In college I had a professor who said, “Good teachers can teach anything to anyone.” You haven’t stopped teaching, you just changed the what, where and why. I’ve learned so much from you! Thank you!

I resigned from teaching at the end of the 20-21 school year as well. I too was neglecting myself and my family and prioritizing my students, parents, and admin. Boundaries went out the window. I learned so much from you when I was in the classroom. I did a 180 in my career and I am now a massage therapist.

Saying "no" was the most important thing I've learned to do as a teacher. Unfortunately, it puts me on the naughty list, but I'm happier and I have time for my family. That's all that matters.

As a classroom teacher of 27 years, you did the right thing. I'm currently in my home office grading math tests and it's after 7:00 p.m. It has to get done. This is after working in my classroom until 4:45 today.

I appreciate all of your honesty! Especially about not trying to fit into someone else’s mold. I am a 55 year old senior in college about to get my teaching degree. EVERYONE I know, especially my teacher friends, tell me I’m insane for doing it. But it’s been my dream most of my life, much like yours. I’ve been following your tips and organizations ideas since a I started college and am grateful for having you as a supportive resource!

Thanks for sharing your story. I taught in Oregon and Maine for a total of 34 years. I am retired less than one year and just beginning to come to terms with what my career choice and my mindset toward it had me miss. The school systems are set up to have highly motivated teachers like you described yourself to be, to be highly stressed and to work at their craft at a level that keeps them from experiencing the rest of their lives fully. You pointed out there are always trade-offs. It's so true. I witnessed so many talented teachers leave the profession because of the increasing demands and lack of support. You ARE still teaching, but now you have a more balanced life. Congratulations!

Preach it!! As a teacher for nearly 30 years, I feel like teaching has become an unsustainable lifestyle. We keep getting asked to do more and more and are given less time and resources to do it.

Good for you!! We teachers are being crushed under the workload & no one seems to hear us! You’ll do fabulously! 🥰 Keep following your heart and mind! 🤗

This 30+ year teacher is heartbroken. You were my favorite "Pintrest" teacher...your classrooms made me so jealous. But I must tell you, I was exhausted for you!! I KNEW, each and every video I watched, how much TIME, ENERGY, AND MONEY (yours) you invested into your CAREER with a passion that I very much admired. I have actually sent prayers your way to keep you in the classroom. But after hearing you intimate the words that have been swimming in my own head ("It's never enough, is it? And I know it never will be.") You a beautiful woman, inside and out, and happiness looks fabulous on you. As much as I am saddened, I support your decision (with a Heavy heart)...all those children who will lose out-UGH!

You’re not just teaching teachers, you’re teaching everyone! “ you will never be enough for the wrong person.” That speaks volumes in my marriage. You’re younger than me, but you have taught me so much! I am grateful for you.

This is the best explanation of leaving teaching I've heard so far, and I wish I'd been able to verbalize my own feelings as well when I left! I just kept thinking, "Oh my God, that's exactly it!" I also struggle with putting myself "out there", so I can't imagine the pressure of not only teaching, but putting it out there for all the world to judge and critique! I love how you always keep it real and honest! I'm so glad you found your happiness!

Go girl! Yours are my favorite how to videos. I am in my 30th year of teaching and will retire in June of 2023. I have learned more from your videos than anything else. They are real and easy to follow. The last 3-4 years, I go find your videos when I start planning for the year. My Google Slides are amazing because of you! You have learned what is important in life at a young age. Smart, smart, smart! I'm getting the same pressure not to retire, but I'm ready to move on to the next phase of life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! 💜

