Choosing You

Martita Robbins, M. Ed. interviews Emily, a former 6th-grade math teacher who recently transitioned out of the classroom to work as a social worker. Emily enjoyed building community and connecting with her students, but she found the long hours and lack of self-care unsustainable. She overcame limiting beliefs around her age and experience to assert boundaries like shutting her classroom door and taking a day off when needed. Martita and Emily discuss the challenges of setting boundaries as a young teacher and self-care strategies such as turning off lights to focus during planning periods and taking a mental health day when needed.