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From Burnout to Breakthrough: How Positive Psychology is Rewiring Classrooms with Phil Januszewski
Season 2 Episode 13
📘 Episodic Synopsis
In this episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing and Education, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with high-energy science teacher and motivational speaker Phil Januszewski. Known for his tattooed arms and contagious positivity, Phil shares how he blends chemistry instruction with principles of positive psychology to create a classroom culture rooted in connection, resilience, and gratitude. From burnout prevention to brain-based learning hacks, this is a must-listen for any aspiring educator—especially those wondering how to bring humanity into even the densest academic subjects.
📝 Show Notes (Key Highlights & Takeaways)
- Meet Phil Januszewski: A 20-year veteran chemistry teacher and founder of the Positive Growth Lounge.
- Science Meets Soul: How positive psychology and gratitude practices are embedded into STEM education.
- The Gratitude Quiz Experiment: Phil’s simple intervention that improved test performance and classroom morale.
- Combatting Burnout: Why teachers must schedule joy into their routines and know their personal "-ers" (e.g. baker, father, reader).
- Teaching from Love, Not Martyrdom: How accountability and empathy can coexist in the classroom.
- Quiz Rewrites That Actually Work: Phil’s unique grading system that rewards progress, not perfection.
- Positive Growth Lounge: A virtual educator space to recharge and reconnect with purpose.
- Message to New Teachers: You can thrive in this field, but only if you take care of yourself first.
- Real Talk from Joey: A personal story of connection with his own chemistry teacher, and what it means to be seen.
✅ Referenced Resources:
- 📘 Shawn Achor – Big Potential https://www.amazon.com/Big-Potential-Transforming-Achievement-Happiness/dp/1524761532
- 🎤 Rita Pierson – Every Kid Needs a Champion (TED Talk) https://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champion
- 🔗 Connect with Phil Januszewski on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/philjanuszewski/
- 🌐 Official Website https://philjanuszewski.com/
- 🧠 Positive Growth Lounge – Educator Membership Info https://philjanuszewski.com/educator-membership
Published on 1 month ago