The Present Teacher Podcast

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 sustainable teaching career instead. Hosted by Helena Hains, this podcast challenges the unspoken rules of the education system and names the truths teachers are often too afraid to say out loud: burnout isn’t a personal failure, classroom chaos isn’t always a management issue, and working harder is rarely the solution. Each week, we explore the truths teachers are rarely encouraged to say out loud, including: • Why burnout isn’t a time-management problem • How interviews and school culture predict long-term exhaustion • Why classroom setup and management affect your nervous system • How to leave on time without guilt • And how to build a teaching career that doesn’t cost you yourself This podcast covers four core pillars: Teacher Interviews | Classroom Setup | Classroom Management | Time Management Inspired by Helena’s book That New Teacher Next Door: Work Less. Impact More., this show is for the teacher who knows there has to be a better way. 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.

  1. 17h ago

    #192: You Are NOT The Same Teacher As Last Year

    Last year does not define the teacher you are becoming. Maybe you were non-renewed.Maybe you received a difficult observation.Maybe you were placed on an improvement plan.Maybe you left a district that wasn't the right fit. If you've been carrying the weight of last school year into this one, this episode is for you. In today's conversation, I'm sharing one of the hardest lessons I learned after experiencing seven classroom evacuations in a single day and believing it meant I was a terrible teacher. Looking back, I realize those moments didn't define me—they developed me. We'll talk about how to stop identifying with your past experiences, recognize the strengths they've created, and walk into this school year as the teacher you are today—not the teacher you were. Because you are not your last year. In this episode, we'll cover: Why last year's struggles don't define your identity as a teacher The mindset shift that changed how I viewed difficult classroom experiences How your hardest teaching moments became your greatest strengths A simple reflection exercise to help you release last school year How to step confidently into a fresh start this school year If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe and share it with another teacher who needs the reminder that they are not their past. Download the FREE Ultimate Classroom Setup Guide Here: https://thepresentteacher.mykajabi.com/classroom-setup-guideGrab the Ultimate Classroom Setup Bundle: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ultimate-Classroom-Setup-Bundle-12060099Join the Poolside Teacher Experience for $14: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/offers/ANPGSEczv

    20 min
  2. Jun 22

    #191: You Don’t Need More Time in Your Classroom This Summer: You Need a Plan

    With back to school fast approaching, it's easy to feel like you're behind.You look at your classroom.You look at your to-do list.You look at the calendar.And suddenly it feels like there isn't enough time to get everything done.But what if the problem isn't time?What if the problem is the lack of a plan? In today's episode, I'm sharing the story of my very first classroom and how I spent an entire summer focused on making it cute—only to find myself scrambling the week before school started. Then we'll fast forward several years later when I started in a brand-new district, spent a week on my honeymoon in Costa Rica, only worked in my classroom for about a week that summer, and somehow felt more prepared than ever. You'll learn:✨ The biggest mistake teachers make during back-to-school season✨ Why classroom setup feels so overwhelming✨ How to stop wasting time on the wrong things✨ What to focus on before you put a single thing on the wall✨ Why preparation starts with a plan—not more hoursIf you've ever felt overwhelmed, behind, or unsure where to start, this episode is for you. Download the FREE Ultimate Classroom Setup Guide Here: https://thepresentteacher.mykajabi.com/classroom-setup-guideGrab the Ultimate Classroom Setup Bundle: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ultimate-Classroom-Setup-Bundle-12060099Join the Poolside Teacher Experience for $14: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/offers/ANPGSEczv

    9 min
  3. Jun 14

    #190: How to Tell If a School Will Burn You Out Before You Accept the Job

    So many teachers leave the profession… Not because they weren’t good teachers. But because they were in the wrong environment. In this episode, we’re talking about how to tell if a school will burn you out—before you accept the job. We’re breaking down:   Why burnout is often an environment issue (not a personal one) The red flags most teachers overlook What green flags actually look like How to evaluate a school during the interview process The identity shift that helps you choose sustainability   This is the episode that helps you protect your future as a teacher. Download the Ultimate Teacher Interview Guide: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-guide   Ultimate Teacher Interview Bundle: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-bundle    Land Your Dream Job: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/land-your-dream-job ___________________________❤️Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thepresentteacher/🔥TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@thepresentteacher🚀Website | https://thepresentteacher.com/💜YouTube | https://youtube.com/@ThePresentTeacher?si=meqMmiDHJN-0Jmlr___________________________// RESOURCES💌 Join our email list for weekly motivation | https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-guide 🌼 Join our Community off of Facebook | https://www.thepresentteacher.com/offers/QUzcjYLT ___________________________//  ABOUTI’m Helena, a coach for new and first-year teachers sharing knowledge on how to have a thriving career and personal life.The Present Teacher Podcast is a resourcefor teacher interviews, classroom setup, classroom management, and time management. Follow along and learn how to thrive in the classroom and in life.Subscribe to The Present Teacher Podcast to get inspired by new weekly podcast episodes!

