalent. She realized that the emotions and feelings of the adults were bound to trickle down to children.

Molly then created her company, Challenge to Change, Inc. They work with over 216 schools with mindfulness education. They are also working in workplaces, trauma facilities, and juvenile deliquency centers.

Molly discusses the need for mindfulness tools to help us to keep coming back to ourselves. Tools like breath work and visualization will help us to keep regulated.

Using Simple Mindfulness Education Practices That Have Big Impact

We often talk about living with intention on this podcast. We call it The Inspired Life. The idea that change comes from within is a powerful one. You’ve said that it isn’t something we find externally—it is a choice we make every day.

Understanding that we have choices in how we act and react can be transformative.

Molly gives examples of how teachers can make small choices that could have big impact in their lives.

She says the number one tool is our breath. We can learn to use an anchor breath to help us control ourselves. She describes how they teach this to students and how teachers can teach it to their students. Molly calls breath the greatest technology we have.

Another example is a “yoga nap”, where they put eye pillows on the students eyes and they listen to a story that relates to a lesson they’re taught or a tool they have been taught. It is a way to help regulate their energy. There are free resources for this on Molly’s website www.challengetochangeinc.com. We’ve also linked to it below.

Mindfulness Practices for Teachers

Molly is a Mom with active children as well as a successful business owner, author, and podcaster. She understands what it means to be busy. In her advice for teachers, she offers the idea that you need to know who you are and what is important to you, and what your core values are. When you become disconnected from your core values, you become dysregulated. Dysregulation leads to many emotions and feeling and even has impacts on our bodies. Stress is one example.

Molly shares the 6 Seconds in Emotional Intelligence model as a model they use. This model incorporates KCG- know, choose, give.

The first step is “K”, knowing. We have over 70,000 thoughts a day, and the human default is to notice the negative. When you really know yourself and your core values, those negative ideas won’t rock you so much. You can stay regulated when you are living your core values, you understand and control your feelings. The emotions won’t take you down a negative road or create neural pathways that are negative and which then connect you to negative patterns.

The “C’ is making healthy choices. For example, we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with. The people we hold closest to us affect how we act and think. What is the nature of your interactions with others? What is your “lounge talk” and how can you make the choices that are healthy for you?

“G” is giving of yourself. Who are the people you really want to give to? Who are the people in the different roles in your life? Who do you want to be closest to you? Are those the people who are getting the most energy? How do you want to give of yourself to others in a way that is healthy for you?

One of the best things teachers can do is to take a pause, or take a step back and pull yourself out of a situation for a minute. It is simple, but allows you to stay regulated.

Another good idea is to keep a gratitude journal, or just simply write down what you are grateful for each day. Gratefulness practices keep you focused on the positive things in your life.

Mindfulness is Magic.

If people would walk away with one main idea from today, what would you want that idea to be?

Molly’s suggestion for the one thing she would most like the audience to take away from this discussion is “mindfulness is magic.” It can help teachers and students. She shares examples of how students used mindfulness strategies to deescalate and self-regulate.

Conclusion:

Molly’s website has many free activities and links to useful resources. She also has videos on You Tube and on all of the social media channels.We have linked to those below.

Recap:

Mindfulness has an important positive role in helping teachers and students. Mindfulness doesn’t have to take a lot of time or cost a lot of money. Simple things such as being present, breathing, and learning to take a pause can help you avoid dysregulation. Understanding exactly who you are and being in alignment with your core values is also important because when you stay connected to yourself, it is easier to make the choices that will keep you healthy.

Quote:

” Mindfulness is magic.”

Molly Schreiber

Related Episodes/Blog Posts:

The Inspired Together Teachers Podcast Episode 7 Prevent, Eliminate and Reduce Stress

The Inspired Together Teachers Podcast Episode 26 Who Influences You?

The Inspired Together Teachers Podcast Episode 47 Creating Your Life’s Vision

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Website: https://www.challengetochangeinc.com/

Email: molly@challengetochangeinc.com

You Tube: Challenge to Change Inc.

Tik Tok: Challenge to Change, Inc.

Instagram and Facebook: Challenge to Change Inc

Would you like less stress and more joy in your life? We’ve got something new for you and it’s free!

Send me the free guide!

Connect with the Inspired Together Teachers Community:

Website: https:www.inspiredtogetherteachers.com

Instagram: Inspired-Together-Teachers

Facebook: Inspired Together Teachers

Inspired Together Teachers Network Facebook Group

Linked In: Inspired Together Learning

More About Inspired Together Teachers:

Are you a teacher struggling to balance your best work with your best life?

