Why I’m Reviving Teaching with Tanesha
When I first created Teaching with Tanesha, I never imagined it would one day become something I would intentionally return to.
The truth is, it started as a graduate school assignment.
During my master's program, one of my technology courses challenged us to create both a website and a podcast. What began as a class project quickly became something I genuinely enjoyed. Graduate school was one of the most inspiring seasons of my educational journey. I loved diving into new research, exploring innovative teaching practices, and having meaningful conversations about education. It reminded me that teaching isn't just a career—it's a craft that constantly evolves.
At the time, I also found myself in a deeply personal season of life. While balancing graduate school and beginning my teaching career, I was caring for my grandmother during the final years of her life. After her passing, I experienced anxiety and depression. Like so many educators, I learned that while we dedicate ourselves to caring for others, we also have to learn how to care for ourselves.
Even through those challenges, my desire to teach, create, and encourage others never disappeared.
I wanted a place where I could continue sharing what I was learning, reflecting on my experiences, and connecting with other educators beyond the classroom.
Life, however, had other plans.
Like many educators, I became immersed in the day-to-day demands of teaching. Years passed, classrooms changed, and education itself transformed in ways none of us could have predicted.
So Much Has Changed
When I first stepped into the classroom, I expected lesson planning, grading papers, and building relationships with students.
Then the world changed.
We experienced a global pandemic that completely reshaped education. Overnight, teachers became virtual instructors, technology experts, counselors, and cheerleaders—all while navigating uncertainty ourselves. We taught through computer screens, celebrated milestones virtually, and learned how to connect with students from a distance.
When classrooms reopened, education didn't simply return to "normal."
Students came back carrying experiences that affected not only their academics but also their emotional well-being. Today, educators are supporting students with increasingly diverse academic, social, and emotional needs while adapting to new instructional practices, evolving standards, and changing expectations from schools and families.
We're also continuing to rethink how students learn best. Education has shifted toward more conceptual learning, greater collaboration, differentiated instruction, and meeting students where they are. As educators, we're constantly learning, adapting, and growing right alongside our students.
Teaching today requires flexibility, creativity, resilience, and an open mind.
And honestly?
That's one of the reasons I still love it.
Education continues to evolve, and I believe we should continue growing alongside it.
Why This Season Feels Different
This season of my life has taught me something incredibly important:
It's okay to make time for the things that bring you joy.
For so long, I poured everything I had into my students, my classroom, my leadership roles, and everyone around me. While I wouldn't change my commitment to education, I've realized that taking care of myself isn't selfish—it's necessary.
Becoming a mom has only reinforced that lesson. As much as I love this new chapter of motherhood, I've realized how important it is not to lose myself in the process. I want my children to grow up seeing a mother who not only loves and cares for her family but also pursues her passions, continues to grow, and creates with purpose. Teaching with Tanesha is one of those passions. It reminds me that I can pour into others while still making space to nurture the gifts and creativity God has placed within me.
Over the past several years, I've also intentionally worked on becoming a better leader. For me, leadership isn't about having a title—it's about serving others, continuing to learn, and sharing what I've learned so other educators can thrive too. If my experiences, successes, mistakes, and lessons can make another teacher's journey just a little easier, then sharing them is worth it.
Reviving Teaching with Tanesha is part of that journey.
It reconnects me with my creative side.
It gives me space to write.
To design.
To reflect.
To create.
Most importantly, it allows me to combine two passions that have always lived side by side—teaching and design.
I genuinely love creating resources that make teachers' lives a little easier while also creating classrooms where students can thrive. Whether it's designing classroom materials, thinking through instructional strategies, or sharing honest reflections about life as an educator, creating fills my cup.
This platform is one way I'm choosing joy, embracing creativity, investing in myself, and giving back to the profession that has given me so much.
What You Can Expect Here
Teaching with Tanesha isn't about pretending to have all the answers.
It's about sharing the journey.
Here you'll find:
Honest stories from my classroom and career
Practical teaching strategies you can actually use
Thoughtfully designed resources that save you time
Teacher leadership insights and professional growth
Real conversations about the challenges and victories of education
Encouragement for educators navigating a field that's constantly changing
An open mind toward new ideas, evolving practices, and the future of education
Most importantly, you'll find someone who believes we can continue learning together.
I don't claim to know everything. In fact, some of the greatest lessons I've learned have come from listening to fellow educators, trying new approaches, and remaining open to change.
Education is always evolving, and I believe the best teachers never stop growing.
My Promise to You
Teaching with Tanesha exists to encourage, equip, and inspire educators with practical resources, honest conversations, and purposeful ideas that help teachers lead with confidence while remembering the joy that brought them to the classroom in the first place.
Everything I share will be grounded in authenticity, compassion, and a genuine desire to support the incredible work teachers do every day.
Because behind every successful classroom is a teacher who deserves encouragement too.
I'm Glad You're Here
Whether you're a brand-new teacher, a veteran educator, an instructional leader, or simply someone passionate about education, thank you for being here.
I'm excited to build this community one story, one resource, and one conversation at a time.
If this sounds like the kind of space you've been looking for, I'd love for you to subscribe so you don't miss future posts, classroom ideas, teaching resources, leadership insights, and behind-the-scenes moments from my journey.
Whether you're just beginning your teaching journey or years into your career, I hope this space reminds you that you don't have to choose between being an incredible educator and being your authentic self. Together, we can continue learning, leading, creating, and growing.
I'd love to hear from you.
What has been the biggest lesson you've learned in your teaching journey? Share it in the comments below. My hope is that Teaching with Tanesha becomes more than a website—I want it to be a community where educators feel seen, supported, encouraged, and inspired.
Welcome to Teaching with Tanesha.
Leading with Heart, Teaching with Purpose.
With gratitude,
Tanesha Walker
Founder, Teaching with Tanesha
