Rosemarie D. Embile
FOR more than a decade, I have dedicated my life to the rewarding and challenging field of teaching — a journey marked by countless long, engaging days spent in the classroom.
Teaching has always been a calling for me, not just a profession.
In my early years of teaching, like so many others, I believed that giving everything I had — every minute, every ounce of energy — was the measure of a dedicated educator. I stayed late, brought work home, and constantly pushed myself to do more. I wore my exhaustion like a badge of honor, believing that sacrifice was simply part of the job.
But behind the packed schedules and the smiles I put on for my students, there was a side few people ever saw: the silent struggles with burnout, the quiet moments of doubt, the nights when I questioned whether I could keep going. I kept moving forward because that’s what teachers do — but inside, I was running on empty.
It took time — and honesty — to realize that something had to change.
I began setting healthier boundaries, learning to leave work at work when I could. I gave myself permission to say “no” to extra commitments when my plate was already full. I rediscovered simple joys outside the classroom: family dinners, quiet walks, hobbies that had long been pushed aside.
Most importantly, I learned that caring for myself didn’t make me less committed to my students — it made me more capable of being fully present for them.
I carry that hard-earned lesson with me every day: the necessity of a balanced life truly matters.
Teaching is deeply meaningful work. It’s also demanding, requiring not just skill and patience but emotional strength. If we, as teachers, want to sustain the passion that brought us into this field, we must protect our own well-being along the way.
Our students deserve teachers who are healthy, present, and whole. Self-care is not selfish. It is essential.
As we reflect on the challenges and triumphs of teaching, let’s remember that our well-being is the foundation of the lasting impact we make on our students. When we take care of ourselves, we give our best selves to those who need us the most.
This week, and every week, let’s celebrate not just the work we do, but the people we are — resilient, passionate, and capable of making a difference. To all my fellow teachers: you are valued, you are needed, and most of all, you are appreciated.
Here’s to a future where we continue to nurture ourselves as we nurture others.
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! May it be filled with renewal and overflowing cup of blessings!