Inspired Together Teachers will give you practical tools to experience more of what matters most in your life.

Paula and Michele would love to have you to join them on their quest to live inspired lives.

Living With, Working With, and Loving Enneagram Type 9 Ep. 114

April 30, 2025 by Inspired Together Teachers Leave a Comment

Season 7 Epsiode 114

Listen to this episode to learn more about the relaxed, peace loving Enneagram Type 9. Couldn’t we all use a little less conflict and more peace in our lives?

Show Notes:

Episode Summary:

Here’s a hint for today’s episode…the person who is easy-going, nice, and that doesn’t cause you any trouble, is easy to take for granted. If you do so however, you may miss out on the gifts they bring and the opportunity to help them to grow into the best version of themselves.

Today we’re talking about Enneagram Type 9. Stay tuned to find out more about the peaceful and adaptable type 9.

In this episode:

The following notes are not a complete transcript of the episode. On the podcast, we often discuss examples and share stories to illustrate specific points. For the best experience, please listen to the podcast.

Introduction:

We have a lot to talk about today as we share an Enneagram type we know well.

We’ll share up front that we are both married to type nines! We have a lot of experience and understanding with this type and we’re excited to share type nine with you today on our last episode in this Enneagram series.

This episode is the last in our Enneagram series, where we have broken down all the 9 types. If you haven’t yet listened, we recommend listening to our other episodes which can be found on our website at inspiredtogetherteachers or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Before we begin, some general cautions:

Whether or not you know your type, we recommend that you listen to the episodes for each type. You may recognize yourself, but you will also recognize these patterns in others. The Enneagram is used for personal growth and transformation, but its power also is in the better understanding others. Understand the patterns of all of the types opens the door to better relationships and better supporting people who know, love, or teach.

We don’t recommend trying to type others, especially children who are still forming their behavior patterns. We can’t always type others, because we don’t always know the motivation behind what they do, and your motivations are key to your Enneagram patterns. What we CAN do is look at behaviors and things they say and those give us clues as to how to best understand a person and build better relationships with them.

Always remember that we are more than our type. This is just one way of looking at an entire person.

There is a saying that all theories are wrong and yet some are useful. We think this is very useful.

Patterns of Enneagram Type 9

Think of the people you know, your friends, family, colleagues, and students you teach.

Here are the patterns, behaviors, or phrases you may see that are typical Enneagram Type 9 patterns:

Nines are easygoing, relaxed and non- confrontational.
Type Nines will often not express their wants or needs or opinions; they like to go with the flow and do what everyone else wants.
Nines are accepting and can easily work with others and get along with others.
Nines are adaptable, patient, compassionate, and supportive of others.
Nines dislike conflict and will go to great lengths to prevent it.
They often make good mediators and will help solve problems to avoid conflicts.
Nines will concede to others, and go along with others. When they dismiss their own needs, they may become stubborn or angry.
At their worst, nines can check-out, becoming indecisive, uninvolved, slothful, or undisciplined.

Tips and Strategies for Working Effectively with people who exhibit Enneagram Type 9 patterns:

Let’s give some examples of type nine patterns and how you can best work with them or support them.

Our first example is a school example.

Your teaching partner, we’ll call her Liz, is a type 9. She is an easy person to work with. Everyone in the school gets along well with her. Students like her and she likes them and works well with them. She also gets along with parents.

Liz is sometimes quiet, and she doesn’t often offer her opinion at faculty or team meetings. She will ask what everyone else wants to do and then go along with them. She rarely disagrees or tries to change anything. On the down side, she is very stuck to her routines and can be stubborn about changing something. When others disagree, she will jump in and try to find common ground.

As much as you love working with Liz, sometimes you wish she would offer her ideas or suggestions. Often, she goes along with everyone else, but she is starting to feel resentful and even a bit angry about the decisions that are made.

Here is another example, this time from a personal situation.

Your ten -year -old son, Ben, is an agreeable, chill guy. He is generally happy with whatever you plan and rarely causes any problems. Ever since he was a baby, everyone noticed what an easy child he is.

Ben is very compliant in school and gets good report cards. He has friends and has never gotten in trouble. What’s the problem?