Thank you so much for this. I'm 51 and have been teaching 23 years and have really loved the kids and my job. I lost my husband to cancer 5 years ago and I regret all the misguided time I devoted to teaching and all the Friday nights I fell asleep on the couch out of sheer exhaustion while were supposed to be having some together time. I made it through the pandemic and guided my staff through the technology struggles that brought but I hoped this past school year would be better. It wasn't better, not from day 1, and I stayed for the kids and parents until the end of the year. I was near a mental breakdown and as the year kept going and it wasn't any better, I knew that it was my last year teaching. It broke my heart that I had to do this. I had been in teaching (student, sub, teacher) for most of my 51 years, but I decided it was time and it was the right decision for me. Haven't landed on what I will do, I need some time to reset, but I've been doing some TPT stuff for my friends and colleagues who are still teaching and it feels good. I learned a lot from your teacher videos as well as your TPT vlogs. Thank you so much for teaching all of us and finding your joy.

Good for you!! This was so well said!! I recently took a year break from the classroom to travel fulltime and homeschool my children. I am still trying to process everything I’ve learned and the perspectives I’ve gained through the experience. I love that you have found your new calling!! Or more like YOUR CALLING FOUND YOU!! ❤️

Michelle, I’m so glad that you’re following your heart. Your 2nd grade Classroom tour was the very first video that I saw of yours, and I’ve been hooked since. I’m not a teacher, but I have family and friends who are and have led them to your channel and they’re hooked. Keep on doing what makes you happy, and don’t forget to put your positive pants on and I’ll catch you in the next one! ❤️

Michelle, I’ve been watching you for the past several years. WOW! You have grown so much not only as a person, but also as a business woman and presenter. There is so much I want to share with you, however this is YOUR moment. Keep learning and living.

I'm honestly happy that you're happy! Life exists outside of teaching!

I found your channel during the pandemic and I became your fan ever since. Note the I am from Chile so the support you gave us teachers might be even higher than you think. I thank you deeply and I hope you accomplish everything you set your mind to. You are an inspiration.

Good for you girl! Welcome to Austin! I’ve been following you for years (back when I thought I wanted to be an elem teacher) and looked forward to your uploads, tips, tricks, and routines. I ended up taking an entirely different path, myself. But seeing this update warms my heart! I’m so happy for you.

Great video! Keep following your heart and your dreams! You only have one life to live! I am a teacher who is just starting my 26th year of teaching and I’m looking forward to learning more from you. 😊

After fifteen years in a high school classroom, I am starting September out of one after taking a staff position in higher education. I identify with a lot of what you said here! I'm a different person than I was so many years ago, so it makes sense that I want to make different choices to better support the life I'm living now. I am still in education and deeply passionate about it, and I can see myself teaching a class sometime at my new institution. But I'm still recovering from the burnout I experienced during the past few years, and I can't imagine going back to full time all consuming teaching. So grateful you will be here sharing your passion and on the podcast, because I know I will keep tuning in!

I have loved watching your journey. When I was little, I said I wanted to be a nurse. It was all I ever wanted to be. In 1990, I graduated with my BSN and began my career. Since then, I have gotten married, had a child and was diagnosed with a severe latex allergy. In 2016, my husband came to me saying his company was offering him a position in France. It would be for two years. I had to think as I would not be able to be a nurse in France. My job at the time was as a high school nurse and I loved it, with all of the stress and work that came along with it. We packed up our house, sold most of our belongings and moved in July 2017. After 2 months, my husband said my face looked different. I didn’t have dark circles under my eyes, my eyes seemed brighter and I looked for calm. Even being in a different country without friends and not really knowing the language, I was more relaxed and at peace. We decided to stay and bought at house about an hour from Bordeaux. I now manage a gîte-rental cottage-and I am happy. I still consider myself a nurse and always will. You will always be a teacher. I am so proud of you. Take care and much love from Gensac, France

You are human, and you are awesome at it! 🙌🏼 Never stop sharing that knowledge you have with everyone, keep on going girl!

Loved this video! You are such an amazing person to the teaching community! Even if you decided to stop making videos today, there are so many resources and videos you have created that have helped and will continue to help teachers now and in the future! Michelle, you’re amazing and will continue to be supported no matter what you do!

