Teachers, Breathe: It’s Okay to Put Yourself First!

Right now, a lot of teachers are feeling the weight of uncertainty: contracts, placements, and the looming question: What’s next?

Let’s be real, education is a calling, but it’s also a career. And just like any other profession, you have the right to make choices that serve you, your mental health, your happiness, your future.

So here’s your reminder:

1. It’s okay to leave education.

If the classroom no longer fuels your passion or meets your needs, you are not a failure. Your identity isn’t tied solely to being a teacher. You’re a leader, a mentor, a communicator, a problem-solver, skills that can open doors to new careers. It’s not “giving up,” it’s growing. Stepping away doesn’t erase the years of impact you’ve made, it adds to your story.

2. It’s okay to change schools.

Sometimes, the issue isn’t teaching, it’s the environment. Maybe the leadership doesn’t align with your values, the culture feels toxic, or the workload has become unmanageable. A new school, with supportive admin or a community that respects boundaries, can make a world of difference. A fresh start can revive your love for teaching.

3. It’s okay to move up.

Don’t be afraid to grow. If you feel called to step into leadership, whether as an instructional coach, department head, or administrator, go for it. Leadership isn’t "leaving the classroom", it’s expanding your reach. You’re still making an impact, just in a different way. Your voice matters in those spaces, and schools need leaders who understand what it means to be in the trenches.

4. It’s okay to put yourself first.

Teachers pour so much into others that we often forget to check in with ourselves. If you’re constantly exhausted, anxious, or feeling undervalued, it’s time to re-evaluate. Protect your peace. Advocate for yourself. Staying in a situation that’s harming you doesn’t prove loyalty, it chips away at your joy.

5. It’s okay to not have a plan yet.

If you’re at a crossroads but unsure of your next step, that’s normal. You don’t have to have it all figured out today. What matters is that you’re listening to yourself, acknowledging your feelings, and allowing space to imagine something different. The plan will come, but the first step is giving yourself permission to explore.

6. It’s okay to want more.

Wanting better pay, more respect, a healthier work-life balance, these aren’t selfish desires. You are more than your job title, and it’s okay to seek opportunities that align with the life you envision. Ambition doesn’t mean you’ve lost your heart for teaching, it means you’re human.

You are not just a teacher, you are a whole person and wherever your path leads: whether it's a new district, a new role, or a new career, you are worthy of joy, peace, and fulfillment.

So, teacher friend, take a breath. Reflect without guilt. And when you make your move, do it for you.