Jessica Johnson - Balance Like a Pirate: Going beyond Work-Life Balance to Ignite Passion and Thrive as an Educator

I am a firm believer that one of the most effective Tier 1 interventions for every student is a healthy adult. If you have any desire to make an impact in your role as an educator and to do so in a way that is sustainable, you owe it to yourself to read Balance Like a Pirate. Jessica Cabeen, Jessica Johnson, and Sarah Johnson draw from rich personal experience to lay out a practical roadmap to sustainability through the Four Quadrants of Balance.

Adam L. Saenz, PhD, DMin, psychologist, consultant, author of The Power of a Teacher

For years, educators have struggled with the demands of the job trying to be everything to everyone, often resulting in unproductive guilt. In Balance Like a Pirate, authors Jessica Cabeen, Jessica Johnson, and Sarah Johnson honor our diverse roles as a teacher, principal, parent, friend, wife and husband, etc. The book is filled with ideas, personal stories, practical experiences, and thoughts for honoring our unique situations throughout various points in our work, giving us permission to take care of ourselves first. Pause, take a deep breath, and allow yourself to ease into this book to refresh your mind and soul so you can bring your best to every role.

Jimmy Casas, educator, speaker, author of Culturize

In Balance Like a Pirate, Jessica Cabeen, Jessica Johnson, and Sarah Johnson give phenomenal insight to navigating the busy demands of the life of an educator. They share practical, easy to implement strategies along with a big dose of inspiration and motivation. I highly recommend this book and know that I will reference it often in the years ahead.

Beth Houf, proud principal of Fulton Middle School, coauthor of Lead Like a PIRATE

Balance Like a Pirate is one of the most refreshing books Ive read in a long time. This message is always important, but in our 24/7 lives and careers, its more important than ever. Cabeen, Johnson, and Johnson do a wonderful job balancing practical information with their own personal stories. They really draw you into the book, and the practical advice already has me thinking about my own balancing act. All three of these authors do a wonderful job of helping the reader to analyze their own life, to see where a change can be made, and to always remember that our professional learning network is vital to help us through those hard times. Balance Like a Pirate is a must read!

Adam Welcome, educator, author, speaker, marathoner

Balance Like a Pirate is a must read for all educators. Deeply rooted in research-based methods and mindfulness practices, these incredible leaders provide honest, real-life examples with practical solutions that can be implemented immediately to help even the most burnt-out educators rediscover their passion while living their best life. Balance Like a Pirate wont just change your mindset, it will change your life.

Ashley Denisen, @ashley_denisen, educator, Minnesota

Balance Like a Pirate is an important book for all educatorsprofessionals who too often are overworked and overstressed. This book moves beyond platitudes and, instead, offers keen insights, resources, personal stories, and action steps for moving beyond work-life balance and simply doing a better job at life-balance. This book is written by three highly respected educators who share their own struggles with balancing personal, professional, passion, and positional responsibilities as well as their solutions for overcoming such struggles. If you serve as an educator in any role, you must read this book. It will resonate with you and rejuvenate you. Get ready to set sail on a journey you will not soon forget and which you will want to return to often as a way to serve your students, colleagues, friends, and family members more passionately.

Jeffrey Zoul, EdD, author, speaker, leadership coach, and president of ConnectEDD

Balance Like a Pirate is easy to read, relevant, and impactful! Being an educational professional and parent today is hard and often leads to burnout. Jessica Cabeen, Jessica Johnson, and Sarah Johnson challenge you to reflect on your practices and provide essential tips and tricks to find cohesion in the four main quadrants of your life. I will continually go back to Balance Like a Pirate when I need inspiration, motivation and ideas to find stability my own life.

Katie Keller, instructional coach, Austin Public Schools, Austin Minnesota

Balance Like a Pirate invites you on a journey to rediscover yourself as a person, as an educator, and as a leader. Jessica J., Jessica C., and Sarah share with great vulnerability and authenticity their personal narratives, challenges, and successes, to help others strengthen their practice, reflection, and to reclaim their lives in the continuing process of balancing work and life. They will engage you with enthusiasm and ignite your soul to keep following your dreams, to be present, and to never forget yourself in the process. In the continuing quest for balance, these amazing women, mothers, and leaders will capture your heart and passion for education, will remind you of your why, and will become your mentors to leading a happy and balanced life.

Roman Nowak, teacher/student success leader/agent of transformation, CSDCEO, Ontario, Canada

Theres no time like the present. Balance Like a Pirate is authentic and simply keeps it real. Whether you are struggling to find that work-life balance personally or professionally, whether you are now starting a journey, midway through it, or nearing the end of it, the stories shared are relatable to all. If you are finally ready to make a change and steer your ship in the right direction, get ready to set sail with Balance Like a Pirate. As you know, you must put on your oxygen mask first before you can save anyone else, so get ready to learn how to breathe.

Onica L. Mayers (@O_L_Mayers), lead learner, Principal of the Year 2017