Podcast Summary: The Not-So-Fabulous Life of a Teacher
Podcast Information:
- Title: The CEO Teacher Podcast
- Host/Author: Kayse Morris
- Episode: The Not-So-Fabulous Life of a Teacher
- Release Date: March 26, 2025
Introduction
In the heartfelt episode titled "The Not-So-Fabulous Life of a Teacher," Kayse Morris diverges from her usual focus on strategies and tips to share a deeply personal and honest account of her journey as a teacher. This episode serves as a mirror for educators who often grapple with unseen challenges, providing a space for shared experiences and emotional relief.
Personal Struggles in Teaching
Kayse opens up about her early days as a student teacher at just 23 years old, balancing the demands of a budding teaching career with the responsibilities of motherhood. She recounts waking up before dawn to prepare her two young children while navigating the stresses of student teaching.
"I was trying to hold it all together, wondering why I felt like falling apart." [02:15]
Despite her passion for teaching, Kayse felt overwhelmed and unsupported. She describes the silent burnout that set in even before she officially started her teaching career, a sentiment that many educators can relate to but seldom discuss openly.
The Breaking Point
Kayse vividly describes the exhaustion and emotional toll that teaching took on her daily life. From late-night grading sessions while attending to her crying baby to smiling through observation days despite feeling on the verge of tears, her experiences highlight the often unnoticed struggles teachers endure.
"I remember sitting in my Toyota Avalon in the back of that student teacher parking lot with my head up against the steering wheel, thinking, is this really what I had worked so hard for?" [15:40]
A particularly poignant moment she shares is when a student's mother sent her a photo of her son in his kindergarten class, coupled with a heartfelt message. This incident crystallized her realization of the personal sacrifices she was making.
"I will never, ever miss another day like this. I will walk out of this job before I do that." [28:50]
The Turning Point
The episode takes a hopeful turn as Kayse recounts a transformative moment while walking her dogs on a serene day. Contrary to her usual tears of exhaustion, she finds herself crying tears of gratitude, prompting her to ask a pivotal question:
"What if there's another way to do this? A way that still uses my love for teaching but lets me show up for my own kids." [35:10]
This shift in mindset marked the beginning of her journey towards a more balanced and fulfilling life, utilizing her teaching passion in new, sustainable ways without sacrificing her personal well-being.
Finding a New Path
Kayse emphasizes that overcoming burnout wasn't an overnight transformation but rather a gradual process of self-reflection and honesty. She explains how writing down her experiences helped her reconnect with her creativity and rediscover a version of herself that had been overshadowed by stress and exhaustion.
"This was just the beginning of everything... Beginning to shift." [42:25]
Her story underscores the importance of asking ourselves different questions and exploring alternative paths that align with both our professional passions and personal lives.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Wrapping up the episode, Kayse introduces her book, "The Not-So-Fabulous Life of a Teacher," as a collective story that resonates with many educators. She invites listeners to download the book as a mirror and a catalyst for change, offering a moment of reflection and the possibility of a new beginning.
"This isn't a fix. It's not a plan. It's a mirror. It's a moment." [55:00]
Kayse promises that future episodes will delve deeper into the realities of a teacher's life and explore strategies to transform those experiences into something radically different and more fulfilling.
Final Thoughts
"The Not-So-Fabulous Life of a Teacher" is a raw and authentic exploration of the emotional landscape that many teachers navigate silently. Kayse Morris's vulnerability fosters a sense of community and understanding, reminding educators that they are not alone in their struggles and that there is hope for a more balanced and joyful professional life.
Notable Quotes:
- "I was trying to hold it all together, wondering why I felt like falling apart." — Kayse Morris [02:15]
- "I will never, ever miss another day like this. I will walk out of this job before I do that." — Kayse Morris [28:50]
- "What if there's another way to do this? A way that still uses my love for teaching but lets me show up for my own kids." — Kayse Morris [35:10]
- "This isn't a fix. It's not a plan. It's a mirror. It's a moment." — Kayse Morris [55:00]
For more insights and to join a supportive community of educators, visit kaysemorris.com.