Progress Over Perfection: Healthy Teaching Habits for Middle School Educators (Ep. 99)

Описание: Have you ever scrapped a lesson because it didn’t feel “good enough”? Stayed late tweaking slides no one will notice? Or held yourself to standards you’d never expect from another teacher? If so, you’re not alone.

In this episode of The Teaching Toolbox Podcast, we unpack how perfectionism shows up in middle school classrooms and the toll it takes on teachers. Whether it looks like procrastination, over-planning, comparison, or burnout, perfectionism can drain your time, energy, and confidence.

We break down practical mindset shifts and routines that help teachers move toward sustainable, purposeful work, without sacrificing quality or care.

Here’s what we discuss:
• How perfectionism shows up in lesson planning, grading, and daily routines
• The difference between excellence and unreachable standards
• Why middle school teachers often feel pressure to “get everything right”
• How comparison (in school or online) feeds unrealistic expectations
• Mindset shifts that prioritize purpose
• Time boundaries that prevent overworking
• How to embrace “version 1” thinking and model healthy risk-taking
• Setting realistic focus areas each week
• Using successes folders, reflection, and small wins to stay grounded
• Why students remember connection — not perfection

If perfectionism has ever stolen your time or joy, this episode gives you language, support, and strategies to take some of that pressure off your shoulders.

👉 Subscribe for more middle school teaching tips, classroom strategies, and teacher time-saving ideas.

👉 Check out our YouTube channels for more teaching tips: ‪@coloradoclassroom‬ ‪@CognitiveCardioMath‬ ​