Embracing Your Sparkle: How Authenticity and Joy Transform Your Teaching
Welcome to a deep dive into one of the most inspiring episodes of "The Flip Side," the motivational podcast for teachers from the Get Your Teach On conference. This episode features Hannah Steele, an eighth-grade math teacher at Scintilla Charter Academy in Valdosta, Georgia, and a first-time presenter at the conference. Hannah’s journey, teaching philosophy, and actionable advice offer a powerful reminder: your authenticity is your superpower in the classroom.
If you’re a teacher feeling the weight of expectations, struggling to maintain your joy, or searching for ways to reconnect with your students and yourself, this post is for you. Let’s break down the main themes and actionable tips from Hannah’s conversation, so you can reignite your passion and show up as your best self, sparkle and all!
The Power of Authenticity in Teaching
One of the most resonant themes from Hannah’s interview is the importance of authenticity. Too often, teachers are told to fit into a mold be quieter, more serious, less “sparkly.” Hannah’s story of being told, “I don’t want to see you smile before Christmas,” is a familiar refrain for many educators. But as she discovered, trying to be someone else only leads to burnout and disconnection.
“If you’ve lost your sparkle, it’s probably because you’ve lost yourself.”
— Hannah Steele
Authenticity isn’t just about being loud or outgoing. It’s about showing up as your true self, whether you’re bubbly and energetic or calm and nurturing. When you teach from a place of authenticity, you create a classroom environment where students feel safe, seen, and inspired to be themselves, too.
Reclaiming Your Sparkle: Why Joy Matters
Hannah describes her “sparkle” as the unique energy and joy she brings to teaching. This isn’t just a feel-good concept,it’s a critical factor in teacher effectiveness and student engagement.
Joy is contagious. When you’re excited about teaching, your students pick up on that energy.
Authenticity builds trust. Students are more likely to connect with you and take academic risks when they sense you’re genuine.
Protecting your joy is an act of self-care. It helps you avoid burnout and keeps you motivated, even on tough days.
“Once you figure out how to steal that joy back, hold it close, shut your door, and teach your kids, that’s freedom.”
— Hannah Steele
Actionable Tips for Teachers: How to Show Up Authentically
Let’s break down the practical, in-depth advice Hannah shares for teachers who want to reclaim their joy and teach authentically.
1. Leave Your Desk Behind: Be a Learner With Your Students
Hannah’s #1 actionable tip:
“Leave your desk behind. I don’t mean just circulate around the room. I mean literally go sit beside a student in their desk. If they’re doing a worksheet, do it with them. If they’re taking a test, take it with them. Be a learner alongside your students.”
Why This Works:
Breaks down barriers: Sitting with students signals that you’re on their team, not just an authority figure.
Models lifelong learning: When students see you grappling with problems, they learn that struggle is part of the process.
Builds relationships: Shared experiences foster trust and rapport.
How to Implement:
Pick a student each day to sit with during independent work.
Join group activities as a participant, not just a facilitator.
Ask students to teach you something they know—flip the script!
Pro Tip:
Don’t worry about “losing control” by leaving your desk. The presence you bring to students’ sides is far more powerful than any command from the front of the room.
2. Own Your Sparkle. Unapologetically
Hannah’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing your quirks, humor, and unique teaching style.
“Some people don’t know how to take the sparkle, but that’s not my problem. I can’t stop shining just because it makes someone else uncomfortable.”
Why This Matters:
Authenticity is magnetic: Students (and colleagues) are drawn to teachers who are real.
You can’t sustain a persona: Trying to be someone you’re not leads to exhaustion and resentment.
Your sparkle is your superpower: It’s what makes your teaching memorable and effective.
How to Implement:
Identify your “sparkle”: What makes you unique? Humor, creativity, empathy, energy?
Lean into it: Use your strengths to create engaging lessons and classroom rituals.
Ignore the naysayers: Not everyone will “get” you and that’s okay.
Pro Tip:
If you’re not sure what your sparkle is, ask your students! Their feedback is often the most honest and insightful.
3. Protect Your Joy and Set Boundaries
Hannah shares that reclaiming joy sometimes means shutting your door—literally and figuratively.
“People will always try to make you less than. But once you figure out how to steal that joy back, hold it close, shut your door, and teach your kids, that’s freedom.”
Why This Matters:
External pressures are real: From admin to colleagues to parents, everyone has opinions.
You know your students best: Trust your professional judgment.
Boundaries prevent burnout: Protecting your energy is essential for longevity in teaching.
How to Implement:
Set clear boundaries around your time and energy.
Say no to initiatives or requests that don’t align with your values or your students’ needs.
Create rituals that help you reset and recharge with music, meditation, or even a silly classroom character.
Pro Tip:
Find a “joy anthem” (like Hannah’s “Steal Back Your Joy”) to remind yourself why you teach and to reset your mindset when needed.
4. Build Community and Find Your People
The Get Your Teach On conference is a powerful example of the magic that happens when teachers come together as their authentic selves.
“This is the most genuinely beautiful place in the world for teachers… people dancing with their phones down, just enjoying being with friends. This is what it’s about.”
Why This Matters:
Teaching can be isolating: Community combats loneliness and recharges your spirit.
Diverse voices inspire growth: Seeing different teaching styles helps you refine your own.
Support systems matter: Find colleagues who celebrate your sparkle, not dim it.
How to Implement:
Attend conferences or workshops (in-person or virtual) to connect with like-minded educators.
Join online communities (like Hannah’s @HanukkahTheLoudTeacher on TikTok/Instagram).
Start a teacher lunch group or after-school club to share wins and challenges.
Pro Tip:
If you can’t find your people at your school, look online! The teacher community is vast and welcoming.
5. Celebrate Your Unique Teaching Style
You don’t have to be loud, bubbly, or “extra” to be effective. The key is to find what works for you and your students.
“You don’t have to be loud and sparkly to find success. It’s about finding what works for you and what makes you happy. Happier teachers help kids learn better.”
Why This Matters:
There’s no single right way to teach; diversity in teaching styles benefits students.
Comparison is the thief of joy: Focus on your growth, not others’ highlight reels.
Confidence is contagious: When you’re comfortable in your own skin, students feel it.
How to Implement:
Reflect on your strengths and how they show up in your classroom.
Try new things, but don’t force what doesn’t feel authentic.
Celebrate small wins your unique approach is making a difference!
Pro Tip:
Ask students for feedback on what they enjoy most about your class. Their answers will often affirm your unique impact.
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