We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jen Jamē, M.Ed. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jen below.

Jen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

Teacher burnout has led me to seriously considering leaving my teaching career more times than I can count.

Thankfully, there have been numerous pivotal moments in my professional journey that altered my trajectory forever. Various individuals helped guide me away from the brink of burnout.

I can distinctly recall these moments, thanks to specific teachers who either offered a word of advice, demonstrated invaluable lessons through their actions, or served as mentors to me.

Throughout my college years, no one taught me how to navigate teacher burnout or persevere through it. As a rookie teacher, Mr. Hunter sparked a change by posing a simple question: “Why bring work home?” That moment ignited my resilience.

In my second year, Ms. Parra questioned the depth of my grading during our prep time, leading me to reconsider my approach. This shift allowed my students to learn from their mistakes more effectively.

By my fourth year, observing Mrs. Frost’s meticulous classroom preparation inspired me to follow suit. Walking into an organized classroom became my new norm.

Entering my fifth year, I felt confident in my methods until Mr. Hunter, now my co-teacher, showed me a whole new level of authenticity. Witnessing his genuine teaching style taught me that being myself could command respect without sacrificing authenticity.

As I progressed in my teaching career, I assumed roles like lead Freshman teacher and mentor to student teachers, each role marking a turning point.

After twelve years in the classroom, relocating and welcoming my third child prompted a shift. Transitioning to a position at a local college allowed me to teach and mentor aspiring teachers, reinforcing my passion for guiding educators.

Inspired by Roger Gabriel and Deepak Chopra, I pursued certification as a Chopra Meditation™ Instructor, recognizing the value of teaching meditation and mindset to teens and educators.

Furthering my journey, training with Suzy Ashworth in the 6 Phases Transformational Coaching Model enabled me to pursue an ICF (International Coaching Federation), channeling my love for helping others into a transformative practice.

While not everyone realizes their impact on my journey, each person or group played a significant role in shaping my path.
I’m driven to empower teens, teachers, and educational leaders to cultivate a mindset of effortless abundance and rediscover their inner zen.

Jen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Jen, and teaching has been my passion for as long as I can remember. Armed with both a bachelor’s and a master’s in education, I plunged headfirst into this field, pouring my heart, soul, sweat, and tears into every moment. It was truly a journey of dedication and growth. Now, you might wonder, why would someone like me, who lives and breathes teaching, ever contemplate leaving? Let me tell you, the education world isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s more like navigating through a stormy sea, where challenges lurk both inside and outside the classroom. It’s a bit like being thrown into quicksand and being expected to swim. Sounds wild, doesn’t it?
My journey certainly wasn’t a stroll in the park. I began teaching mid-year without a permanent classroom, mentor, or support system. Talk about a trial by fire! But I persevered, learning on the fly, and eventually finding my rhythm. And just when I thought I had it all under control—I embraced motherhood and faced a whole new set of challenges.
But here’s the thing: every obstacle I encountered, I overcame. I switched schools, embraced new roles, and even mentored aspiring teachers. Through it all, I learned the invaluable lesson of resilience and self-advocacy in the teaching profession.
Now, armed with over 15 years of experience and three amazing kids (including a teenager!), I’m on a mission to empower teens, teachers, and educational leaders to rediscover their inner strength and thrive in the face of adversity. Because let’s face it, teening, teaching, and leading is no walk in the park, but with the right mindset and support, we can conquer anything.

On www.jenjame.com, I offer a variety of services that help teens, families, teachers, and educational leaders:

• Personalized coaching for teens, teachers, and educational leaders (one-on-one). Whether students are navigating feelings of confusion and self-worth, teachers are grappling with burnout and imbalance, or educational leaders are striving to inspire and motivate their teams, I am committed to facilitating a transformative journey. Together, we work to streamline productivity, boost confidence, and reignite passion in every aspect of our clients’ lives.

• Primordial Sound Meditation instruction (one-on-one or group)

• Professional Development courses and workshops for educators (for re-certification hours)

• FREE Mindset shift meditations for everyone

• FREE Classroom and mindset hacks for teachers

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Given the nature of my work, aside from training and knowledge, resilience stands out as one of the most crucial qualities for success in my field. Teaching and mentoring can be incredibly rewarding, but they also come with their fair share of challenges. Being able to adapt, persevere, and bounce back from setbacks is essential. To do that, having an optimistic, sovereign mindset is foundational. Additionally, empathy and understanding play a significant role. Building meaningful connections with students, teachers, and educational leaders requires a deep understanding of their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. Ultimately, a combination of integrity, resilience, empathy, and a passion for continuous growth and improvement are invaluable assets in navigating the dynamic landscape of education and mentoring.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Reflecting on my journey, if given the chance to go back, I would still choose the path of education. Despite the trials and tribulations, teaching has been a deeply fulfilling and rewarding experience for me. It has allowed me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others and has become a catalyst for personal growth and professional growth.

While the road may have been rocky at times, the fulfillment of witnessing the progression and success of my students and mentees far outweighs any obstacles encountered along the way. So yes, without hesitation, I would choose this profession again in a heartbeat.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jenjame.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenjenjame
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zenjenjame
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenjame/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zenjenjame
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zenjenjame