What’s the Hardest Part of Teaching That No One Talks About?

For me, the mental toll of teaching is one of the hardest parts that doesn’t get talked about enough. It’s not just about managing a classroom or planning lessons—it’s the constant mental load of keeping track of every student’s needs, progress, and struggles. I find myself lying awake at night worrying about a student who seems withdrawn or replaying a tough conversation I had with a parent. Even when I’m technically off the clock, my brain is still in “teacher mode,” thinking about how to improve a lesson, handle a challenging student, or balance all the expectations placed on me.