Seeing all the old clips from your vlogs is making me emotional!! You have come so far and I am so happy for you! Do what you love and we will all be here for you 💛

I’m so happy for you, Michelle. You are an inspiration to teachers across the country. You deserve YOUR career to go in the direction that keeps you motivated and happy! I’ve been watching your channel since the beginning and am thankful for all the pep talks, ideas, and academic resources you have given. Congratulations! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you for always being so transparent. I continue to learn from you and I welcome the honesty. Your message of putting ourselves first is something we all have to do because we cannot fill another's cup if our cup is empty. Thank you for being true!

Thank you for sharing your story Michelle! You have done incredible things for the teaching community and I have never understood the people who judge you based on the fact you left the classroom. Your content is AMAZING, was, is, and always will be. I share it with my teacher friends all the time. I am so glad you made the decision that works best for you and your family. In fact, as a fourth grade teacher myself, I never doubted you would be happier out of the classroom. The pressure is intense, the PDs are mostly "time-fillers", and if I have to "turn and talk" to my neighbor one more time in an adult meeting about something frivolous I will scream....BUT I still love teaching and always will. Thank you for being my inspiration.

Michelle, I am sitting here watching your video and sobbing. It’s like I am hearing my own words and story. I was an early childhood/elementary teacher for 18 years and on that final year (which was very rough) I decided to quit the hamster wheel. For years I devoted myself to my classroom, my students, their families, helping coworkers. I did it gladly but it came at the cost of my health, sanity and pushing back on starting a family, which I regret immensely now. It was hard to leave teaching because being a teacher was my entire identity for so long. Now I am a business owner and I continue teaching through Early Childhood classes, Prenatal Education and my doula work. Congratulations on making that decision and continuing your passion by teaching/inspiring other teachers. ❤️❤️❤️ All the best.

Michelle, I’ve watched 99% of your videos and watched this particular one twice already (I’ll probably watch it a few more times too). And, yet I’m not even an elementary teacher nor do I live in the USA. I’m a high school teacher in Australia 🇦🇺 with over 20 years of experience. Without you and your willingness to share and be true, I would not have survived online teaching nor would I have learnt so much that has enhanced student engagement in my classroom. So, THANK YOU 😊

So happy for you, and grateful that you’re sharing your truth! I watched you before I started teaching, and I watch you still a year after quitting teaching myself. Im not the training and development manager for a theme park. I’m happier in my career than ever, even with all the guilt I had to deflect while making the decision and the months following. Thank you for sharing ❤️

You are amazing!!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge online! You helped me through the pandemic. Our school also had to teach both online and, in the classroom, simultaneously. Your KZfaq videos saved many of us. I have always been computer literate, but at 63 years of age learning: Google Classroom, Hybrid Teaching, Videoing, Posting, making self-correcting quizzes and tests, etc. was overwhelming. Especially, in a one week turn around time. Because of you, I became the only teacher at our school who had live-stream Google classrooms, which were then up-loaded for those who wouldn’t get on during class time but would view them later. I would watch and pause your videos over and over until I mastered your lesson. Continue following your heart, you’re an inspiration to teachers all over the world. Thank you for blessing my life.

What a beautiful TEDTalk! As a 35 year veteran, I totally understand what you are saying. Everyone must do what is best for themselves. Many, including myself do not have the courage to speak up like you do every week. I appreciate ALL you have done to help me while you were in the classroom and continue to do for me and others! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Being a teacher of 30+ years, when the pandemic hit , your videos helped me to shine among my staff for the first time. You really inspired me to be the best I could be. Thank you for being so open and honest. It truly is one of the most mentally challenging jobs out there. Change is good.

