Jan. 1, 2026

84. Exhaustion ≠ Excellence: The Lie Teachers Are Told

Show Notes

Exhaustion ≠ Excellence: The Lie Teachers Are Told

Are you still waiting for someone to say it's okay to leave at contract time? To stop answering emails at night? To say no without guilt?

In this episode of the Why Edify Podcast, Jeremy Jorgensen offers a powerful reminder: permission isn’t coming—and that’s okay. Through heartfelt stories and hard-earned wisdom from 26 years in education, he dismantles the myth that exhaustion equals excellence and urges educators to reclaim their time, energy, and humanity.

This is your invitation to stop proving you care through burnout and start modeling sustainable teaching. Learn why setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s courageous. And discover how giving yourself permission can inspire others to do the same.

Whether you’re a teacher, admin, or lifelong learner, this episode will challenge your assumptions, affirm your worth, and help you build a more sustainable path forward.

🔗 Join the Strong Teachers Lounge — a supportive community for educators committed to doing meaningful work without sacrificing their well-being - https://www.skool.com/the-strong-teachers-lounge-3476/about

Takeaways

- Teachers often wait for permission to prioritize their health.

- The educational system relies on teachers' willingness to blur boundaries.

- Many teachers police each other through silent comparison.

- Setting boundaries is essential to avoid burnout.

- Exhaustion does not equate to excellence in teaching.

- Students benefit from teachers who model self-care.

- Giving yourself permission can inspire others to do the same.

- Building a supportive community is crucial for sustainable teaching.

- Teachers need to stop waiting for external validation.

- You are worth the time and energy you need to thrive.

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