Becoming the Teacher I Needed: Lessons in Radical Kindness and Resilience

Rediscover your passion for teaching and build the resilience to thrive in today's challenging classroom

Becoming the Teacher I Needed by Jere Chang (known as "Ms. Chang") offers a candid roadmap for educators struggling with burnout, disillusionment, and the mounting pressures of modern teaching. Drawing from her two decades in both general and gifted education classrooms, along with her childhood challenges in the classroom and experience as a social media sensation with over 4 million followers, Ms. Chang provides authentic insights into the realities teachers face daily. This isn't just another motivational book - it's a practical guide that acknowledges common teaching challenges while empowering educators to rediscover their purpose, prioritize their well-being, and continue making a meaningful impact on students' lives.

Ms. Chang honestly addresses the systemic issues and daily struggles that leave so many teachers feeling overwhelmed and undervalued, from behavioral challenges to unsustainable workloads. Rather than dwelling on problems, however, she offers actionable strategies for building resilience, maintaining work-life balance, and reconnecting with the profound reasons you became a teacher in the first place. The book culminates in a comprehensive framework that helps educators thrive in their calling.

• Authentic perspective from the trenches Written by an active classroom teacher who has navigated over 20 years of real-world challenges, not theoretical advice from someone who's never encountered today's students or classrooms
• Proven strategies for avoiding burnout Practical techniques for self-care, boundary-setting, and sustainable teaching practices that protect your mental health while maximizing your impact
• Relationship-building expertise Methods for creating meaningful connections with students that enhance learning outcomes and make teaching more rewarding
• Resilience-building framework A systematic approach to developing the mental toughness needed to navigate educational bureaucracy, difficult parents, and challenging student behaviors
• Community-tested wisdom Insights refined through engagement with millions of educators across Chang's social media platforms resulting in relevant, effective advice

This essential resource speaks directly to K-12 teachers who entered the profession with hope and passion but now find themselves questioning their career choice due to mounting pressures and systemic challenges. It will also prove invaluable to teacher leaders, administrators, and education advocates hoping to understand and address teacher retention issues. Whether you're a new teacher feeling overwhelmed, a veteran educator considering leaving the profession, or a school leader working to support your staff, Becoming the Teacher I Needed provides inspiration, validation, and practical tools that will reignite your love for teaching and build a sustainable, fulfilling career in education.

Author: Jere Chang
Publisher: Jossey-Bass
Published: 05/19/2026
Pages: 208
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.83lbs
Size: 9.26h x 6.23w x 0.69d
ISBN: 9781394357628