Thanks for sharing your story! I have loved following you since day one & I still enjoy all the contact that you produce now that you’re out of the classroom. You bring so much value to KZfaq! Thanks for everything you do and share 💞

Love hearing your full story! I have a similar one. I started teaching just a few years before you (2012!). I taught a year of a combo 2-3 class, 3 years in 2nd, a year in 3rd, and this is my sixth year in 4th. I stumbled across your page early on in your teaching career and loved that you seemed so similar to me! Your passion, your drive, and even your love of organization were all things I could relate to. Especially when in my own district I often got shamed for doing too much, which is just as unhelpful as shaming someone for not doing enough. I have loved watching, learning, and stealing from you! Thanks so much for all you have shown on KZfaq!!

Today my students were talking about KZfaq influencers and I told them that I watch your channel. The funny thing is one of my current students told me she used to be in your class in MD. Small world!

You do what’s best for you but you helped me so much during the beginning of the pandemic. As a long-term substitute teacher, I was left out or forgotten when it came to training. I felt isolated so I searched on KZfaq and found you. I also had time to rekindle my love for fashion design and I have no desire to teach in a classroom again but I will use my teaching skills to pursue my new adventure.

Love this! I share in your sentiments and praise your decision to be happy and not live for others' expectations. I really agree with the part about the unreasonable expectations put on teachers and how we are made to feel inferior or like we are not doing enough.

What a great video~ glad you found your path for this season. May you enjoy all your life seasons, and thanks for being a source of support and content for teachers!

Thank you for this gut-driven talk you had with us all. "You will never be enough for the wrong person..." Ouch and true. Educators need ~nourishment~ and your "teaching teachers" work has been priceless. It also resulted in your successful business. TEACHERS NEED TEACHERS. They have the strongest friendships/communication I've ever seen! However, the burnout & overwhelm were REAL since approx 3/13/20. I am not a teacher but I support them every day as the website coordinator for school district. I am amazed every day. Tysm for the work you all do and Michelle for what you do. (..and Bridget too!) Rock on.

I found your channel because I loved your TPT resources so much. I love teaching but I don’t live to teach. It’s so incredibly important to have a work life balance. I think it took me until I was pregnant to figure that out. I’m happy to see you’re happy and you’ve figured out that balance to your life as well.

I’ve watched several of your teaching videos when you were in the classroom before the pandemic so I was surprised when I saw that you stopped, but I’m thankful for what you’ve shared. I’m a first year preschool teacher at my church (only teaching Tuesdays & Thursdays, & aiding on the other days), but I’ve been working there since Aug. 2015. I also do both the before school and after school program everyday which puts me at school for 11 hours a day. A lot of people (even my crush!) were worried about me getting burnt out because of working so much, and babysitting till midnight on Tuesdays, but I’m not there yet. I’ve been doing it for so long already, so it’s not new to me… I joked to a couple people to ask me in December or January if I’m burnt out because if anything, that’s when it’ll start

Good for you for doing what’s best for you! As a 26 yr classroom teacher, I have often admired teachers like you who could do so much! I actually have felt guilty at times for not doing enough outside of the classroom, but have managed to stick to what I know my strength is, which is classroom teaching. I’ll retire in a few years with maybe a twinge of regret for not having a side hustle or a KZfaq channel or a blog(I had a pandemic blog that fizzled after school started back in person), but I’ll know that countless students had a teacher who was doing what she knew best! Good luck to you; I know you will be successful in whatever you decide is best for YOU.

Aloha, Michelle, You have inspired me tremendously! I know that my comments will likely be buried amongst the other 855 comments, but if you read them some day, I'll be content. I started teaching in the classroom in my fifties. I found you on KZfaq during Graduate School and my teaching life was transformed, to say the least. Many mahalos for all you've taught us. I look like a much more organized and creative teacher because of you. I hope to see you at a Professional Development here on the Big Island of Hawaii some day. You are truly an incredible gift to the profession. Mahalo nui loa!

