The last year I spent in the classroom, I taught first grade - a year that tested and strengthened me. I taught first grade in my previous district, however I was exposed to new challenges in the last district I taught in that ultimately opened my eyes to different realities that communities face and how that shows up in the classroom.
In my classroom, I had students who were just learning their letter sounds and blending CVC words, while others were flying through chapter books at a fourth- and fifth-grade reading level. Every day required me to shift gears constantly - differentiating lessons, curating small groups, and pairing students strategically so they could build each other up. That was just for reading, the most important skill along with comprehension for young learners.
Teaching demands a level of mental fortitude that is truly unmatched. At any given moment, I was managing scheduled time, redirecting behaviors, mediating conflicts, handling administrative tasks, grading, preparing for standardized testing, tying shoelaces, wiping away tears (and spilled milk), and keeping up with parent communications - all while ensuring my students felt safe, seen, and supported. Multitasking wasn't just a skill; it was my way of being.
Through it all, my goal was always the same: to create an environment where learning felt engaging and exciting, where kids could have fun, feel heard, and grow in ways that mattered beyond academics. I poured everything I had into making that happen. At the heart of it, teaching isn't just about lessons - it's about people, and I gave my all to mine.
However, there comes a time when the mental load of teaching is not sustainable. Everyone has a limit. For some the limit is longer than others. When you have reached your limit, make a change.
In my next post I will dive into practical tips for making a change.
Stay tuned for part 3...
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