That New Teacher Next Door

Work Less. Impact More.

In a world where teachers are leaving the profession in droves, one quiet overachiever begins to question the status quo.

The click-clack of her heels echoes down the empty hallway.
It’s 3:15 p.m.—and she’s walking out the door, not a minute past contract time.

Who is she?
What’s her secret?
And will her students suffer because of her rebellious choice?

In That New Teacher Next Door, Helena Hains blends raw personal stories with practical, classroom-tested systems to dismantle the martyr-teacher mindset once and for all.

This book is for the teacher who dreams of leaving her bag behind.

The teacher who wants to make a meaningful impact without sacrificing herself in the process.
For the teacher who needs to be reminded that she is not failing—she’s learning, growing, and becoming.

Because the teacher next door doesn’t make herself small to make others comfortable.
She knows who she is.
She knows the impact she makes.
And she has the courage to go after it.

What Other Teachers are Saying

Steve

“Raw, personal, and powerful—in all the right ways.”

Adrianna

“The perfect balance of personal stories and practical strategies.”

Ashton

“A great resource for both teachers beginning their journey and those who have been teaching for years.”

It's Time To Do Things Differently

In a world where teacher burnout is a rite of passage, it's time we question society's definition of what a 'good teacher' is.

Because here's the truth:
✨ You don’t need another strategy.

✨ You don’t need to suffer for years until it all clicks into place.

✨You don't need more self-care.

✨You don't need to hustle more and work more hours.

✨And you don’t need another reminder to “remember your why.”

It's time we question if teaching is a profession we would be proud to have our own children in.

And if the answer is a concise "NO," then it's time we start looking at things differently.

That's where OPT OUT comes in...

OPT OUT

A 3-Day Live Experience for Teachers Ready to Leave the Martyr Identity Behind

OPT OUT is a bonus 3-day live experience created specifically for readers of That New Teacher Next Door.

I didn’t write That New Teacher Next Door to help teachers survive a broken system.

I wrote it to show you what happens when you stop trying to teach the way society tells you you have to — and start trusting yourself.

This book — and this experience — are especially for early-career teachers who want to build sustainability before burnout becomes the norm.

You don’t owe your exhaustion to anyone.
Not your district.
Not your coworkers.
Not even your students.

OPT OUT is the bridge between the story
and stepping into the life you’re ready to live.

You already know this isn’t sustainable.
You already know there’s another way.

You've seen it down the hallway. But now it's your turn.

By the end of these three days, most teachers walk away with fewer decisions to make, clearer boundaries, and a calmer relationship with their work.

What We'll Cover

Day One: Opting Out of the Martyr Teacher Identity

This is where it begins.

We’ll unpack:
• Where the martyr teacher identity comes from
• Why guilt keeps teachers working longer than contracts ever could
• How overworking became confused with caring
• The moment you realize you don't need permission to choose differently

This day isn’t about action steps.
It’s about release.

Most teachers say this is the day something clicks.

Day Two: Rewriting the Way You Work

Once the identity shifts, relief becomes possible.

On Day Two, we’ll talk about:
• What actually makes teaching feel calm instead of chaotic
• Why ease is built — not earned
• Systems that reduce decision fatigue and constant correction
• Planning without spiraling, classrooms that run without constant micromanaging, and email that stops haunting you after hours

This isn’t about copying someone else’s classroom.

It’s about building a rhythm that works for you.

Day Three: Embodying That Teacher Next Door

This is the embodiment day.

We’ll explore:
• What changes when guilt is no longer the driver
• How “That Teacher Next Door” actually thinks and makes decisions
• Why leaving on time is a result, not a rule
• How to move forward without slipping back into old patterns

This is where teachers stop asking,
“Am I allowed to do this?”
and start saying,
“This is who I am now.”

How This Works (PLEASE READ)

This experience is included with your purchase of the book.

1️⃣Step 1: Purchase the Book

Click below to purchase That New Teacher Next Door on Amazon.

After purchasing, return to this page to unlock access to OPT OUT.

2️⃣Step 2: Unlock OPT OUT Access

Once you’ve purchased the book, enter your information below to join the experience.

You’ll receive:
• Live session details for March 13–15
• Replay access if you can’t attend live
• All reminders and updates by email

Buy the Book on Amazon

Exclusive Access to OPT OUT

(You only need to submit once. Access details will be emailed to you.)

What Teachers Are Saying:

Seema S.

“The present teacher has helped and inspired me greatly. The stories about the struggles of being a teacher, the honesty in all posts and the lessons and resources for managing and meeting the many different needs in the classroom has been very encouraging to read and view after a long day. It makes my day a little better and brighter and benefits my classroom.
”

Mary S.

“You are so positive and transparent! You give me hope and motivation. Thank you!”

Veronica W.

“You inspire me with your openness to sharing how you balance the work/ self care side.”

Living Your Life's Purpose Was Never Supposed to Be Hard

I know firsthand how easy it is to feel guilty that teaching gets to be easy.

Who are you to let teaching be easy when so many others struggle?

But the truth is, the only difference between you and That New Teacher Next Door is she has had more time to figure out what works best for her.

You are not behind. You are becoming.

Hi, I’m Helena!

Through my own teacher journey, I’ve learned that implementing systems in the classroom frees up your time and energy, allowing you to make an even bigger impact after hours. The possibilities are endless.

I went from being a burnt-out first-year teacher, wondering if I could even make it through, to thriving as a full-time teacher and a full-time coach for new and first-year teachers online. Since 2020, I’ve helped thousands of teachers take back their lives and fall in love with teaching again.

Over time, I learned that systems — in the classroom and beyond — create options.