YOU ARE AMAZING, Michelle! I hope you made this video to document your own journey and not because you felt compelled to explain yourself. I am 20 years ahead of you in my work life and finally made a big change about six years ago. I still struggle with feeling like I’m not living up to others’ expectations BUT I’m happy(ish), and my work now really makes a difference. And with age, you just give less of a shit about what everyone else thinks. Do you! It’s all you can do. And you are awesome. ❤

so happy for you! I loved seeing all the little snippets from your past vlogs. I left classroom teaching about 2 years ago and it was the best decision for me. I now have a much better work-life balance working in student support in post-secondary and my mental health has improved dramatically. I'm excited to see your next steps-- you're absolutely killing it!

I want to say "thank you" for all you have done for the education of children and teachers! You have a true gift for the ability to teach through your videos. You give teachers so much of their time back by showing them the detailed way you do things through all the different apps you teach us about in your videos. I love that you are also so open and truthful with your abilities and feelings. I think of you as the "super-teacher" and often wished I was more like you, but my truth is I am me and you are you. I did use many of the things that you have taught to be a better teacher, especially during the pandemic! You taught me so much about teaching "Virtually", I mean who ever thought that would be something that we would experience in our lifetimes? Even though I am retired now after 30 years, I am still learning through your videos. Keep doing your thing girl because you "ROCK" at it! Thank you!!!

This was my favorite video so far! So many nuggets of wisdom. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Sending best wishes and support as you continue on your journey!

You helped me a lot in my first couple years of teaching. I always thought, how does she have the time to do this insane job so well and find time to make all these videos? I am happy for you! 7 years with students and all you gave to other teachers was a major and meaningful contribution. It’s great to see the reality behind the videos because at one point I compared myself to teachers on socials and felt insecure. The students deserve my best and I provide that to them. My best just happens to be a 40-hour work week so I can be there for my family, hobbies, and social life. Sometimes that means lackluster (or nonexistent) lesson plans, long grading times, shortcuts and pairing down of activities, and app learning days while I catch up, but it’s worth it. They still learn, and I get to stay sane!

I felt compelled to post to say thank you for your honesty. Your experience hits home as I approach 10 years and a new position a bit removed from the classroom. I've learned so much during the pandemic from your channel and I knew then as I know now you're a bright light for our community of teachers.

I am so happy for you!!!! I loved what you said! I am glad you chose you!!! You have left an imprint on our hearts! Congratulations on your new role in life!!! ❤️🙏🏽❤️

I’m grateful for you, Michelle! The Lord really used you to help make me fall in love with teaching again. I was about to quit and then through the pandemic one of the academic deans shared one of your videos and I began binging like if it was a Netflix show! I’m grateful for you and that you’re doing what brings YOU JOY! I’ve learned so much through your videos of you in the classroom and I’ve learned so much from you especially outside of the classroom! I’m truly happy for you & happy I found your channel. In conclusion, thank you for existing! ♥️

I found you during the pandemic when I needed you because my software skills were lacking. I am now one of the leaders in my school as far as tech. But watching this video makes me realize I am saying yes to too many roles at school. My thoughts have turned to quitting for the first time in 19ish years. You have inspired me to “delegate”.

Love this so much. Your maturity at 29 is off the charts. So many teachers are gaining much needed help from you via KZfaq, Podcast, Website, TPT resources.....thank you for sharing your ideas, your growth, but mostly what you have learned. As a community, teachers need to hear your message.

Hey Michell I feel you, I’m so happy you found you and what makes your heart tick, even though I miss the classroom preparation and materials you shared and hanging out around your city I see you have grown stronger yet, you’re a great example of what it means to follow your dreams even when they change, many blessings to you and your husband 🥰

Michelle, thank you for this very personal video. I am still seeing comments regarding “she’s not in the trenches” which is unfortunate since your message is still clearly getting lost. Who wants to be in the trenches…I have been a teacher for 23 years, one of the greatest days of my career was finding your videos on KZfaq! Then your podcast etc. You continue to offer brilliant advice and strategies which have given me so much more time to do the things outside of education that I love. You’ve helped keep me out of the trenches and put my career in perspective. One thing I have learned is you are 💯 % replaceable as a teacher but not to your family and friends. I could go on and on but I really just want to say thank you. 💜

