This feels really weird commenting on this since I am a former student of yours, but I feel that this path enables you to inspire a much larger group of people at once. Of course, igniting the flame for children is seriously amazing, but if we got EVERY teacher into teaching in a fun, awesome way, that would forever change teaching as a whole. Keep doing what you do, and keep in mind I still listen to "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas" every year!

The truth is you never left teaching. You’re just teaching a different set of people now. 🎉. I love that you love what you do. 😊

Michelle, I have retired from teaching twice 😂😂. And of course I’m back to teaching again. Now I have online students. One of them is a first grader has been with me, online, since his first day of Kindergarten. I use Google classroom, and you are the reason I understand it! So thank you!

Loved hearing your thoughts here. I feel the same about some of the education tangential activities I'm into. THANK YOU for the many ways you're helping all of us!

Glad you are enjoying your new adventures and hitting new goals.

You’re doing great, enjoy your life. Most of us can not chance a change like that, you worked very hard and deserve all that you have accomplished.

You are such an inspiration, Michelle! Thank you for sharing your experiences, and continuing to help teachers along the way! :)

You are absolutely beautiful, articulate, intelligent, loving and amazing!!! This is my second year teaching and your videos have been encouraging. Thank you for being so real and transparent. Keep being YOU!!! 💗

As someone who has aspired to become a teacher for YEARS. I never ended up going to college for it. In fact I didn't go to college at all. One day I was sitting at work at a HORRIBLE office job and KZfaq recommended me to watch a pocketful of primary and it ended up being a DITL of a teacher vlog, Michelle you immediately inspired me to get into the classroom in some way! Within a week I had a horrible feeling that I was getting fired from the office job and on a whim I found a privately and locally owned daycare in my area, so I jumped and applied for it! As I applied for this job I sat at my office job in the parking lot the morning before I was going into work. Within 2 hours of going to work they fired me, I left grabbed my belongings and sobbed on my way home. LITERALLY 2 minutes down the road the owner of the daycare calls and performs an interview over the phone! I wipe all my tears away, quickly clear my voice, finished that interview and set up to meet her in person the next day. I literally watched your interview video Michelle right before I went into my interview because I was a ball of nerves and I was shaking so badly. I had never wanted a job as much as that one. I had my interview at about 10am it took about an hour. I was immediately so happy, so excited and extremely inspired. I was sitting by my phone all afternoon like I was waiting for the lottery to pick my number. I had went onto your channel and watched your videos all day. At 3pm she called me back and hired me that afternoon! I continued watching your videos and continuously became inspired by you time and time again even though I was teaching 18month olds to 3 year olds. Fast forward to 5 years later maybe even 6 and I now own and operate my own daycare business out of my home. Truly because of you in some wild and mysterious way you allowed me to follow my dreams and I think of you everyday. Thank you

So happy to see that you are so happy! Isn’t that what we all want for our friends? I chose to retire early to care for my dad (94). I’m doing all I can to meet so many needs! I never expected this to be a factor in my life, but for the last two years I was teaching full time as well as caring for my dad. That was way too much! Now I am able to fully focus on Dad. After we process his papers through the Sunday Basket, we pull the “scratch off pages” so Dad can scratch off another spot to reveal our new “field trip” for the coming week. There is always a place to visit, and separate one for places to eat! My dad was the solo caretaker for my stepmom as she descended into Alzheimer’s until she had to be placed. We lost her last year. He has not been able to go anywhere for many, many years as a result. I’m getting him out and about again! I’m also trying to remember to save moments as often as I can via video. To share them with friends and family, I post them on Dad’s KZfaq channel! (Time To Dine With Dad) This one was just last night, making Coke floats… Enjoy! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/iLGbo7GD0NfQiaM.html

You look so much happier now! Your pure joy shows on you face! Wishing you much success in all your adventures!

I have been watching your videos since I started teaching (5 years ago). You have always been an inspiration. I take the things you have taught me and apply them in my classroom. My students are able to benefit from the work you are doing. I love your desire to help by sharing your experiences. I know you have helped me learn and grow with so many of your vlogs! I'm glad to hear how happy you are. Ultimately all teachers should be happy! Teaching is a work of heart! You continuing to help students just as you did in the classroom . Your location may have changed, just as many teachers can attest location changes throughout their careers as well. I hope you continue to follow your heart, the world (especially the education world) is a better place because of you!❤

Awesome. This is great. Happy for you and wish you more success than you already have.

