The face behond the blog

Hey there! I’m Katelin—a 4th grade teacher, tech-integrator, and the heart behind Pencils and Pep Talks.

I jumped into education through a unique teacher prep program that allowed me to spend my entire senior year student teaching while completing coursework online. I was paired with an amazing mentor teacher who gave me space to lead, make mistakes, and truly find my rhythm in the classroom. That experience shaped me—and confirmed I had found my calling.

But after my first semester as a full-time teacher, I hit a wall. Burnout came fast and hard. I stepped away from the classroom and moved into fitness management, thinking I just needed a change of pace. But I quickly learned that the exhaustion followed me—not because I had chosen the wrong job, but because I hadn’t set the right boundaries. I had made work my whole identity.

In 2024, I came back to the classroom—this time with a new mindset, better support, and a stronger sense of self. I now teach math and English Language Arts in a dual language program, where students spend half their day in English and half in Spanish (even though I don’t speak Spanish myself!). I’ve taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade and believe in empowering students to rise to challenges while creating a classroom environment where they feel confident, capable, and cared for.

I also love integrating technology into my lessons to spark engagement and help students connect with content in meaningful ways. Beyond the classroom, I serve as the 5th grade Safety Patrol sponsor, where I support student leadership, coordinate fundraising, and help plan special events.

I started Pencils and Pep Talks to reflect on what I’m learning in real time and to connect with other teachers who are figuring it out as they go, just like me.

Here, you’ll find:

• Honest reflections on burnout, boundaries, and balance
   
• Student-centered strategies that work in real classrooms
   
• Ed tech ideas that boost engagement
   
• Encouragement and pep talks for heart-first educators
   

Whether you’re just getting started or starting over, this space is for you.
Thanks for being here.
—Katelin