“I became a teacher because I wanted to join a social movement.”
- Dr. Heather Michel
I started teaching as a Teacher For America teacher in Houston, Texas in 2001. I fulfilled my two-year commitment and moved to San Diego, CA where I taught first and second grade to black and brown students nine miles from the Mexican/US border for 11 years. Although my teaching position carried significant stress, I initially found great satisfaction in working with my students. However, as my career progressed, I experienced burn-out and compassion fatigue. My feelings of shame and disappointment were made worse because in those days, no one was talking about teacher burnout. I recognized this change in myself, and although heartbreaking, I looked for my next step out of the classroom. During my time in the classroom, mental health as it relates to teachers, was not part of mainstream conversation. The teaching community hadn't really normalized "setting boundaries" between work and personal life. In fact, "doing whatever it takes, " to reach students was a large part of my school's operating culture. Compounding my school's culture was my support system. I didn't find a solid support system in my colleagues or administration. I often felt isolated because my peers didn't share the same sense of drive or urgency that I brought to my classroom. I wasn't employing self-care or mental health strategies. No one told me that because I was a teacher of color, I experienced teaching differently. I couldn't just walk away from my work. I carried the success and failures of my students’ home with me.
As my mindset shifted, leaving the classroom felt like my only option. I knew that my teaching career, in its current form, wasn't sustainable. I needed a change, but I felt ashamed about leaving the profession. I felt I had betrayed my community and students.
I created the Inspired Teacher Retreats, District level workshops, and my wellness resources with my former teacher self in mind. When I reflect on leaving the profession, I'm at peace but also a little remorseful. Would a daily regime of mental health strategies have changed the trajectory of my career? I'm not sure, but it would have helped me take care of myself and process my feelings of burnout and anxiety. I'm hoping that however you choose to work with me, my support, coaching, and mentorship serve as preventative measures in preserving your commitment to the profession.
Wherever you are on your journey, I’m glad you are here.
In solidarity and allyship,
Heather Michel, Ed.D.
Vanessa Cruz, Mentee
“My a-ha moment was realizing my negative self-talk. I always try to spread positivity with others. I struggle to do that with myself, leading to burnout and never feeling good enough. Dr. Michel’s tools helped me focus on feeling proud of my accomplishments, how far I have come, and to prioritize myself. Thank you Dr. Michel - I learned more than I could’ve imagined in your retreat session.”