Love your one page laminated lessons. I may put together a few of my favorites in a similar format to share with my environmental science colleagues in the high schools. Great idea!

Your ambition has taken you so far and I'm so excited to see what you do in the future! You are such an inspiration especially as someone who is starting their own entrepreneurial business.

You're reaching so many teachers and making such a positive impact! I love your site and the exciting updates coming up! As you think of content, Google slides add-ons might be a good to touch on. From Pear deck to fillable notes slides, there's definitely some great stuff to unpack.

Hi Michelle, great video as always. Just wanted to say that in each of your wonderful videos I learn something new. I’m very grateful to have found you on you tube and if would be great to meet you in person. So if you ever decide to come to NY for a meet and greet that would be great. Keep doing what you do and follow your heart. ❤Good luck to you always… 🙌🏼

I love your new book Michelle! Keep it up! I cant wait for your next one!

I don't remember the first video I watched when I first was introduced to you but I am glad I found you! You are definitely relatable and real and constantly reassuring my feelings when I watch your videos. I'm not a first year teacher (10 years in the making) but your book reminded me that everything I do in the classroom doesn't have to be perfect. Congratulations on living a fufilled life. That must be the best feeling in the world! You will forever be a resource in my book. Not only for teaching reasons but personal. Keep doing what your doing and keep growing! ❤

You’re so relatable! I love your content. I’ve never even been a teacher, but I’ve been following you for years because your videos are so engaging and real.

I really enjoyed this open and honest video about your life. Watching you power lift made my recent hernia incisions pop!! Lol. I have watched you for several years as a teacher and now that I’ve retired, I’m learning how to find a new normal. Wishing you continued luck in your endeavors and growing your brand.

I loved that you said “I want to chase after what scares me.” What a perfect way to let go and see what completely unfolds in your season of life. As a follower of your vlogs and videos, I have seen a glow on your face and a song in your voice more now than before. Continue to follow your passion and keep going.

I think when people ask about you "going back to teaching" what they're really expressing is that they miss having a role model who was living the reality of classroom teaching along with them. I know when I started following you I was struggling and I thought, "if Michelle can do it, so I can I!" (That's not to say you should change anything about your life! )Now I'm a librarian and I follow you just because I'm invested in what you share with us about your life and I want you to be happy!

You’re teaching teachers and that’s so fantastic. So happy you’re happy!

Happy Friday, Michelle! Besides being the last day of the week, it is also POPday - Pocketful of Primary video day! Yay! Anyway, i just wanted to say how exciting and inspirational it is to see you reaching for dreams and striving for new goals. Keep being amazing and staying true to yourself! Have a wonderful week ahead! 💜

I've been so busy lately that I've missed a lot of your videos, but the ones I've seen have been really amazing. You really seem super happy lately and I love that. I can't wait to grab your book once I finish moving, but I'm totally going to. Hope to see your pds sometime!

You do so much. I'm so proud of you!

I love how real you are, Michelle! You’re a fantastic teacher. Excited for you and your future adventures. 😊

So happy for you!

You are truly remarkable and a tremendous source of inspiration. Your dedication and impact are appreciated. It's clear that your place is right here, teaching teachers to become better versions of themselves . Your unique perspective, having been a teacher yourself, ensures that your words are always spoken from a place of genuine empathy and understanding. Thank you❤️

Michelle, I sat back in my chair and I listened and viewed your video. You are a dynamic and powerful role model. I wish for you every success. May your motivation continue to light the world and may you continue to inspire people like this retired teacher. As for you tearing up, no worries, I produced some chills and tears as well because your story touched me in many ways. Much love is coming your way. The best!

I have been following your videos since I started college almost 10 years ago. This video made my heart happy ❤ Do what makes you happy, and your passion will shine through! ✨️ keep on going! We all love and support you!

I hear what you are saying about teacher PD and I love the support and training that you push out for us. You are still young enough to be inspirational for us and I love your enthusiasm, which helps me keep going in my teaching job. I am coming to the end of my teaching career (age wise) and I love the way you keep me up to date with my students and help me develop more modern resources. Thank you so much.

While I do miss seeing you stop at Dunkin each morning and giving it your all in your classroom, it is so inspiring to see you doing what you love and what makes you happy. As a 5th year teacher I have just decided for myself that I'm going to go back and get my PhD in curriculum design and work toward becoming a college professor as well. I wish you all the luck and it would be amazing to attend one of your professional developments one day!