    13 min
  4. Jun 7

    #189: Not Every School Deserves You (Let's Talk About It)

    Not every school deserves you. And once you understand that… Your entire job search changes. In this episode, we’re talking about:   Why teachers feel pressure to fit in everywhere How people-pleasing leads to burnout and misalignment The difference between rejection and redirection What aligned schools actually feel like The identity shift from “please pick me” → “I choose what aligns”   This is the episode that gives you permission to stop chasing. And start trusting that the right fit exists. Download the Ultimate Teacher Interview Guide: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-guide   Ultimate Teacher Interview Bundle: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-bundle    Land Your Dream Job: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/land-your-dream-job ___________________________❤️Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thepresentteacher/🔥TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@thepresentteacher🚀Website | https://thepresentteacher.com/💜YouTube | https://youtube.com/@ThePresentTeacher?si=meqMmiDHJN-0Jmlr___________________________// RESOURCES💌 Join our email list for weekly motivation | https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-guide 🌼 Join our Community off of Facebook | https://www.thepresentteacher.com/offers/QUzcjYLT ___________________________//  ABOUTI’m Helena, a coach for new and first-year teachers sharing knowledge on how to have a thriving career and personal life.The Present Teacher Podcast is a resourcefor teacher interviews, classroom setup, classroom management, and time management. Follow along and learn how to thrive in the classroom and in life.Subscribe to The Present Teacher Podcast to get inspired by new weekly podcast episodes!

    16 min
  5. May 31

    #188: You're Not Underqualified, You're Underselling Yourself

    “I didn’t get hired because I’m not experienced enough.” If that thought has ever crossed your mind… This episode is for you. Because the truth is: You’re probably not underqualified. You’re underselling yourself. In this episode, we’re talking about: Why this belief is so common (especially for new teachers) The hidden ways teachers minimize their experience What your “it factor” actually is How to communicate your value with confidence The identity shift that changes everything This is where you stop questioning your worth… And start owning it.Download the Ultimate Teacher Interview Guide: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-guide   Ultimate Teacher Interview Bundle: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-bundle    Land Your Dream Job: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/land-your-dream-job ___________________________❤️Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thepresentteacher/🔥TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@thepresentteacher🚀Website | https://thepresentteacher.com/💜YouTube | https://youtube.com/@ThePresentTeacher?si=meqMmiDHJN-0Jmlr___________________________// RESOURCES💌 Join our email list for weekly motivation | https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-guide 🌼 Join our Community off of Facebook | https://www.thepresentteacher.com/offers/QUzcjYLT ___________________________//  ABOUTI’m Helena, a coach for new and first-year teachers sharing knowledge on how to have a thriving career and personal life.The Present Teacher Podcast is a resourcefor teacher interviews, classroom setup, classroom management, and time management. Follow along and learn how to thrive in the classroom and in life.Subscribe to The Present Teacher Podcast to get inspired by new weekly podcast episodes!

    8 min
  6. May 24

    #187: You Should Be Interviewing the School Too (Not Just the Other Way Around)

    Most teachers walk into interviews thinking: “I just need them to pick me.” But what if that mindset is exactly what’s holding you back? In this episode, we’re flipping the dynamic. Because you should be interviewing the school just as much as they’re interviewing you. We’re talking about: Why saying “no” to questions is a missed opportunity How this mindset leads to burnout and misalignment What to look for in a school or district Red flags most teachers overlook The best questions to ask at the end of your interview This is where you step into your power. From passive → intentional → confident. Download the Ultimate Teacher Interview Guide: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-guide   Ultimate Teacher Interview Bundle: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-bundle    Land Your Dream Job: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/land-your-dream-job ___________________________❤️Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thepresentteacher/🔥TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@thepresentteacher🚀Website | https://thepresentteacher.com/💜YouTube | https://youtube.com/@ThePresentTeacher?si=meqMmiDHJN-0Jmlr___________________________// RESOURCES💌 Join our email list for weekly motivation | https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-guide 🌼 Join our Community off of Facebook | https://www.thepresentteacher.com/offers/QUzcjYLT ___________________________//  ABOUTI’m Helena, a coach for new and first-year teachers sharing knowledge on how to have a thriving career and personal life.The Present Teacher Podcast is a resourcefor teacher interviews, classroom setup, classroom management, and time management. Follow along and learn how to thrive in the classroom and in life.Subscribe to The Present Teacher Podcast to get inspired by new weekly podcast episodes!

