The Present Teacher Podcast

The Present Teacher Podcast

Hosted by: Helena Hains

Teaching was never supposed to cost you your health, your time, or your identity. The Present Teacher Podcast is for educators who are done glorifying burnout, overwork, and self-sacrifice—and are ready to build a...

Episodes

#183: You Don't Need More Applications: You Need More Alignment

Season #1

If you’ve been told to apply to as many teaching jobs as possible… This episode is going to challenge everything you’ve been taught. Because the teachers getting multiple job offers? They’re not applying more. They’re...
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#182: Why 'Just Get Your Foot In The Door' Is Terrible Advice for New Teachers

Season #1

Everyone says the same thing to new teachers: “Just get your foot in the door.” But what if that advice is the exact reason so many teachers burn out in their first few years? In this episode, I’m sharing why I didn’t...
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#181: Stop Applying to 30 Teacher Jobs: You're Doing it Wrong

Season #1

If you’ve been applying to 20+ districts and hearing crickets, this episode is for you. Every year, I get messages from new teachers saying they’ve applied everywhere and still aren’t getting interviews. And the truth...
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#176: Why You Are Being Judged For Setting Boundaries As a Teacher

Season #1

If you’ve ever: • Declined summer school • Stopped staying late • Refused to work weekends • Asked to meet during contract hours instead of after And been told you’re “not a team player”… This episode is for you. I...
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#175: You Were Trained to Feel Guilty for Leaving on Time

Season #1

You Were Trained to Feel Guilty for Leaving on Time If you’ve ever walked to your car at contract time and felt that tightness in your chest… Like someone is watching. Like someone is judging. Like you should stay...
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#174: The Biggest Lie Teachers Are Taught About Hard Work

Season #1

Teachers are told from the very beginning: “If you really care, you’ll sacrifice.” Stay late. Take work home. Be a team player. Do more. Give more. Sacrifice more. In this episode, I’m exposing the biggest lie...
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#173: Burnout Isn’t a Time-Management Problem (It’s a Nervous System Problem)

Season #1

Burnout Isn’t a Time-Management Problem (It’s a Nervous System Problem) You don’t need another planner. You don’t need more discipline. You don’t need to “try harder.” In this episode, we’re talking about something...
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#172: What “That Teacher Next Door” Actually Does Differently

Season #1

You know the one. She leaves at contract time. Her classroom runs smoothly. She doesn’t look stressed. She’s planned ahead. She doesn’t bring work home. And you can’t help but wonder… How? In today’s episode, I’m...
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#171: Teacher Work-Life Balance Isn’t a Myth — It’s a Mindset

Season #1

Is it really impossible to have work-life balance as a teacher… or were we just taught to believe that? In this episode, I’m unpacking one of the biggest lies in education: That good teachers have to be exhausted. I’m...
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#169: The 3 Systems Every Teacher Needs to Leave on Time This Year

Season #1

Want to leave school at contract time without falling behind? Learn the three essential systems every teacher needs—planning, prepping, and communication—to finally stop staying late, reduce stress, and reclaim your...
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#168: 3 Things to Stop Doing If You're Feeling Burnt Out Before Break

Season #1

Feeling burnt out before break? Learn the top three habits contributing to teacher burnout—and what to do instead to protect your energy, work smarter, and finish the semester strong without sacrificing your...
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#167: What I Wish I Knew Before My First Winter Break as a Teacher

Season #1

Over winter break, it can be so hard to balance rest and productivity. During my first year of teaching, I made a lot of mistakes when it came to working ahead. Which is why today I am sharing the mistakes I made...
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