We can definitely see how it benefits all, and those who care about you, are surely happy to see that you are doing what works best for you! And it really does open doors to be able to help more!!!

Awww ... I'm so happy for you!!😘 ... You do YOU Michelle because you do it so well! ... You are ALWAYS there to help current teachers, veteran teachers, upcoming teachers & that is what we all need in our lives! 🙃

Michelle, You are a wonderfully industrious individual and offer such articulate inspiration. All the best., Michele H.

I can totally relate to how you feel about not being able to be as creative as you would like! I'm glad you feel you can be creative in your current position.

I'm so happy you're doing what you love. Being a teacher gave you the insight to what resources work, and what doesn't. You're happy and it shows. ❤

You never left teaching and we are lucky enough to be your students! 😃Keep being yourself…it is obvious you love doing what you’re doing! ❤️ Idea for future video! I’d love a green screen idea video. I have one and have used it, but I’d love to see what you present!

Can't wait to see another video on your engaging professional development presentations. I hope I can see one in real life soon:) Keep doing what you love! You've been an inspiration to me for a while:)

I left teaching and in a different profession but I still follow you and love to hear about your journey and what you are passionate about! Love that you are chasing what scares you I love that!

I also pivoted out of teaching - I wouldn't worry too much about what others are wondering about what you do or what you might do AKA going back to the classroom - I do not plan on going back - you are doing a great job! Keep doing what you're doing!

Keep doing your thing girl! You're so much happier now, and like you said "The classroom will always be there."

Yes, I love that you teach us!, You do do something about quick easy ways to do Exist Tickets?

You are very inspiring!

Not too many people can say they thoroughly enjoy what they do! I am so glad you are happier!

I also am in my 2nd year out of the classroom. I've stepped into a literacy coach role at the state level, providing reading PD to schools in my area. I have also been told that I am "glowing" whenever I talk about my new position. Burnout is real and I was very close to it without really realizing it. I'm not sure if I'll ever return to the classroom but I'm loving my current role.

Good for you 🎉

Wow I know I’m sensitive but that was funny you were tearing and I started to! Your teacher passion really shines through!

You are right where you are supposed to be in this moment ❤ I quit teaching when I got married. I went back to the classroom when my children went to school. We traveled and had time alone together. That time was very special. The only time it gets odd is when people ask when I started teaching and how long I have been teaching 😂 I will say I love being in the classroom and missed it. If you don't, then never let anyone make you feel bad about not doing it! I am here to see if you have any new nutrition/exercise videos. I would love to figure out how to balance taking care of my body on a teaching schedule.

One thing I heard over and over is how much you are enjoying being creative, something often stifled in classroom teachers. I do hope that those for whom you do PD are able to take your creative ideas and implement them in their classrooms without being criticized by admin. That was the hardest thing for me...sometimes having principals who were critical of anything they did not consider "normal." I got the "Don't pay attention to that teacher...She does all sorts of creative things..." told to visitors at our school. Creativity in the classroom is what wins and totally helps children learn. Doing things the same old way day after day bores children totally. Congrats on being happy!

I continue to be inspired by you, even in retirement.

Good for you for acknowledging and pursuing ways to work in education without being a classroom teacher. Also, do you plan on taking the tests to get your TX teaching license? I’m glad I kept mine even though I transitioned outside of the classroom and work in other areas of education. So glad you are happily in your career!

Omg, you'd be an awesome professor!!!! 😊

On Monday I will begin teaching ESL to custodians for my local school district. Do you have any ESL or Adult Ed resources? I have been going through many of your tech resources because I will be teaching two hyflex classes one for beginners and one for intermediate/advanced. I absolutely love your tech videos and so much of your other content. Thank you for all your hard work! Im so happy you found the balance you were needing! Take care!

As a former teacher, this resonates with me sooo loudly!! I taught in a classroom setting for 23 years, but when a move necessitated a potentially "temporary" career change, I started working with insurance. Fast forward 6 years and I am now a trainer (teacher) for a large Medicare broker and get the opportunity to teach adults on how to help Medicare recipients. I thought I had "lost" teaching forever, but I've found it again in a new shape and size. Thank you for sharing your ❤!!!

