Just wanted to introduce myself.

This is the introduction from my new book, From Burnout to Bliss: Fall Back in Love with Teaching.

I love schools. I love teaching.

I remember playing school on the back porch with my best friend Heidi. We always argued about who would be the teacher – she usually won so we did a lot of spelling tests, but it was still fun.

I love numbers. I love math.

When I was little, I named my kitten Eighty-Six. I also told my mom that my peas tasted like a straight line. Numbers, shapes and patterns give me comfort. They make sense and they are beautiful.

So, it came as no surprise to anyone when I chose to become a math teacher. Over the years, I’ve taught in a variety of settings, from high schools to colleges. While I’ve enjoyed every experience, I’ve discovered that my heart beats a little faster in high schools—there’s just something special about that environment that draws me in.

Believe me, I’m fully aware of how lucky I am to fall in love with something and then get to do it for over thirty-five years—and counting. It’s a gift, like finding a rare baseball card or a Wi-Fi connection that consistently works. It’s both an honor and a privilege, and honestly, I can’t wait to jump out of bed each morning to do the work (though, let’s be real, I might hit the snooze button once or twice). But once I’m up, it’s all enthusiasm and passion. I mean, who wouldn’t be excited to spend their days doing something they truly love? It’s not just a job; it’s a lifelong adventure—and I’m here for every minute of it.

I also know many people do not share my passion for mathematics. When I am at a party and mention I teach AP Calculus, people usually cringe, tell me how much they hate math and take a step away from me. Some even ask me how I can spend so much time with teenagers. Nonetheless, I am proud to be a high school math teacher, and I want more people to realize teaching is a fun, rewarding, challenging, exhausting, fulfilling, hard, all-consuming, satisfying, diverse, and a great job let alone a great way to live your life. But even I must admit, something has been lost along the way.

If you’re a teacher, you know this struggle intimately. Disheartening experiences can lead to fatigue, anxiety and depression. Left unmanaged, this can turn into burnout and the desire to quit teaching.

Each day, responsibilities multiply while the things you hope to let go of linger like shadows, and the weight of expectations can feel like an anchor. Nothing is being taken off your plate. You are often put into situations you are not prepared for. You might find yourself questioning whether your efforts truly matter, wondering if the long hours and heartfelt dedication are making any real impact at all. But let me reassure you—they absolutely do. Even on days when appreciation feels like a distant memory and support seems elusive, know that you are valued. When you doubt whether anyone notices your hard work, remember this: they do. Your influence reaches far beyond the classroom, shaping lives and inspiring futures in ways you may never fully realize. Trust me, this is true.

My friend, if you’re feeling burnt out or on the brink of it, I am truly sorry.  This book is here for you. It will invite you, if you are ready, to reclaim the joy in your work through insightful questions, a focus on gratitude, a fresh perspective, and a sprinkle of humor. A happy and healthy you doesn’t just enhance your own life; it also enriches the learning experiences of your students. Go back and read that sentence again. Isn’t that what we, as teachers, aspire to achieve? Your happiness is good for everyone. It is not a selfish endeavor. It is necessary for you to be the teacher you want to be.

Let’s embark on an inspiring journey filled with renewed enthusiasm and purpose. Give yourself permission to focus on yourself. After all, you are the only person you can truly change. Together, we’ll share laughter and tears, delve deep, and rediscover our passions. These insights will empower us to support ourselves, our students, and our colleagues. Are you ready to discover just how extraordinary you truly are as an educator? Are you ready to reclaim your best self?

If this speaks to you, please keep your eyes out for my book which is due to be published in September 2026. Until then, I hope you enjoy my blog. I will be writing weekly blurbs that will hopefully encourage you and remind you why the work you do is so important. Thank you for reading! kim