Ep 143 Why I Stepped Away and Why I'm Back

Ep 143 Why I Stepped Away and Why I'm Back

From Teachers Need Teachers by Kim Lepre

December 29, 2025 · 12 min · Episode 143

About this episode

Kim Lepre discusses her conscious decision to step away from teaching content and her reasons for returning, emphasizing the importance of honesty and respect for personal capacity in the teaching profession.

After a year and a half away, I’m back—and in this episode, I’m sharing why I stepped away from teaching content, and why I’m returning now. This wasn’t a dramatic exit or a burnout spiral. It was a conscious pause. I talk honestly about the pressures of content creation, perfectionism, time, energy, and the emotional cost of always feeling like you need to be “helpful” or have the right answers—especially as a veteran teacher whose experience doesn’t always match the dominant narratives online. I also share what hasn’t changed: my teaching philosophy, my commitment to reflection, and my belief that teaching can be challenging and sustainable at the same time. This episode sets the tone for what’s ahead—fewer expectations, more honesty, and a lot more respect for capacity. If you’ve ever stepped back from something you cared about, or wondered whether it’s possible to come back on your own terms, this episode is for you. I have a YouTube channel! Join me over there and subscribe! Got questions, feedback, or want to be on the show? You can email me at kim@teachersneedteachers.com

People in this episode

Host: Kim Lepre

Topics covered

  • returning to teaching
  • content creation
  • teacher reflection
  • mental health
  • sustainability in teaching

Keywords

  • teaching
  • content creation
  • perfectionism
  • emotional cost
  • reflection
  • sustainable teaching

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