Thanks for sharing

I love your videos and they are super helpful for New teachers. I think it would be beneficial for yourself and your followers that you teach on KZfaq, if you go back into Public school teaching kids Now & got more years of experience under you. Because these post Covid Students are SO different than those before. As you know education changes year to year and the kids definitely do as well! Just whatever you do, don’t stop Teaching us!

I just hope you know how many educators you inspire ❤

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Congratulations on your journey. It's an honor to follow and watch your growth. I am a school based Occupational Therapist so please know your reach goes beyond just teachers. Would you mind sharing what platform you use to build your website? I know you are pro google...is pocketful of primary a Google site?

You would be a great PE teacher if you ever chose to pursue that certification!!! The PE teacher at my last campus started as a 5th grade teacher. No standardized testing stress either.

Fun fact: I now teach in the same Maryland district that *you* used to teach at. I can understand the idea of missing aspects of teaching but still not want to go back to the classroom. While I think you're an awesome kid teacher, I think you're doing a fantastic job as a teacher teacher! Keep up the great work and best of luck on your future endeavors!

I think you're fabulous, and you have helped me so much!! I can only imagine the negative things people say, but it's all rooted in jealousy. Honestly, I'm a little jealous at times- lol. I love your communication skills, organization, planning, technology knowledge, and that you've found a way to be successful helping teachers. Not to mention, your beautiful teeth! 😁 Instead of being jealous, I work hard to be the best teacher I can be. I love teaching, and I'm grateful to people like you that make my job a little easier! I know you are busy, but I would like to get better with using technology in the classroom. Do you have any suggestions of classes I can take or something else? I've watched many of your tech videos, but my students don't have access to google apps. I use google slides and canva to create educational presentations, so thank you for the canva video!! Thank you so much for everything you do!! You're amazing and inspirational!!

So excited for you and you have inspired me that I’m more than just a teacher. Thank you! 😊 Also, I wanted to ask how do I become a mentor like you are? Is it called teacher mentor? Thank you in advance!

This is awesome! I remember when I met you at Lakeshore Learning in Towson back in 2019! You said to me that “I want to help teachers integrate technology into the classroom!” You kick butt as a self employed entrepreneur and dog mom to Americas most spoiled doggo! I intend to help one of my volleyball friends with her classroom as she gets it in the summer of 2024! I’m going to say something to you a wise middle school teacher told me and I hold this as gospel to this day: “Do not change yourself to please others! Stay true to who you are!” (The second part I know is 100% truth)

I feel like you were always meant to teach teachers you're so creative and have a lot of ideas

I WISH you could mentor me 😂 having your videos is amazing and having your help setting up in the classroom would be amazing

Hi Michelle, I think writing a book is a great accomplishment for anyone. Sometimes you never know what will come next for you in your lifetime. I think earning a PhD and teaching about education has several factors to consider. However, I think that depending on some higher education institutions, some professors have educational experiences and some don't -- at least from my point of view. I do think that the practicum part (when students go out to do student-teaching with a teacher in a nearby school district) is where -- at least in my opinion, is when professors with educational experiences are assigned to oversee the practicum. Though I feel like some professors do have educational experiences but maybe it not up to date. Teaching has come a long way since it early founding and probably changed post-COVID-19.

Hi Michelle, I would just like to say that you don't need to explain yourself with your career path, even though people will always ask. Heck, even if you wanted to be a firefighter, who are we to judge? I feel like your 'purpose' is to teach and mentor other fellow teachers. Of course, you were a great teacher in the classroom and I'm sure the students miss you. But your skills and knowledge are too good to go to 'waste' if you didn't teach us. You videos, especially your tech ones, have saved me tremendously! Keep doing what you're doing!!! xxx

Hi, if you ever would think about doing any coaching for time management? When you spoke about passions outside work, I am a bit of a late bloomer. Certified teacher, but working freelance for agencies and doing my own bookkeeping right now anyway, would love to get to my other passions, but my time management skills have never been my strongest skill. Any feedback would be great if you plan to offer coaching for this let me know! Thank you michelle love your videos!!!

You should try Garland ISD. We need you there!

I think what your doing is great! I think possible Professor is better, that area has been lacking for decades now.

I was one of the individuals who attended your training in York, Pa,. I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed the training and found it beneficial! I have been teaching 23 years; and, I think your training was the most practical training that I have ever attended. You are a fantastic teacher; and, it does not matter if you are teaching children or teachers. I am glad you are happy "doing what you love doing"! Keep up the good work! I appreciate all of your videos; and, I felt it was an honor to meet you in person.

