Overview
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.
Full Product Details
Author: Jere Chang
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc
Imprint: Jossey-Bass Inc.,U.S.
ISBN: 9781394357628
ISBN 10: 1394357621
Pages: 208
Publication Date: 04 May 2026
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Professional & Vocational
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming
Availability: Awaiting stock
Author Information
Jere Chang has spent over 20 years teaching in K-12 schools. Known for her humor, honesty, and radical kindness, Jere is known to her followers as Ms. Chang Gifted. She has been invited to the White House twice, she holds three master’s degrees, and she has over 4 million followers on social media. Visit https://mschanggifted.com to learn more about Jere’s work.
