In the Middle of It All

Welcome to "In the Middle of It All"

Since becoming a teacher during the Covid-19 pandemic, my career has been a whirlwind. I started as a substitute teacher after completing my Master’s program requirements, taught for a year at the school where I completed my student teaching, and then moved to the school where I currently work. From there, things took off. After three years of teaching, my principal offered me the role of Learning Strategist for ELA, overseeing grades 6-12.

A learning strategist is seen as a leader on campus but not an administrator - or principal. On any given day, I'm mentoring new teachers, conducting classroom walk-throughs, running Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), providing professional development, or administering state testing. It's grueling, meaningful work and I love it. Right now, I'm balancing the demands of my current position while pursuing my second master’s degree in Educational Administration. With this degree, I'll be able to move into the role of school principal when I feel the time is right.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to be in the middle—navigating transitions in career, family, and personal growth. That’s what this blog is all about: sharing my journey, lessons learned, and practical strategies for balancing leadership, motherhood, and well-being. If you’re an educator looking for insights on moving from the classroom to leadership, managing time effectively, or staying grounded while pursuing big goals, you’re in the right place.

I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge, but over the past two years, I’ve really put that to the test. Between my work as a strategist, tutoring on the side, finishing school, and now launching my own professional website and blog, I've barely tapped the brakes. And guess what? I have even more ideas in the works! I am always looking for ways to be of service to those in my community. One of my favorite things about being a strategies is the fact that I get to help both teachers and students. In addition to my work at the school where I work! 

One of my favorite things about being a strategist is that I get to support both teachers and students. In addition to my work at school, I also tutor for both large companies and nonprofits. I aim to help as many students as possible reach their academic potential. Service has always been a guiding principle in my life, influencing so many of my choices. 

While my professional life keeps me busy, my personal life is just as full. One daughter is heading off to college, another is starting high school, my oldest son is navigating adulthood, and my youngest is preparing for middle school. Whew! Just typing that makes me tired. I’ve always embraced hard work, but I am learning that that balance is just as important.

I love my husband, my children, and my work as an educator—but at my core, I’m someone who is passionate about helping others. Writing has always been a way for me to decompress, but now, I hope to use it to encourage other educators to expand their thinking and find joy in their own transitions.

Right now, I feel like I’m living in a middle space—parenting both adult children and school-age children, navigating the transition from teaching to leadership, stepping into entrepreneurship while working full-time, and even sorting through potential health challenges.

I want In the Middle of It All to be a space where I document my journey, share lessons I’ve learned, and offer practical tips on transitioning from the classroom to leadership, balancing motherhood and career, and prioritizing well-being—mentally, physically, and spiritually. Organization and planning are key, but so is knowing where to focus your energy. (I’ll be sharing some exciting new productivity tools with you soon!)

I hope this blog inspires other women leaders who are also navigating the messy middle. If you’re figuring out your next steps in leadership, career, or personal growth, I invite you to join the conversation. What’s one challenge you’ve faced in the middle of your journey? Let’s chat in the comments!