More than a decade after leaving my classroom, a former student reached out as she prepared for her own journey into teaching. What began as a conversation about the challenges of entering the profession became a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship, community, and supporting teacher wellness at every stage, even before entering the classroom.

A reflection on Teacher Appreciation Week, the students I still carry with me, and what teachers truly need beyond appreciation posts and gift cards.

Testing season is heavy. This reflection takes a closer look at the pressure, the purpose, and what may be getting lost along the way.

Education is never just about academics. This reflection explores the ecosystems of care, support, and connection that surround children. And why those systems matter just as much as the curriculum.

Even the most well-structured classrooms can struggle when connection is missing. In this post, I reflect on a day of subbing in a traditional fifth-grade classroom — and what it revealed about the limits of planning without presence.

It wasn’t one moment. It was a feeling. This post shares what I observed in a behavioral support classroom, and why it deepened my belief that educators deserve more than just expectations. They deserve support.

The world feels heavy and heartbreaking right now. This post is messy and honest, a reminder that even when we feel small, our actions still ripple.

Leaving the classroom gave me my mental health back — but it also left me grieving a version of myself I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to. This is my story of navigating that loss, rediscovering my purpose, and finding new ways to support the profession I still love.