Can you do a video of showing how to a searing arrangement on google slides ?

I loved this video. Keep Moving forward.... You're awesome.

I have a question....can you point me to where I can learn how to make the cool handouts, designs, etc. Do you have a video showing this?

What do you do with your power lifting trophies? Do you display them in your home as motivation?

Would love to see pd for secondary levels too.

Our lives are not stagnant. Your life and what we see of it is an inspiration that you can move on. That our lives are multi faceted and we have more then one talent or that our talents can be used in more then one way. I've been contemplating leaving a job of 17 years. My cons column is starting to out weigh my pros column. You inspire me that you can move onto the next job and succeed. I think some people look to much at your past and not enough on your present and future. I know this is long but side note. My brother is a elementary school counselor, lives in a college town and once a year, for one or two days teaches senior teaching students about the realities of being a teacher. That job does exist and the students find it helpful.

When I saw the title of this video my first thought was "But wait, she IS teaching!" I have to admit, I was one of those people that loved your teaching vlogs (still do) and loved seeing what you do on a daily basis, but teaching in the capacity that you are now is reaching so many more students (children and adults) than I think you will ever realize. What you do provides teachers with the resources they need to make even more of an impact on their students. You are not just teaching your own classroom of students, but you are reaching thousands of students around the world. I know that both myself and my students have benefited from everything that I have learned from you. Keep doing what you do. You were born to do this!

Michelle I love you! I am graduating in 2 months time and you have been my holy grail for everything teacher related

Have you ever considered working for a local school district as a facilitator? Schools districts in my area hire educators whose role is essentially helping teachers implement curriculum and giving district PD. Seems like it'd be a good fit for you!

I'm so glad you're in a good place. However, I do miss you being with us in the classroom trenches.

Remember to highlight transferable skills and showcase your passion for learning and adaptability.

“Teachers deserve good PD” 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

I can see you as a principal or educational associate to support staff

You may want to consider a little volunteering at a local school a few days a week or for special events. That may scratch the itch for working with young students.

Teaching profession has changed so much. I'm in my 28th year, still enjoy it but if another opportunity came, I would leave.

I taught kindergarten for a few years, then volunteered as a preschool Sunday school teacher for many. Then someone asked me to lead a conference on teaching teachers. I loved it! The joy that I experienced when I saw other teachers "get it" on a concept I was trying to convey to them was such a blessing. I still taught little ones for a number of years until I could no longer get down on the floor and be eye level with them. But teaching teachers allowed me to pass along what I had learned and inspire and motivate them to be the best teachers they could be! You are doing the same! And your enthusiasm is catching - even in your videos! Praying you continue to share with others what you have learned!

Heres something you could possibly consider one day: Be a College Professor or a mentor for education majors in college. I feel like that could be up your ally.

❤❤❤❤

dear, have u thought about teaching teachers internationally? I am from Chile and I would love to learn from u in an online couse. Been following for many years now. Just think about it!

“Can you let Michelle know” 🤣🤣🤣

Who really needed this video? I think it was VERY clear what was going on without this explanation..... People people. lol

It seems to me, that you never stopped teaching. You only left the classroom to teach teachers.

I am so sorry you are still feeling the need to address this. People need to look at prior video titles. Honestly, even if it costs you a few subscribers, I would not address this issue again. You have so much going on in your life that is positive and beyond the classroom. You should not have to post about this ever again.

I’m sure you make a ton more $ than you ever did in teaching! Why would you ever go back? It’s more lucrative to teach people how to teach. Many have done this before you.

I don’t know for how long you can draw upon formative teaching experience being a relatively young teacher with limited experience. I have spoken to veteran teachers (20 yrs plus) that feel out of touch after just a few months out. I doubt that in 10 years you can speak as a colleague who has familiarity with the classroom when you will have spent almost as much time out of the class as you had spent in. Mentoring requires a degree of authenticity. You’re amazing but at some point you will not be in alignment with the issues having been removed for a long time. Perhaps as a tech advisor yea, but many other issues, no.

You burned yourself out! Too much stuff and classroom organization and spending your own money on things. It’s nice and everything but unsustainable, clearly. It’s nice you found something else to do but as someone who taught for such a short time it’s rather shocking that you offer professional development. To lead other teachers into burning out? Definitely it’s more fun but not the work of classroom teaching.