If you are like many educators, you have felt how quickly your energy can scatter when your mind is pulled in ten directions. Your energy follows your focus. When your intentions are unclear, your energy leaks. But when your intentions are clear, your energy becomes magnetic—drawing in alignment, peace, and productivity.
The NICE and WAND frameworks remind us that true power is rooted in purpose. You are not just a teacher. You are a vessel for growth and transformation. Your energy, guided by your higher purpose, influences every heart in your classroom.
Good news: you can direct your energy with intention using five simple practices.
These steps include:
- Step 1: Set a Daily Teaching Intention
- Step 2: Create Energy Checkpoints
- Step 3: Visualize Your Ideal Classroom Atmosphere
- Step 4: Clear Your Physical Space
- Step 5: End With Reflection
Let’s look at each step in more detail…
Step 1: Set a Daily Teaching Intention
Many teachers start the day reacting instead of leading. Usually, you can avoid that by choosing an intention before the noise begins. Intention gives your energy a direction.
For example: Before you check messages, ask: “What kind of energy do I want to bring today?” Choose one word—calm, courage, joy, patience, clarity. Write it at the top of your planner and return to it between classes.
Step 2: Create Energy Checkpoints
Even good intentions fade when you never pause. Usually, you can avoid running on autopilot by creating small checkpoints that realign you mid-day. One breath can reset your nervous system.
For example: Pick two checkpoints: after second period and after lunch. At each one, take one deep inhale, longer exhale, and say, “Come back to center.” Then ask, “What does my classroom need from me right now?” and respond from presence.
Step 3: Visualize Your Ideal Classroom Atmosphere
Energy responds to imagination. Usually, you can avoid feeling powerless by seeing the atmosphere you want before you try to create it. Visualization clarifies your leadership.
For example: Close your eyes for 20 seconds and picture your room: students engaged, your voice steady, transitions smooth, a warm tone. Feel it in your body. Then choose one action that supports it—greet at the door, post a clear agenda, or begin with one quiet minute.
Step 4: Clear Your Physical Space
Clutter drains attention and increases stress. Usually, you can avoid energy leaks by keeping your space simple and organized for flow. Your eyes seeing order helps your mind rest.
For example: Use three zones only: Today, This Week, Make-Up/Absent. Clear one surface daily. If you cannot find something in ten seconds, simplify the system so your energy goes to students, not searching.
Step 5: End With Reflection
Without reflection, you repeat patterns unconsciously. Usually, you can avoid wasting energy by ending the day with two simple questions that build awareness and mastery.
For example: Before leaving, ask: “Where did my energy serve me today?” and “Where did I waste it?” Write one sentence for each. Then choose one tweak for tomorrow—one boundary, one pause, or one intention you want to protect.
Your energy is not random. It is a resource you can steward. When you teach with clear intention, your presence strengthens, your classroom steadies, and your work feels more aligned with who you truly are.
I hope that you enjoyed reading this blog post, written especially for you. It was taken straight from my mind and heart as I felt vulnerable to share glimpses of my world with you. The article was polished and meticulously reviewed to make sure it was in the best possible light before it was published so that it may serve you well.
If you’re seeking additional resources or personalized support, feel free to reach out at www.insightfuleducation.org. Together, we can cultivate classrooms where you and your students feel empowered to learn and thrive, which is aligned with the NICE Teacher framework (Nurturing, Integrated, Courageous, and Encouraging).