You’ve noticed that Ben doesn’t really challenge himself. He does what is asked, but not more. He also doesn’t assert himself. When asked what he wants to eat for his birthday dinner, he replies with, “ I don’t care, whatever you want.” When he chooses a game to play on family game night and his sister suddenly demands that everyone play a different game, he is quick to let her choose the game.

You want your son to have some agency and eventually create his own life based on his dreams and desires, rather than just go with the flow and fall into whatever is in front of him.

Let’s look at a couple of examples to best work with Enneagram Type 9s.

Take time to ask their opinion and listen to their response. Let them know that you really do what their opinion.
Find out what their needs, desires, and dreams are and ask them how you can support them in accomplishing those things.
Nines are body types, which means they lead with the gut. They can benefit from physical activity such as working out or spending time doing something active.
Nines may need help setting boundaries for themselves so they don’t allow others to always makes their decisions, lead them, or set their priorities.
Encourage them to talk about their anger so they don’t blow up or melt-down.
Nines fear loss or separation from others, help them to understand that you accept them, that they matter to you.

Strengths and Challenges and Opportunities for Growth:

Strengths:

Easy going
Stable
Accepting and adaptable
Good mediator
Peaceful

Challenges:

Indecisive
Unassertive
Numbed-out
Stubborn
Passive- aggressive

Opportunities for growth:

Ask yourself what you want and need.
Take intentional, focused action on your priorities.
Learn to set boundaries for yourself.
Let your ideas and opinions be known.
Learn to live with conflict.
Understand that you can be loved even if you disagree with someone or something.

Conclusion:

Like all types, Nines have many strengths and challenges. Understanding their patterns and motivations can help you to better work with, live with, love and teach those with Enneagram Type 9 patterns.

Recap:

We need Enneagram Type 9’s in our lives. They remind us to slow down, to relax, and to let go of conflicts. They bring peace and acceptance to a world that desperately needs those gifts.

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Paula and Michele would love to have you to join them on their quest to live inspired lives.

Season 8 Episode 118

Check out this episode to hear our sometimes controversial, sometimes edgy discussion of purpose driven education.

Show Notes:

Episode Summary:

In this episode:

Recap/ Introduction:

The Definition of Purpose

Examples of Purpose in School:

Examples of Purpose in Teachers:

The Power of Teachers as Role Models

What is the purpose of school?

Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose

Finding Purpose Driven Education

Conclusion:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Connect with the Inspired Together Teachers Community:

More About Inspired Together Teachers:

Share this:

Check out this episode as we talk about the purpose of education and how there is a missing link that could make all the difference for both teacher and student fulfillment.

Show Notes:

Episode Summary:

In this episode:

Introduction:

Opening question:

Discussion topics:

Challenges in Education

Solutions for Purpose-Driven Education

Vision for Education

Mr. Feeney and Temple Grandin, and Teachers who Make a Difference:

Key Takeaways

Conclusion:

Find Nick:

Recap:Available Tools

Quote:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Related Episodes/Blog Posts:

Connect with the Inspired Together Teachers Community:

More About Inspired Together Teachers:

Share this:

Season 8 Episode 116

Show Notes:

Episode Summary:

In this episode:

Recap of last week’s episode:

Podcast discussion topics:

The Power of Resilience

The Power of Breathing

Raising Happy, Healthy, Safe Kids

When Your Core Values are Rocked, You Feel Unregulated

Being Inside Your Body

Mindfulness is Magic

Conclusion:

Quote:

Related Episodes/Blog Posts:

Connect with the Inspired Together Teachers Community:

More About Inspired Together Teachers:

Share this:

Season 8 Episode 115

Show Notes:

Episode Summary:

In this episode:

Introduction to guest:

Discussion topics:

Molly’s Powerful Story of Finding Mindfulness, Being Present, and Her Breath

Using Simple Mindfulness Education Practices That Have Big Impact

Mindfulness Practices for Teachers

Mindfulness is Magic.

Conclusion:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Would you like less stress and more joy in your life? We’ve got something new for you and it’s free!

More About Inspired Together Teachers:

Share this:

Listen to this episode to learn more about the relaxed, peace loving Enneagram Type 9. Couldn’t we all use a little less conflict and more peace in our lives?

Show Notes:

Episode Summary:

In this episode:

Introduction:

Before we begin, some general cautions:

Patterns of Enneagram Type 9

Here are the patterns, behaviors, or phrases you may see that are typical Enneagram Type 9 patterns: