Am I Still Teaching Next Year? | Moving Q&A 

I’m genuinely happy that you’re not teaching in the classroom next year. You have clearly worked insanely hard for years and deserve to explore and grow in the way that’s right for you. Unless the ‘disappointees’ are paying your bills, their opinion isn’t important. You’re not the only source of inspiration out there, plus what you choose to share from this new part in your career will also be hugely beneficial too. Thank you so much for continuing to share so much with us all. ♥️

I’m noticing that many of the “social media” teachers I follow left the classroom this year or are planning to leave next year. It makes me feel like the type of teaching we see portrayed on social media simply isn’t sustainable. The “Pinterest” classrooms, picture perfect TPT lesson plans, and giving 150% all the time just doesn’t work forever. I worry that new teachers who find themselves comparing their own work to these types of teachers feel inadequate. With national teaching shortages already an issue, it certainly worries me. We need to normalize that teaching, although a wonderful job, IS just a job. We don’t need to, and shouldn’t feel expected to, sacrifice so much time, energy, and money to emulate what we see in social media. As you move into a leadership role, I hope that you help teachers set realistic and sustainable expectations for themselves. We don’t need more teachers who leave after 5 years. We need teachers who stick it out for the long haul and share their long term experience with their students...even if it isn’t cute enough for social media. Good luck.

“I shouldn’t be living only to work” really hits home! Second year teacher here wondering if I can do this long term after the last two years. Enjoy your hubby, your kitties, and your new home/city because at the end of the day that should be your number 1 priority! ❤️

Even though you won’t be a teacher in the classroom, you will be still a teacher…just in a different way! 🥰🥰

So excited for you! Education needs more people in leadership who are passionate about helping teachers and not tearing them down!

I am a 71 year old retired teacher who returned to teaching this year. I am a virtual reading teacher! I discovered your channel early in the year. It has been a godsend to me as I had to learn so many new things. Thank you so much! I use your input on Google Drive and all things Google. Now I’m enrolled in a doctoral program to start in the fall, Go for your dreams!

This year has been INCREDIBLY difficult for teachers. If I could find a job right now that would be anywhere near the amount I make currently, I'd take it in a heartbeat, just to have a brief reprieve from how stressed out I was last year. I do not blame you for not wanting to continue to be stressed out into another school year due to big changes. I think its so healthy for you to take a break and do something else while adjusting to a new city.

20+ year veteran teacher who has learned so much from you … So proud of your decision and I can’t wait to see what’s next for you!

We aren't guaranteed tomorrow, so enjoy your fresh start and focus on what matters. You rock!

Michelle... please never feel like you HAVE to film these videos. We know you are human and deserving of self-care. We will watch your videos if continue to film, no matter what the content. If/when you decide to have teaching vlogs again your loyal subscribers will watch those also. Be blessed.

"I shouldn't be living only to work" 👏👏 YES! Life is meant to be lived. Such a beautiful reminder for us all to stay present. Love this & so excited for you and your next journey. Gah!!! You know we'll be right there with you! ❤

I work in the largest school district in Louisiana. Our district recommended your Google videos at the beginning of this year. You are going to do big things!

Life is meant to be enjoyed. Get to know your new community, try new things, focus on your relationships. Teaching will always be there when you are ready.

I'm so proud of you! I love that you're thinking on yourself and your peace of mind...is amazing. We love you... I'm one of millions teacher that found out your resources and implement them! Thanks for your effort! Enjoy the process...enjoy every single second.

At the beginning of the pandemic, I was frantically searching for help on how to zoom with my students. Two of my colleagues suggested your video on how to organize google classroom. I watched about 4 videos of yours, and it really helped. I always thought I was a pretty good with the computer. However, I learned so much from you and I was impressed. From time to time, I would check out your channel for new ideas and help on anything I was working on. You really helped me!! I became a pretty good zoom teacher. You're channel has been the first one that I have ever "followed". 20 years ago, I just picked up from Florida and moved to Georgia. When people ask how did you get here? (I'm in a very small rural town.) I just say, God put me here and I have been very happy. It sounds like you are doing what is right for you. Go girl!!! It all works out!!! Good luck with everything you do!!! Y

Yes! Take time for you and follow your passions that blossomed while teaching and now will bloom! You deserve so much happiness. You are a beautiful human!!

Your teacher vlogs are what inspired me to make the jump from my corporate job into the classroom! I’m so glad you’re getting an opportunity to pursue a new adventure as well! ❤️ From a fellow TX teacher, I know y’all will LOVE Austin!!

Not disappointed!! Good for you to put yourself first. You are a teacher, even if you’re not in the classroom. Enjoy your time away.

…and you are incredible at helping teachers! Your videos are invaluable. You have a gift. Don’t let anyone discourage you from using it. Best wishes to you and Billy and keep making those videos. I’ll be watching for sure.

I support you, Michelle! You are an incredible teacher, and I'm excited for your next steps.

Its nice to let yourself grow and change into who you are supposed to be. I live in Frisco,TX. also work for the school district here and really like it. Its challenging but rewarding. I work with special needs students. Its nice to see a young teacher still in the job and enjoying it so much. I think its because its just something inside of you that pushes you to teach. Good luck in your journey to Texas. I also think people think that teaching children is easy and thats just not true for most people. Your stress factors are a big clue to the levels of stress it takes on teachers and EVERYONE WHO WORKS IN A SCHOOL. Most teachers never say anything about how teaching affects their own life. Professional and personal; we must be careful with our words,attire,friends and even down to how we present to a total stranger. You are bound for greatness in all you do. Dont worry about the haters just do what makes you happy.

Even though you won't be teaching next year, you HAVE been in the trenches with us! Don't worry about negative Nancy people!

Yes, you have helped this 31 yr in the classroom teacher get through this year so yeah for you for transitioning to your next phase of your career. Thank you for all the how to videos. I would not been able to SURVIVE this past year without your videos. Best wishes!

I am so excited for you! I grew up in Texas and I know you will love it. You have worked insanely hard and you definitely deserve to take a breath and focus on what you want and need to focus on. You are absolutely right that you shouldn't just be living to work. I can't wait to see your journey in this new adventure!

I want to thank you and wish you well! Your videos have been so, so helpful to me, especially this past year. I hope you love Austin! Congrats!

I already knew your decision by listening to the podcast, but I just wanted to come here and say congratulations! You’re about to start an amazing journey in Texas!

I feel like THIS is what I have been waiting for you to do as an educator! I have been watching you since summer 2017 and have been so inspired by you. I also have faithfully been listening to TOP Teachers. Your amazing and I can’t wait to see your new journey ahead!! ❤️

I stepped outside the classroom to become an instructional coach. I love working with and supporting teachers! Good luck on your journey!

Thank you for your transparency. When you explained why you decided to step away from the classroom, I teared a little because you vocalized thoughts and feelings I’ve had over this last year as well! God bless you on your move. May you move on with full peace and confidence on all the new unknowns.

I would love to know, even if you aren’t teaching, will you continue to post instructional content on you tube? I have used your ideas during virtual teaching and they were a lifesaver. You have such a talent!

What a weight lifted off your shoulders! So proud of you for taking this leap. You are going to be so much more free and liberated. Have fun and enjoy the life you have been blessed with! Thank you for helping so many people. And you will continue to!

I am so excited to follow your journey! I am excited for you! Everything is going to be great! Teaching will always be there!

Michelle- you are such a great resource of support, information, organization, ideas! THANK YOUI! Being out of the public school system for over 2 decades, you helped me in numerous ways! Thank you! I hope you quickly see that your viewers are supportive of you and are fan teachers all the way around! Thank you for taking this format to show teachers so many innovative teaching ideas! GUESS WHAT!? I am in ATX! Welcome! You will love it here and I am happy for you and your husband to settle down and grow as a family!

Im excited for you and your decision. I’m a teacher and feel the same exact way. It’s time to move forward to new experiences 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 good luck!

I am super excited for you and “Your New Chapter in Life”. I cannot thank you enough for all the advice, and tips I’ve learned from you by watching your videos. You have been a lifesaver many times in my two years of teaching. So I cannot wait to see the wonderful things you’ll be able to do now! May God continue to bless you and Billy in your new adventure 😊

I hope that you will be teaching next year because you seem to be an amazing teacher! I use so many of your ideas in my classroom.

Michelle, for what it’s worth, I am not disappointed in you. You have been my inspiration and one of the reasons that in my 40’s I decided to go back to school and become a teacher. In the last couple of years I have also had the opportunity to observe several different teachers and the happiest I have noticed are the ones who take a break from the classroom and do other things in education before going back to the classroom. Also, not all teachers learn the things they need from their education or student teaching and need support and mentors to help them, and by helping teachers, you are still helping in the classroom, besides helping teachers. I wish you and Billy the very best in your new adventure. Thank you so much for your videos and podcasts. ❤️

Although I’ve been teaching for a while, I would love to learn from you! I think you’ve made the best decision for you and anyone who comes into contact with you, will learn so much.

Watching this again and I see you’re leaving the classroom. Good luck and I hope you the best. Many teachers have had their whole live upended and you are not alone. I will continue following you and rewatching your videos.

I'm so excited for you and this new journey! Praying for you 🙏🏾

You do you, Michelle! I am truly excited for you because I know that you have a ton of ways that you can and will be able to help classroom teachers all over the country (the world, even). I pray that your new beginnings, new house, dog, cats, husband, and everything else will be a blessing to you and your family. Just continue to share as much of your journey as you wish with us, please.

I’m so beyond happy for you Michelle!! There is many other opportunities to help out as a teacher outside of just the classroom! You have been the biggest role model! Thank you!! 💗

I am sooooo excited for your new adventure!!!! You soooo deserve a break - especially after this year….. You have helped me and many others with techy issues last year and this year and I am truly thankful…… ❤️

I'm so thrilled for you! I can't wait to see what you do next. You're very good at helping teachers! Have fun in Austin, Texas. I hear it's beautiful there.

Congratulations Michelle! My husband and I did something very much the same and we have never regretted it! We lived in Northern VA and to buy a home was at least a half mill, if not more, for a starter home...so we packed up and moved to Atlanta! We are both teachers and the transition was just fine! I am so excited for you and your husband! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us:)

Soooooo happy for you! The possibilities are endless! 👏👏 Enjoy this new season of excitement, exploration, rejuvenation and more!

I completely understand! No one is disappointed in you! You have been such a huge help to teachers all over the country! You need to focus on your passion and your strengths! Helping teachers (experienced and new) is your jam! Congratulations, and thanks for all of your help! Your videos were the ones that helped me learn how to teach remotely. I've taught 25 years, so I needed help from a young, techy one like you!

Veteran teacher who has learned a lot from you! Thank you! I am so exited for your new journey!

Congratulations on your journey! You have been such a wealth of information and honest positive energy. You deserve all the success and happiness that life can bring. Best of luck on this next chapter. Austin is an amazing city. Can't wait to see what happens next for you.

Michelle, you are an amazing educator and incredible person. I’m glad you are going to explore life and try new things, that’s what life is about! I’m excited for you and know that In anything you choose to do, you will be amazing

I’m so happy and excited for you… I recently discovered your channel and enjoy your enthusiasm and love of teaching. I’m a veteran teacher of 36 years and I can more than understand needing a break and time to de-stress, especially after this ‘unique’ year. I’m wishing you well on this next chapter of your life and may your light continue to shine. I’ll look forward to seeing your future posts.

I’m happy and proud of you. I resigned after teaching at my school for 10 years. Last school year was rough. God blessed me and I got into a better school district. I feel like those who have taught in the classroom will never forget what it’s like to be in the classroom.

Thank you for being vulnerable and willing to share your journey with us! You got this!

You would be such a phenomenal education professor!

So excited for you. We live between Austin and Waco (military transplants) and love Texas. I've recently given up the traditional classroom for an intervention job and understand how hard doing something for yourself can be. You are doing what's best for you and it still supports kids in so many ways. Thank you for being you!

So excited for you! You will do great things don’t let the negative Nancy’s affect you.

I wish I’d found you while I was still in the classroom, what a gift you are to teaching. Good luck on your professional growth. Funny thing I was just looking at your Amazon store…your flexible seating section reminded me of how I had my classroom set up. I got a grant and purchased about a dozen balance balls, my students loved them. When I retired I couldn’t give them away.

I really hope you do continue teaching. You helped me through college. The only blog where I saw, not just a perfect classroom, the struggles of teaching too. You have been so inspirational and helped me be the teacher I am today. I've enjoyed watching you grow on a personal level and a career level for years now. If not, I've been suspecting you branching away from the classroom for a while now. The TPT store, working for Lakeshore learning, the blogs, and the guest appearances on different occasions. I kind think you want to be a life/teaching coach. If that's the case, I know you'll be amazing at that as well.

I love that you made the decision to do this. Your sharing has helped so many people. We have all been stressed. So many are scared to step out and live the life they want. This is what teachers need. Support!!!!!

I love this video! I’m glad you’re not teaching next year, you need a break! You’ve helped so many and I’m excited about the fact that you are thinking of taking your talents to the college level! I would love to sit in one of your classes!!!!

I’m truly SO happy and excited for you!!! Looking forward to follow along on your journey as you go through all of these exciting changes! I am confident that you are going to do such incredible things and help so many teachers, and it’s great that you’re taking the opportunity to focus more on that! Cannot wait to see where you go from here and I’ll be cheering you on along the way!❤️❤️❤️

I’m so so happy for you and support every decision you’ve made! You sharing your teacher journey has helped me any many ways over the years. You’re not alone on this journey, still! Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing all of your truth with this. I’ve been juggling the same choice and your thoroughness and honesty in answering that big questions really helps me! THANK YOU!

You are a super teacher. Take time to enjoy your life. Thank you for sharing your skills. There is a season for everything. Congratulations

Hope you don’t go away. You’re the most patient teacher with veteran teachers who are learning tech tools.

I've been watching your videos for years, and this video feels so raw and honest. I'm happy for you with your move and buying your first house. I have always wondered how you juggled it all! I've been teaching a long time (30 years), and this year has been a really tough one. When you talked about your eye twitching, I could totally relate! You have a real gift in teaching others, and I wish you the best.

Folks, I really don't think we have the right to tell Michelle that she had better keep teaching just because we want her to. We can hope for that because she inspires us, sure, but I'm always happy to hear when someone pivots to a job/career that serves them better as they grow as individuals (assuming that's the announcement). EDIT: yup, that was exactly the announcement. If she has previously helped you in your teaching career, her changing direction now won't change what she's already done for you. It also doesn't change the impact she has already had on her own students and, by extension, yours.

You need to explore and be happy within yourself! You sound so excited for your future, which is wonderful and you deserve that. You have my love and support and I truly wish you all the best.

I’m truly excited for you and your new journey! I appreciate all that you have done to help teachers like me! Your videos played a huge part in getting me through my first year of teaching. You have a gift of teaching of teachers, which is a huge part of education! We love you and look forward to seeing you in your next season of life!

I am so excited for you! This year I have been working on that Work-Life Balance and saying no to a lot of things have been the result. We all need to focus on what matters and what our true passions are. Girl, you have been an amazing resource for me whenever I am stuck on "what should I do?" problems. I am still going to be here to see what you put out, because it has been helpful so many times. Don't worry about the other people, focusing on what is right for you and your family is the most important thing!

Everyone needs a break after this year. We deserved it teachers worked incredibly hard! Good for you!

Thank you so much for all of your help this year. You made this year so much more bearable. I got pulled out of kindergarten and thrown into grade 4 and you really helped. Grateful for you all the way from Ontario, Canada

This is super exciting! As a teacher that just finished year 14, I would never blame anyone from taking a step away for a bit. I only teach, but do have several kids, and I feel that stress daily. Maybe a different stress. But I am excited that you get to pursue your passions and explore what the future holds for you!

No disappointment here, you're amazing and able to explore your options and make yourself happy!!! Best of luck to you!!

I'm so happy for you. You need to do what is best for you, you're not letting anyone down. When you're teaching you can touch the lives of 100+ children each year but when you're helping other teachers and trainee teachers then you're helping thousands of children everyday. Go for it! #exciting #liveyourbestlife #taketimeforyou

I’m so happy for you! Your self reflection and acknowledgement of your boundaries and aspirations are awe-inspiring. Be proud of your accomplishments and excited for the future as we are! We will support you in whatever decisions you make. 😃😃😃

Congratulations!!!! Your resources and tools and good advice have been EXTREMELY helpful! Keep on elevating and evolving sis, many blessings in your new chapter!

I was just thinking today (just finished school year) about how you don’t realize how much of yourself you give to your job (teaching) until you get a break.

You are an AMAZING teacher, speaker, and person. Listening to your past few months and everything you have dealt with, I am SO happy you are taking some time for YOU. Enjoy the new move, discover new things, wake up in the morning and say, "Hmmm, wonder what I'll do today!" I am a retired first/second grade teacher of 37 years, teaching in the same school and district. I am so enjoying retirement. (Although I have missed my kids so much I have taken two long term subbing jobs in my school this past year). But, I CAN say "No thank you!" Enjoy your time Michelle, enjoy your new adventure with Billy and savor all of it!

Go for it… I totally understand because I am reconsidering leaving the classroom.

I'm a home school teacher. I've enjoyed your tips and resources. Keep home-schoolers in your thoughts when content creating. The world is changing. You have a place encouraging all teachers, whether at home or in the classroom and I thank you for that. Teaching isn't easy.

I am so proud of you and putting yourself first! You glorify God Almighty with your gift as a teacher!!! He delights in your passion.

It is such an organic process to move from teaching in the classroom to sharing your expertise and wisdom gained from that experience with new (and old) teachers. Such a natural progression. It is as it shd be. Do not feel like you are disappointing anyone. As an old teacher, I have learnt so much from your videos that have helped me make the best use of the technology at hand to enhance my students learning experience. So thank you for keeping this old teacher relevant. Happy to say I have surprised some of my younger colleagues, with my knowledge, which is very satisfying. Enjoy this next phase in your life. If you videos are anything to go by, I know you will give it 150% and it will be brilliant.👍😊

So beautifully said! After being brought up in the classroom and then teaching for the past 7 years I am moving to be a Montessori guide with infants and toddlers this next year. :) I am so excited and terrified. Congrats on all the hard decisions and I wish you all the best!

So proud of you! I was in the classroom for 15 years and am still employed in education outside the classroom. Your supporters will still be here. Bring on Texas!

I can’t believe you are buying your first house! Time flies! I remember watching your videos at 14 and now I just graduated high school and out to college this fall. Im also excited you are closer to where I live. We are now neighboring states-Arkansas! Good luck Michelle! Do what is best for you!

Thank you for your teaching videos! I was one of our district's full time online teachers this year and you helped me figure out Google classroom, Slides, and Forms. I love that you are NOT going to be teaching next year, that you are able to recognize that doing so is for your best. This has been the most stressful year of my 29 year career, and I am planning on simply recharging, relaxing, and recuperating. And maybe watching some of your older videos about using tech in a physical classroom with students! Thank you, and best of luck in Tx!

As a new teacher this year at the age of 50 I want you to know I have gotten through being a long term substitute teacher and secured a position for the 2021-2022 year and I do not think I could have done it without your channel and all that you have shared. What I take away every time is your dedication to your students and your followers. You give 110% to everything and now its time you do that for yourself. Enjoy your new home, your new start with your husband, and your new adventures in education. You are the definition of Teacher and it will never leave you.

You are so real, so honest, so amazing! Keep being you and thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience with us. I feel I know you from all your videos and I just want to give you a hug! You are inspiring! God Bless you on this new journey!

Congratulations! Yes, do what makes you happy! Relax, enjoy, and explore the new journey in your life! Best of luck🙏

Best Wishes for you and your hubby! You have a special gift & must continue sharing with Teachers! I have been teaching for 33 Yrs (the 20 years in Kindergarten) & I have learned a lot from you about organiztional tips & using apps, tips for teaching online during this virtual distance learning! Looking forward to seeing your posts and pershaps you can become a professer to share your knowledge with new teaching candidates! Thanks for being so gracious and sharing your thoughts, your triumps, challenges and tales about your furrry babies! Enjoy your new home & life in Austin!

When I moved with cats, we put them in a dog crate with their beds and they did great.

When you mentioned wanting to work with new teachers - if I was a newbie in teacher’s collage and you were my professor, I would be SO excited!! You’re going to be able to help so many people become even better teachers! And living only to work has definitely been my experience this year! I have never spent so much of my personal time working in my whole career! Summer break can’t come soon enough!

I love how you said " I shouldn't be living only to work" 👌

I’m so happy for you!! You’ve worked so hard to get to this point and you deserve to take this adventure to whatever it leads you to! 😊 thank you for all the ways you have and will continue to support us as teachers! ❤️

New adventures and journey. Good Luck! Congratulations on your new home!!!

I am BEYOND proud of you for what you have decided to do this coming school year! You are amazing I'm not a teacher per se but a home school mumma and you are helping me so much!

We moved with a pod, it's great!

Sometimes a break in the public schools is something everyone needs. You have done a fantastic job in both your classrooms. I have enjoyed getting to know your teaching styles and some I have used. Thank you and best of luck in your future accomplishments in the field of education.

Michelle, congratulations on your new adventure! I am so excited for you, Billy, your kitties, and your future pup! Best wishes as you end out the school year. We have work days next week and then we are finished, but I know you have a little longer to go. Hang in there! I hope everything goes smoothly with the move. Take care! 😊

I am so excited about your next adventure. I have been teaching for over 28 years and you have inspired me to be more creative and think outside of the box. I wish you all the success in the world. Be fearless and do what you love. You can do anything. I and teachers all around the world will continue to support you. God Bless.