Have you ever felt guilty for switching off after school hours? Like being a “good teacher” means always being available, always saying yes, and always putting yourself last?

In this honest and empowering episode, we sit down with veteran educator and author Erin Sponaugle to unpack the reality of teacher burnout, boundary setting, and why protecting your wellbeing is essential, not selfish.

Drawing on 23 years of classroom experience and insights from her book Teachaholic, Erin shares practical mindset shifts that help teachers step away from the martyr mentality and create healthier, more sustainable teaching habits.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Why teachers struggle to set boundaries without guilt
• The pressure of being seen as the “good teacher”
• The hidden costs of constantly overworking
• The “martyr mentality” and superhero syndrome in education
• Erin’s 7-day mindset shift framework from Teachaholic
• The importance of sustainable teaching practices
• Practical ways to be “closed for the day” after work hours
• How boundaries actually make teachers more effective
• Why self-care is necessary for career longevity

This conversation is a powerful reminder that you can be an incredible teacher without sacrificing yourself in the process.

Because together, we grow, and that includes protecting our peace, too.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Erin on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube

Erin’s website https://www.erinsponaugle.com

Watch Erin’s TEDx talk

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | AMAZON

About Today’s Guest

Dr. Erin Sponaugle has taught grades 3-5 for the past 23 years and currently teaches visual art to students at Tomahawk Intermediate School in Hedgesville, West Virginia, USA. She is a former state teacher of the year and a National Board Certified teacher.

Erin recently gave a TEDx talk on teacher resilience and the global teacher shortage. She is the author of two children's books and recently published her first book for teachers, Teachaholic: The 7-Day MindSET Shift to Conquer Burnout, Build Life-Changing Boundaries, and Reignite Your Love for Teaching.

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