Sometimes Surviving the Season is the Success

Welcome to a special recap and deep dive inspired by a powerful episode of The Flip Side podcast from Get Your Teach On, featuring host [Stephanie Higgs] and the inspiring Stephanie Hicks—a gifted educator and differentiation coach from Nashville, Tennessee. Recorded live at the national conference in Orlando, this episode is a must-listen for any educator who’s ever felt the sting of a lesson gone wrong, the weight of self-doubt, or the pressure to be “perfect” in the classroom.

In this post, we’ll break down the main themes and actionable strategies from the episode, offering encouragement, expert advice, and practical tools to help you not just survive, but thrive—even when things don’t go as planned.

The Reality of Teaching: Lessons Flop—And That’s Okay!

Let’s start with a truth every educator knows but rarely says out loud: sometimes, lessons flop. Even the most experienced teachers—yes, even those presenting at national conferences—have days when things just don’t go as planned.

Why does this happen?

Every class is different, and what works for one group may not work for another.

External factors (student mood, school events, your own energy) can impact engagement.

Innovation and risk-taking are essential for growth, but they come with the possibility of failure.

Key Takeaway:  

Flopped lessons are not a sign of failure—they’re a sign that you’re trying, innovating, and pushing yourself to grow.

Feedback vs. “Feed Smack”: How to Grow Without Losing Heart

Stephanie Hicks introduced a crucial distinction: feedback vs. “feed smack.”

Feedback** is constructive, actionable, and focused on growth.

Feed smack** is criticism that stings but doesn’t help you improve.

How to Handle Feedback:

Pause and Breathe:** Don’t react immediately. Give yourself space to process.

Separate the Message from the Messenger:** Not all feedback is about you as a person.

Look for Actionable Points:** What can you actually change or improve?

Let Go of “Feed Smack”:** If it’s not helpful, don’t internalize it.

Expert Insight:  

Teaching is deeply personal. It’s easy to take feedback to heart, but remember: you are more than one lesson, one observation, or one comment.

Reflection: Celebrate Wins and Embrace Growth

Reflection is a double-edged sword. It can lead to improvement, but it can also spiral into self-criticism if you’re not careful.

Stephanie’s Approach:

Celebrate What Went Well:** Before diving into what to fix, acknowledge your successes.

Identify Growth Areas:** Be honest, but not harsh, about what you’d change next time.

Recognize Your Progress:** Growth is a journey, not a destination.

Actionable Steps:

After each lesson, jot down:

  2 things that went well

  1 thing you’d like to improve

Share reflections with a trusted colleague or mentor for perspective.

Encouragement:  

Reflection isn’t about finding flaws—it’s about finding opportunities. Every “flop” is a stepping stone to mastery.

Self-Compassion: Give Yourself the Grace You Give Your Students

Educators are experts at giving grace—to students, colleagues, and families. But when it comes to themselves? Not so much.

Stephanie’s Advice:

Talk to Yourself Like a Friend:** Would you berate your best friend for a tough day? Of course not.

Acknowledge Your Humanity:** You’re allowed to have off days.

Therapy and Support:** Seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Practical Tip:  

When negative self-talk creeps in, ask: “Would I say this to a friend?” If not, reframe it.

Surviving the Season IS Success: Mental Health and Sustainable Self-Care

One of the most powerful moments in the episode was Stephanie’s vulnerability about her own mental health journey. Her chosen quote, “Sometimes surviving the season is the success,” is a rallying cry for educators everywhere.

What Does This Mean?

Not every season will be about thriving—sometimes, just making it through is a victory.

The “picture-perfect” teacher on the outside may be struggling on the inside.

It’s okay to ask for help, set boundaries, and prioritize your well-being.

Sustainable Self-Care:

Self-care isn’t a checklist.** It’s about finding what truly replenishes you.

Pay Yourself First:** Like financial advice, invest in your own well-being before pouring into others.

Types of Self-Care:** Emotional, mental, physical, and social. Identify which you need most in each season.

Expert Insight:  

Self-care should never be another item on your to-do list to “perfect.” It’s about sustainability, not performance.

The 5-5-5 Rule: Managing Emotional Energy

Stephanie shared a brilliant tool for emotional regulation: the 5-5-5 Rule.

How It Works:

When faced with a challenge or negative emotion, ask:

  Will this matter in 5 minutes?

  Will this matter in 5 days?

  Will this matter in 5 years?

Respond Accordingly:**

  If it’s a 5-minute issue, allow yourself to feel it briefly, then move on.

  If it’s a 5-day issue, give it more attention and problem-solving.

  If it’s a 5-year issue, consider seeking deeper support or reflection.

Why It’s Powerful:

Prevents burnout by helping you prioritize emotional energy.

Validates your feelings without letting every issue become overwhelming.

Actionable Advice:

Use this rule with colleagues and students to help them process challenges.

Write the 5-5-5 questions on a sticky note as a daily reminder.

Practical Strategies for Tough Moments

1. Squeeze Your Toes

When you feel tears coming on at school, squeeze your toes inside your shoes.

Your body can’t process crying and toe-squeezing at the same time—this simple trick can help you hold it together in the moment.

2. Schedule Your Emotions

If you can’t process your feelings immediately (e.g., before a big presentation), give yourself permission to feel them later.

Example: “At 6:45 tonight, I’ll find a quiet space and let myself cry.”

3. Perspective on Negative Feedback

Remember the “Subpar Parks” example: not all criticism is valid or worth your energy.

Some feedback is just noise—focus on what truly matters.

4. Connect with Community

Teaching can be isolating, especially in specialized roles. Find or create your own support network (like Stephanie’s “Little Miss Gifted” community).

Share resources, vent, and celebrate together.

Final Encouragement: You Are Not Alone

Every educator faces tough seasons, flopped lessons, and moments of doubt. What matters most is how you respond—with self-compassion, reflection, and a commitment to growth.

Remember:

Surviving is sometimes the greatest success.

Give yourself the same grace you give your students.

Seek support, set boundaries, and invest in your own well-being.

Every day is a new opportunity to try again.

Connect with Stephanie:  

Instagram: @LittleMissGifted

Email: LittleMissGiftedTeacher@gmail.com

You are making a difference. You are enough. And you are never alone on this journey.

Want more inspiration and actionable advice?  

Subscribe to The Flip Side podcast for weekly motivation, real talk, and a community that gets it. Your work matters—keep flipping the script and changing lives!