The excitement of a new school year is real—but by September, the emails, meetings, student needs, parent concerns, and daily demands can start adding up. If your energy already feels different than it did on day one, you're not alone.

In this episode of The Energy Bus for Schools Podcast, Dr. Jim Van Allan shares practical ways for teachers, principals, and school leaders to protect their energy, recognize what's draining their tank, and intentionally refuel before the school year starts feeling heavy. Positive school culture doesn't require pretending everything is perfect. It starts with recognizing where you are, focusing on what you can control, and bringing positive energy to the people around you.

In this episode:

• Why the "September Slump" is worth paying attention to
• The difference between caring and carrying
• Why you shouldn't give a five-minute problem five hours of your energy
• Three questions for conducting a simple Energy Audit
• Small ways educators can intentionally refuel during the school day
• Why school leaders should pay attention to the "fuel gauges" of their staff
• The One-Person Challenge to help refuel someone on your team this week

What's fueling you? What's draining you? What can you do about it?

Protect your energy, help fuel the people around you, and keep the bus moving.

Learn more about The Energy Bus for Schools program at www.EnergyBusForSchools.com and connect with Dr. Jim Van Allan at Jim@JonGordon.com