I LOVE this video! Thank you for all of your online ideas. You helped me be a better teacher online and in class. I am sorry to hear that some 'demanded' more from you. Good for you for putting yourself first. Your message in this video is powerful. The one thing I am still working on is to 'work within contract hours and to give myself permission to have a personal life. I am a work in progress, as I haven't mastered it yet. Whatever you decide to do next, you will excel. I am grateful for all you have taught me-wishing you the best in your journey ahead. On behalf of all the teachers, We love you, continue to follow your heart and keep smiling ❤😁

Thanks for sharing! It's clear you've captured similar feelings and challenges faced by so many educators! Keep teaching and shining in your own way!

I am so happy for you! Your tips and tricks and technology videos got me through the pandemic and distance learning and hybrid learning...all of it. I teach middle school art and still your organizational videos and your tech videos, helped me do what I needed to do for my kids. I've missed seeing you on my feed, but I am SO happy for you! You have found where you need to be now, and you help exponentially by teaching teachers. Thank you for all you give, this is not an easy profession, I am 27 years in, an old lady, but you helped me and my students do what needed to be done during the pandemic and after. Thank you for all you give...no one outside of the profession understands. I'm with you, I thank you, and I wish you every happiness and success of this journey!

I stumbled upon your youtube channel during the pandemic. I am not in the classroom anymore, I am an educational diagnsotician. I love using your videos to help me keep organized. A diagnsotician has to keep up with caseloads, report writing, ARD meetings, etc. Thank you for all you do. You are not just teaching or helping classroom teachers, you are helping many different job titles.

Good for you!! I also left the classroom June 2021, after 32 years, after the complete exhaustion of COVID teaching. You helped me survive the technological demands of those two years. Keep being the best version of yourself. You are gifted and awesome 👏

Well said, Michelle! So many of your feelings and thoughts echo mine! I first discovered your videos in March, 2020 when we all suddenly went home and had to pivot to online teaching and learning. Wow...you saved my sanity and helped me navigate more than you could ever know. So THANK YOU! I wish you every happiness as you continue your journey!

I loved this Michelle! Thanks for being honest and open. I definitely have noticed how much happier you seen these days. I absolutely loved your quote about “not being everything for everyone but something for someone.” If all you can do is impact someone’s life then you are trying. Of course we would love to people please but our family and our happiness should come first. Thank you!

Michelle, you are a voice of reason and have so much positivity to share. I am a retired teacher (for 2 years now). During my last year I watched all of your videos and shared the tips I learned with my colleagues. It helped not just me....but others as well. You should be very proud of the ripple effect your teaching has! The amount of positive comments this video has in just one month, speaks volumes. Teachers are in crisis and need more people like you! Keep sharing.❤

I am so glad to see that you are doing what makes you happy. You were a lot of help for me during the pandemic with your videos. I shared a lot of your videos with my colleagues because your tutorials are just simply amazing. I think that you will help more kids by teaching other teachers to teach! You explain difficult things so easily! Thank you Michelle for all you hard work! Once again, thank you for you help. I wish you the best. Greetings from Honduras!

YOU are amazing! I would’ve never gotten through the pandemic without your videos. You are a blessing to all teachers around the world. We all have to do what makes us happy and I happy you did! Keep helping us that are still in the classroom! ❤️

I love this so much! This is also my second year out of the classroom. While I miss it and think about going back often, there is definitely a draw to exploring new things. I love how you said, "You are allowed to explore different versions of yourself." What an adventure! I really enjoyed listening to your reflection and how you came to your decision. Thank you for sharing!

You helped inspire this last year to leave teaching after 9 years. I am now a Project Manager and learning an entire new industry. We all need to start thinking of our own happiness like you stated. Having some sanity also helps! Thank you for being so awesome!

