In the demanding world of education, burnout can feel inevitable—but it doesn’t have to be. This two-part series* with national thought leader Dr. Katie Cunningham is designed to help educators reconnect with their purpose, build practical strategies for sustaining well-being, and create joyful, supportive environments for both staff and students.
Building on the foundation from Part 1, this session focuses on the sustainability of instructional leadership. In the face of increasing demands, it’s critical for educators to cultivate practices that support long-term energy, well-being, and connection. Through guided reflection and collaborative planning, participants will examine what drives burnout, identify personal and professional boundaries, and explore systems that foster joy and resilience. The goal is to help leaders model sustainable practices and create environments where both staff and students can thrive.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- Reflect on personal energy, boundaries, and leadership habits that impact well-being.
- Assess current school practices through a lens of sustainability and staff morale.
- Design or refine systems that promote joy, connection, and team resilience.
- Develop an action plan to lead with balance and support a thriving school culture.
Facilitator: Dr. Katie Cunningham
*Note: Collaborative members will use ONE Thought Leaders Series (TL) seat to attend this two-part series.

