Zooming In on Avoiding Burnout and Boredom with Phil Januszewski
Outline
Introduction and Podcast Overview
Melissa Milner introduces herself as the host of the Teacher as Podcast, a show aimed at educators.
She mentions that this is the seventh season of the podcast, which releases episodes every other week.
Melissa thanks listeners for their support and encourages them to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts.
She announces that the Career Mentorship Program, major choice, is now sponsoring the podcast.
Phil Janiszewski's Background and Transition
Phil Janiszewski introduces himself as a speaker, teacher, and creator who helps adults avoid burnout and boredom.
He shares his background as a high school chemistry and physics teacher for 20 years.
Phil explains his transition from teaching to professional speaking, noting that August 2025 was his first year not returning to the classroom.
He emphasizes his new mission to help other adults avoid quitting their jobs.
Combating Boredom and Burnout in Teaching
Melissa asks Phil about his experiences with boredom, burnout, and work-life balance as a teacher.
Phil discusses how he combated boredom by changing his teaching focus, moving from chemistry to physics.
He highlights the importance of creativity and new challenges in maintaining enthusiasm for teaching.
Phil shares how he balanced his personal interests, like music and cooking, with his teaching responsibilities to stay energized.
Balancing Personal Interests and Professional Life
Melissa and Phil discuss the importance of integrating personal interests into teaching to avoid burnout.
Phil shares advice from his principal, Deb Boniface, about the importance of setting boundaries and not overworking.
They talk about the benefits of habit stacking and incorporating personal hobbies into teaching.
Phil emphasizes the need for educators to find activities that fill them up and make them more resilient.
Positive Psychology and Its Impact on Teaching
Phil explains his transition to motivational speaking and positive psychology research.
He shares how positive psychology principles helped him stay energized and resilient.
Phil discusses the importance of happiness in achieving success and how it can improve teaching and student learning.
He mentions his certification in positive education and how it has influenced his approach to teaching and speaking.
Supporting Students with Positive Psychology
Phil talks about the positive impact of positive psychology on students, emphasizing the importance of sleep and self-care.
He shares strategies for building connections with students and helping them feel valued and accepted.
Phil discusses the role of trusted adults in supporting students' well-being and academic success.
He highlights the importance of addressing basic needs and fostering a positive school environment.
Advice for Educators and Administrators
Phil offers advice for educators on finding activities that fill them up and integrating them into their daily routines.
He emphasizes the importance of giving and sharing natural gifts and talents with students and colleagues.
Phil advises administrators to honor the challenges teachers face and provide support and communication.
He suggests that acknowledging the tough aspects of the job can help teachers feel seen and valued.
Phil's Personal Interests and Musical Preferences
Melissa and Phil discuss their shared interest in music and Phil's background as a drummer and wedding DJ.
Phil shares his love for aggressive metal music and his favorite bands, including System of a Down and Slipknot.
They talk about their experiences attending concerts and their mutual appreciation for music.
Phil expresses his excitement about connecting with Melissa through their shared passion for music.
Conclusion and Contact Information
Melissa thanks Phil for sharing his insights and experiences on the podcast.
She provides information on how to reach out to Phil for speaking engagements and further resources.
Phil encourages educators to reach out to him for high-energy, humorous, and empowering keynotes.
Melissa wraps up the episode, encouraging listeners to visit her website for transcripts and resources.