I left the classroom earlier this year after about a year of knowing I had to stop after nearly 20 years. Your last few classroom-based videos helped me keep my teaching game as high as possible in those last few months and the videos (and podcasts) you’ve made in the last year or so have helped a lot in validating my decision to leave. Thank you for sharing all your experiences so openly.

This is the BEST video I have ever watched on your channel. I’ve been around for a while. I started watching your videos while I was going to college to become a teacher and I am currently in my 4th year in the classroom. You have made a HUGE impact on my classroom and my life! THANK YOU for every single video and advice along the way!

Girl! You are amazing. I am grateful for everything you have shared. I am happy that I found you on KZfaq. I’ve learned a lot from you and have been and continue to be a great resource. Live your life. Enjoy! Keep doing what makes you happy.

I've grown leaps and bounds through your videos. I could never thank you enough for all the inspiration and guidance you've given me throughout the years to help me improve my teaching. You deserve to honor "You". You did good! Enjoy! Mahalo~

I’m sure this was super hard to make but I’m so proud of you. You did a great job of expressing yourself.

Thank you so much for all you do. I couldn't have gone through my first year teaching in the pandemic without you! Love your vision and that you share your journey with us. You are incredible ❤️

Awesome! I am happy for you. I found you during the pandemic and you inspired me to think outside the box. Now you can focus on helping us teachers and actually helps tons of students we all serve! Win win if you ask me. Thank you for your service and honesty and being true to yourself.

Thank you for your honest assessment of this emotionally draining career. I left this year after serving my dream job for 22 years, too. I can relate to ever single word. You just don’t realize just how much of your life you’ve given until you can finally focus on YOU! ❤️

I quit teaching for the same reasons. I have appreciated your content and I'm rooting for you. Keep influencing, teaching, and sharing.

I love your channel and content. I'm glad that you are doing what makes you happy and I'm glad you are honest. I have gained so much insight and knowledge from you. My co-workers have benefitted from your channel. We started out this whole COVID-19 adventure with no Chromebooks and no Google Classroom. When we got them, we have two days to learn them and train the kids on them. It was right before Christmas and we were going to attempt remote learning because of a snow storm. I don't know if I could have pulled it off had it not been for your Google Classroom videos. I thank from the bottom of my heart. Knowing that you have such an amazing channel and resources has saved me and my students more than once.

Thank you Michelle! Like many others, you helped me get through online teaching during the pandemic. Everything I know was because of watching your videos. I’m sorry you felt that you needed to explain yourself and why you left teaching. Keep doing what makes you happy. Trust me, you are still making an impact. Be happy.

This year I got my first elementary classroom position. I had been subbing for 3 years, and tutored for 3 years. It's insane how much work it is. I got hired close to the start of the school year, so I didn't get a chance to prep my classroom and buy all those supplies. It's almost the third week of a school, and I am just getting up my calendar and 'jobs' set up. I'm single and don't have kids yet, and I applaud my teacher friends having to take their kids to hockey games, dance practices , etc. after school. I don't know how they do it. For the last two weeks, almost every weekday, I'm working 12~ hours. So I'm staying 4-5 hours after school to get things planned for tomorrow, answering emails, grading assessments, learning about certain assessments, how to use certain resources, and more. Weekends are my lifesavers and gives me a chance to catch up. I'm just hoping it's a curve that eventually falls down more.

Thank you SO MUCH for sharing from your heart! I am a 33 year veteran teacher and thought I couldn't handle the technology learning curve that the pandemic brought. Your videos helped save me and kept my frustration level much much lower than they could have been. I have watched every video you've posted since, and often your podcasts, too. I'm in secondary ed, so some of the content is not necessarily directly relevant, but I always take away some nugget. I appreciate that you are not letting the "nay sayers" take over your processing. Your life is yours, and your decisions will need to be what's best for you and Billy. I'll be grateful for as long as you decide to create content, and some day if you decide to set this aside to go back to the classroom or to follow another path, I know that you will always be doing so to help people - you are so gifted!! Thank you again!!

