Joyfully Uplifting Ourselves and Others: How to Lead Effectively in Early Childhood Education - Paperback

by Teresa A. Byington (Author), Danielle Pertile (Author), Charmika Hansen (Author)

As more and more early childhood educators struggle with stress and burnout, program leaders play a critical role in nurturing positivity, encouragement, and professional growth. With this essential new guide, administrators, coaches, and other leaders will create a more joyful and uplifting culture that elevates morale, reduces staff turnover, and builds a stronger workforce to help children thrive.

Concise, reader-friendly, and packed with instantly useful tips, this book is an affordable source of practical guidance on supporting staff mental healthâ "one of todayâ (TM)s most important topics in early childhood education. Through ready-to-implement strategies, real-life stories, activities and discussion questions, and a helpful blueprint for advocacy, youâ (TM)ll discover the keys to joyful leadership that benefits educators, children, and families alike.

LEARN HOW TO:

• Infuse micro-acts of joy into your daily work as a leader
• Create a more playful workplace culture to energize staff and inspire innovation
• Practice self-compassion and self-care to strengthen yourself for the challenges of your job
• Design calming and inviting staff spaces where educators can collaborate, relax, and recharge
• Use trauma-sensitive strategies with staff members who need extra care and support
• Build authentic relationships that reinforce your connections with staff, children, and families
• Intentionally uplift and engage families to help strengthen child outcomes

PRACTICAL FEATURES: Vivid, detailed case stories in every chapter â [ Real-world strategies and small uplifting actions you can try right now â [ Discussion questions for book studies or individual use â [ Thought-provoking activities and space for written reflections â [ A blueprint for national advocacy for joyful leadership

Author Biography

Teresa A. Byington, Ph.D., Professor, University of Nevada, Reno Extension Dr. Teresa A. Byington is a joyful Professor of Early Childhood Education at the University of Nevada, Reno. With over 20 years of experience as an educator, researcher, leader, and trainer across diverse educational sectors, she brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to her work. Teresa is the author of several books, including Find the Joyful Leader Within and Lose the Lecture: Engaging Approaches to Early Childhood Professional Learning, which focus on cultivating joyful leadership and dynamic professional learning practices. Her work celebrates the transformative power of joy in education and invites readers to reimagine how they can positively impact others.

Danielle C. Pertile, M.Ed., Early Childhood Education Coordinator, University of Nevada, Reno Extension Danielle Pertile is the Early Childhood Education Coordinator at the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, where she leads the Spiral Up Academy training and coaching program designed to support and uplift new professionals entering the field of early childhood education. With over 20 years of experience, Danielleâ (TM)s career has included roles as a family camp counselor, nanny, toddler and preschool classroom teacher, early intervention developmental specialist, and now, trainer and coach. She holds a bachelorâ (TM)s degree in early childhood education and a masterâ (TM)s degree in early childhood special education with an emphasis on infant/toddler development, both from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Charmika Hansen, M.Ed., Early Childhood Education Coordinator, University of Nevada, Reno Extension Charmika â oeMika⠝ Hansen is an Early Childhood Education Coordinator with the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, where she has supported Nevadaâ (TM)s early childhood workforce through coaching, mentoring, and dynamic professional development. With over 20 years of direct experience as a teacher, center director, trainer, community specialist, and training designer, Mika is passionate about uplifting educators and improving the quality of care and education for young children across Nevada. In her current role, Mika specializes in developing high-quality training content for online platforms, in-person workshops, and virtual learning sessions. She holds a masterâ (TM)s degree in early childhood education and lives in Las Vegas with her two children, Tahoe and Sierra, and their goldendoodle, Jarvis. Mikaâ (TM)s greatest joy is empowering others to grow, thrive, and create spaces where everyone feels valued and uplifted.

Geraldine (Gigi) Wynn M.A. SPED., Early Childhood Education Coordinator, University of Nevada, Reno Extension Geraldine (Gigi) Wynn is an inspiring Early Childhood Education Coordinator at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she supports and motivates the early childhood workforce through professional development, strength-based coaching sessions, and mentorship. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked as an early childhood teacher, assistant director, center director, QRIS coach, early childhood coach, leader, and professional development trainer across the United States. Gigi has transitioned from student to candidate as she continues pursuing her PhD in Organizational Development and Leadership, with an emphasis on training and E- Learning. Her passion lies at the center of supporting people and is a beacon of light for all to be their best selves.