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Becoming the Teacher I Needed: Lessons in Radical Kindness and Resilience
Praise for Becoming the Teacher I Needed “This is the book we desperately need—honest, hilarious, and deeply human. This book doesn't sugarcoat the challenges of teaching, but it reminds us why the work matters. Chang's journey from a student who hated school to an educator who transforms lives is both inspiring and instructional. Every teacher, administrator, and parent should read this.” “Jere Chang didn’t just write a book—she handed teachers a permission slip. A reminder that teaching is layered, emotional, and way bigger than anything that fits on a data chart. Her stories speak to the heart of this work and whisper what we already know: the most important stuff can’t be measured, boxed, or benchmarked. If you work with kids, put this on the top of your reading pile. Non-negotiable.” "With the authenticity, humility, and heart that we've come to expect, Jere Chang captures the magic of her legendary videos in book form. This work will probably make you laugh, think, and cry. . . and definitely help you do better for your students and yourself. I cannot recommend it enough!" "Jere Chang has written the teacher memoir that combines heart, humor, and hard truths in perfect measure. Her stories about growing up queer and disabled, then becoming an educator who creates safe spaces for all students, are deeply moving. This book proves that our most powerful teaching comes from our own healing." “Jere’s book stayed with me long after I turned the last page. It’s a beautiful reminder of how powerful stories can be when they’re told with honesty and heart. Her voice is so brave, and every chapter feels like an invitation to see the world differently.” “A powerful call to restore humanity to the classroom. Jere Chang reminds us that belonging is not a bonus—it is the blueprint. This book reinforces a truth I have long believed: schools rise and fall on relationships. Practical, courageous, and deeply affirming, it moves educators from compliance-driven teaching to connection-driven leadership.”
—Gerry Brooks, educator, administrator, social media influencer
—Greg Smedley-Warren, kindergarten teacher/Kindergarten Smorgasboard
—Dr. Matt Zakreski, PsyD, clinical psychologist and professional speaker at the Neurodiversity Collective
—Jennifer Craft Sewell, M.Ed, @ms.craft_kindergarten
—Amany Elgendy
—Dr. Brad Johnson
Jere Chang (Author)
9781394357628, Wiley
Hardback, published 11 May 2026
208 pages
22.6 x 15.8 x 1.8 cm, 0.386 kg
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. 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.
Introduction xi Part I The Stories That Shaped Me 1 Chapter 1 Designing My Journey 3 Chapter 2 The World’s OK-est Teacher 21 Chapter 3 When “Average” Teachers Thrive 27 Chapter 4 Bless Your Heart 31 Chapter 5 Longing for the Teacher I Needed as a Child 35 Chapter 6 The Hidden Disability 39 Chapter 7 Gay and Disabled 45 Chapter 8 The Teacher Who Believed, the Coach Who Broke, and the Mom Who Fought Back 51 Chapter 9 We’re Just Getting Started 59 Part II The Strategies That Inspire Me 69 Chapter 10 More Than Showing Up: How Trust Turns Classrooms into Communities 73 Chapter 11 More Than a Smile: The Power of Joyful Classrooms 81 Chapter 12 Oops, Now What? When Humor Goes Too Far 91 Chapter 13 The Courage to Ask for Help 99 Chapter 14 Recharge, Rethink, Reignite: Smarter PD for the Tired Teacher 107 Chapter 15 Becoming Better Without Burning Out 111 Chapter 16 Finding Value in Creative Thinking 119 Chapter 17 The Genius of Amplifying Student Voices 125 Chapter 18 Finding Mentors in Unlikely Places 131 Chapter 19 Create the Career You Desire 137 Chapter 20 Protecting Your Peace One Parent at a Time 141 Chapter 21 Have Fun and Teach Like Nobody’s Watching 145 Chapter 22 Too Much Pie: Establishing Boundaries 151 Chapter 23 Learn from the Experts Down the Hall 159 Chapter 24 Mindset Over Validation 163 Chapter 25 What It Means to Lead Together 169 Conclusion 175 Acknowledgments 183 Author’s Bio 185 Index 187
Subject Areas: Education [JN]