I'm so happy for you! This video was really inspiring and encouraging for me. I just left the classroom and was anxious about how I would feel- and all I've felt is happiness and relief. I miss it, but I'm loving working on my new passion: my channel and educational content. This was an encouraging message for me to hear about turning a new page in my book. Good luck 😀

You’re so generous , Michelle. You give a lot of yourself, and I can understand that too. It’s the guilt. It’s the wanting to help others, but we forget about caring for ourselves too & putting our families first. It gets to be too much. It’s good to see you well & also sharing this important message.

I see myself in you, I’m a “people pleaser” and perfectionist. I’m also a mom and sometimes I have to say no because I need to spend time with my son. It’s incredibly hard. It’s refreshing to see you doing what makes you happy!!

From one teacher to another - I applaud you!!!! 💛 Cheers to new beginnings, and exciting opportunities!!! 🥂🎉👏🏽🎊

Thank you for your candor, honesty, and wisdom. Know that your work is far reaching. Continue to share as you light the path for others. I appreciate you!

Yes yes yes to all of this!! Thank you for being so open and honest, Michelle!

I am so pleased that you are still happy with your decision to leave the classroom. You are most definitely still a teacher. I absolutely love you videos. They help me in so many ways.

Thank you for being here for teachers! In or out of the classroom you are so inspiring! I appreciate you and all the work you have done so that teachers like me can learn from you!

Thank you for helping teachers and helping me. Your videos saved me. When I didn’t know how to do the virtual teaching I found you and was so thankful. I have since retired and I don’t regret my decision but I still consider myself a teacher and always will. Good luck to you and again I appreciate all your help and getting me through a challenging time!

I'm so happy for you. I love your channel. Keep doing what you love, it makes a huge difference!

I also quit teaching. There is no need to keep on working to institutions that do no care about your health because of these exhausting years of pandemic. There are many ways to continue making money . I feel relieved from that heavy burden.

I’m so happy for you Michelle! I was in my 7th year of teaching last year and my mental health was at its worst. I took a leave of absence at the end of October and on my 31st birthday in February, I gave myself the best gift I ever could and officially resigned. The following month, I began working for the federal government (I live in Canada) and the best part is that I get to work from home! This is the first September in years where I haven’t felt consumed with anxiety and dread. I am so much happier and healthier. I’m happy for YOU that you made a decision to do what is best for YOU!💜💜💜

So many things you said resonated with me Michelle. Keep learning and growing! You are still a teacher and always will be.....it just looks different as you evolve and grow! Isn't it great to be able to have so many choices on how you get to teach!? Thanks for sharing and being authentic as always!

Beautiful video!!! Thank you for your vulnerability. I feel the same way. You really moved my heart to give myself grace,to have fun, and to live freely inside or outside the classroom!

This is exactly what I needed to hear. I had the WORST experience last year and I couldn’t believe I had to resign. It hurt my heart to know what I love I had to leave. I’m still not sure if I’m going back to the classroom. I’m trying to at least do professional development or something along those line. I am praying for clarity soon

Having literally no interest in teaching at all I used to watch your videos. I just appreciated your passion and how much you tried for the kids! It sucks that the stress of the industry and KZfaq was giving you such grief, but I hope you're enjoying your new journey!

You are phenomenal!!! I discovered you during the pandemic as I was helping other educators. Your enthusiasm for the craft and down to earth approach is refreshing and relatable. So glad you are now my neighbor but more the series you put together this year has been incredible. Keep your positive pants on and you will always have an audience more importantly you’ll be happy. Much love and respect.

Thank you so much for this video! I left the classroom back in 2017 and shared my story on KZfaq a few years later. I also have faced a mixed response from the teaching community online. Ultimately it was the best decision for me and my health. Thanks again for sharing!