Modern Classrooms Project

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Committing to Your 40-Hour Work Week

Welcome to the Modern Classrooms Project Podcast. Each week we bring you discussions with educators on how they use blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning to better serve their learners. In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by Desirae Núñez, an expert Modern Classrooms educator deeply inspired by the work of Angela Watson, who shares about shifting the mindset around workload to find a better balance.

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This episode delves into Desirae’s takeaways from Angela Watson’s work on the 40-hour work week, emphasizing its transformative effect on both professionaln and personal life. Desirae encourages educators to differentiate between required work and "hobby work," recognizing the importance of prioritization to avoid burnout.

Here are three key takeaways from this podcast episode:

  • Balanced Work Week: Desirae highlights the positive influence of adhering to a 40-hour work week, fostering a healthier work-life balance for educators. Desirae reminds our listeners, "Our work never ends, so just stop. You could just pick it up tomorrow, it's fine."

  • Self-Aware Prioritization: Desirae shared the concept of "hobby work,” urging educators to be mindful of tasks that they enjoy doing, but don’t make a meaningful impact on student learning or their overall workload. By being aware of the difference in the types of work we undertake, we can prevent unnecessary stress and enhance overall well-being. Desirae cites the Eisenhower Matrix as a powerful tool to support prioritization.

  • Modeling Healthy Habits: Desirae stresses the role of educators in modeling positive habits for students, exemplifying a balanced life and mindful decision-making. Toni Rose states, "It's not selfish to take care of yourself." Get yourself a planner that supports you in making goals, intentions, and reflections for your year.

Throughout the episode, Toni Rose and Desirae explore practical self-care strategies beyond leisure activities, emphasizing the need for choices aligned with genuine joy. Desirae envisions revamping math units, showcasing a commitment to continuous professional growth, and contemplates a coaching role, embodying the spirit of lifelong learning.

Discussion questions for PLC and PD: 

  • How can educators differentiate between required work and "hobby work" to ensure a more balanced and sustainable workload? Share specific strategies or practices that have helped you prioritize tasks effectively.

  • In the podcast, Desirae emphasizes the importance of modeling healthy habits for students. How do you currently model work-life balance and well-being in your classroom? Are there specific habits or practices you've found effective in influencing your students positively?

  • The concept of a 40-hour work week is discussed as a means to promote well-being. Reflect on your current work hours and practices. How might adopting a structured 40-hour work week positively impact your professional and personal life? Share any challenges you anticipate and potential solutions.


Our Host

Toni Rose Deanon taught MS English for 10 years and will forever identify as a teacher. Toni Rose strives to be the teacher that they never had growing up, so they focus on anti-bias, anti-racist work and want to create a brave space for everyone around them. As a queer Filipinx, they understand just how important it is to be represented, be valued, and belong. They especially love being a thought partner for and celebrating teachers.


Our Guest: Desirae Núñez


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