    10 min
  7. May 17

    #186: If You're Saying This is Interviews You're Blending In

    If you’ve ever Googled “teacher interview buzzwords”… This episode is for you. Because the phrases you think are helping you stand out… Might actually be the reason you’re blending in. In this episode, we’re talking about: The most common buzzwords teachers use in interviews Why they don’t work (and what hiring teams actually think) How to answer questions in a way that feels genuine and aligned The REMI framework to structure strong, memorable responses The identity shift that changes how you show up in interviews This is where you stop trying to sound right… And start showing who you actually are. Download the Ultimate Teacher Interview Guide: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-guide   Ultimate Teacher Interview Bundle: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-bundle    Land Your Dream Job: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/land-your-dream-job ___________________________❤️Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thepresentteacher/🔥TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@thepresentteacher🚀Website | https://thepresentteacher.com/💜YouTube | https://youtube.com/@ThePresentTeacher?si=meqMmiDHJN-0Jmlr___________________________// RESOURCES💌 Join our email list for weekly motivation | https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-guide 🌼 Join our Community off of Facebook | https://www.thepresentteacher.com/offers/QUzcjYLT ___________________________//  ABOUTI’m Helena, a coach for new and first-year teachers sharing knowledge on how to have a thriving career and personal life.The Present Teacher Podcast is a resourcefor teacher interviews, classroom setup, classroom management, and time management. Follow along and learn how to thrive in the classroom and in life.Subscribe to The Present Teacher Podcast to get inspired by new weekly podcast episodes!

    15 min
  8. May 10

    #185: Desperation is Costing You Job Offers (Here's What to Do Instead)

    You can say all the “right” answers in an interview… And still not get the job. Why? Because it’s not just about what you say. It’s about how you show up. In this episode, we’re talking about: Why it’s normal to feel desperate during the job search How that energy shows up in your interview (even if you don’t realize it) How hiring teams actually perceive it The mindset shift from “please pick me” → “here’s what I offer” How to show up confident, grounded, and aligned This is the episode that will change how you walk into your next interview. Download the Ultimate Teacher Interview Guide: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-guide   Ultimate Teacher Interview Bundle: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-bundle    Land Your Dream Job: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/land-your-dream-job ___________________________❤️Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thepresentteacher/🔥TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@thepresentteacher🚀Website | https://thepresentteacher.com/💜YouTube | https://youtube.com/@ThePresentTeacher?si=meqMmiDHJN-0Jmlr___________________________// RESOURCES💌 Join our email list for weekly motivation | https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-guide 🌼 Join our Community off of Facebook | https://www.thepresentteacher.com/offers/QUzcjYLT ___________________________//  ABOUTI’m Helena, a coach for new and first-year teachers sharing knowledge on how to have a thriving career and personal life.The Present Teacher Podcast is a resourcefor teacher interviews, classroom setup, classroom management, and time management. Follow along and learn how to thrive in the classroom and in life.Subscribe to The Present Teacher Podcast to get inspired by new weekly podcast episodes!

    7 min
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

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 sustainable teaching career instead. Hosted by Helena Hains, this podcast challenges the unspoken rules of the education system and names the truths teachers are often too afraid to say out loud: burnout isn’t a personal failure, classroom chaos isn’t always a management issue, and working harder is rarely the solution. Each week, we explore the truths teachers are rarely encouraged to say out loud, including: • Why burnout isn’t a time-management problem • How interviews and school culture predict long-term exhaustion • Why classroom setup and management affect your nervous system • How to leave on time without guilt • And how to build a teaching career that doesn’t cost you yourself This podcast covers four core pillars: Teacher Interviews | Classroom Setup | Classroom Management | Time Management Inspired by Helena’s book That New Teacher Next Door: Work Less. Impact More., this show is for the teacher who knows there has to be a better way. 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.

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