What Are You Pouring Into Others?

Aug 4

S.N.A.P. Coaching Framework

About the S.N.A.P. Method™ : The S.N.A.P. Method™ is a reflective framework created for teachers navigating the real world.

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt…” — Colossians 4:6

The Story

I still remember the advice I got in my first year of teaching: “Stay out of the teacher’s lounge.”

At the time, it felt unnecessary, even a little dramatic. But years later, I realize how that simple piece of wisdom protected my heart and focus.

As a new teacher, I often felt out of the loop. I didn’t hear the latest updates or staff changes until long after others did. That didn’t mean I was disengaged. I was just intentional. My focus was squarely on the students in my care, their loco parentis. I chose to stay centered on purpose, not politics.

Honestly?
I made that decision because I watched what was happening around me.

I saw planning periods filled with complaints rather than creativity.
I saw hallway huddles turn into gossip instead of words of encouragement.
I kept hearing the same frustrations every week, with no solutions in sight.

It wasn’t just the words that concerned me.
It was the tone.
The energy.
The climate.

The Climate We Create

Whether we realize it or not, we are all climate shapers.

Our conversations set the emotional tone of our classrooms, hallways, and buildings, and we often forget one key element: new teachers. They’re listening closely.

Every sigh. Every sarcastic jab. Every whispered complaint is forming the way they see this profession. If all they hear is bitterness, burnout, and blame, it won’t take long for their hope to dry up.

They don’t just need guidance, they need guardians of culture.

This is where the S.N.A.P. Method™ helps us shift the climate on purpose.

Using S.N.A.P. in the Lounge, the Hallway, and the PLC

STOP
Pause before you unload. Ask:
Is what I’m about to say helpful or harmful? Is this fueling growth or feeding frustration?

NOTICE
Look around.
Who’s within earshot?
Is a new teacher listening and forming their mindset based on what is being said?

ACT
Act intentionally.
Shift the atmosphere.
Can I share a strategy I tried this week? Offer support instead of sarcasm?

PLAN
Plan your words like you plan your lessons.
Create a safe space where solutions are louder than complaints. Be the climate you want to see.

Guarding the Atmosphere

We all have rough days. We all need to talk through frustrations. However, there’s a difference between processing pain and poisoning the atmosphere.

You are either a dump truck, unloading weight that others didn’t ask for… or a watering can, pouring life into a seed you may never see bloom.

The truth is, someone is always listening, especially those who are still deciding what kind of teacher they want to be.

This school year, let your words be seasoned with compassion and soaked in purpose. Let them challenge, not crush. Let them offer hope, not just honesty.

Encouragement doesn’t mean pretending things are perfect. It means choosing to speak in a way that strengthens the mission, even in the midst of chaos.

You don’t have to have it all figured out to be a source of light.
You just have to be mindful of what you’re pouring out.

Think about it. The words you speak today may become the soundtrack in someone else's calling tomorrow.

Speak with purpose. Lead with grace. Someone’s listening.