Episode 17:
Teacher-Life Balance
iTalks 17: Teacher-Life Balance
Danessa and Joseph Barr
February 2022
The podcast intro music was composed by Jayden Acker, an 8th grader at Southwood Academy of the Arts.
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Episode Resources:
Danessa Barr is the principal of Varennes Elementary in Anderson School District Five. Mrs. Barr began her journey at Varennes in January 2021. She previously served as Assistant Principal at Nevitt Forest Elementary. She also taught 5th-grade and served as Instructional Facilitator during her tenure at Nevitt Forest. Mrs. Barr is married to Joseph Barr. He works for BHG as a Director of the Spartanburg Facility. His work is focused on Addiction and Recovery for almost 10 years. Together they have one son, Jaxon, and a dog, Cinnamon.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Click Below to read the articles/blogs/letters from or to Teacher Spouses.
"It’s more than a job. It’s a calling. A way to make the world a better place at a fundamental, actionable level. And I feel lucky to see it happen on a daily basis."
"At the end of the day, we need and want you more than anything or anyone — to be our rock, supporter, listener, around-the-house helper, and biggest fan. We will never get that anywhere else, and if you can just hold on to the end of May, we promise we will make it up to you."
"And when you think too hard about it, you can’t decide if you want to burst into tears at the heaviness of it or burst into a beaming smile of pride."
*This article was mentioned in this episode.
Let us help you balance...
NAMI-SC
NAMI's mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals and for their families by promoting the availability of effective services and resources, through education, support, and advocacy. NAMI’s educational programs, support groups, and resources are available to you at the national, state, and local levels. We invite you to navigate their website and see what services are most suitable for your needs.
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The Barr's Best
Danessa and Joe's List of Binge-Worthy TV to watch together
QUOTABLES from this Episode
"When you see somebody walking in their purpose, walking in their passion you want to support them. I know she will put in that 110% and be at school until six in the evening. I understand, I love it, but at the same yes, you get a little bit sad." - Joseph Barr
"Just have real authentic conversations. ...I really have to take heed to what he [Joe] is saying. I think okay, we are going to have to find a balance because home life is important. If I can't be 100% for my household, how can I expect to be 100% for a school?" - Danessa Barr
" I would encourage any spouse, who's in a relationship, marriage, or partnership with a person in the education field to take care of yourself because being in this field, the field of education, it is so tough. It's such a serious occupation that it would be selfish if I wasn't empathetic or just prepared when she comes home to have a listening ear." - Joseph Barr
"It doesn't take me sacrificing my family to be a successful educator." - Danessa Barr
