Hey friends, This episode is raw, real, and—let’s be honest—brutally honest.

After 29 years in the classroom, I’m down to my final days as a teacher. This isn’t just a farewell; it’s a reckoning. I’m pulling back the curtain to share what I built, what I loved, what nearly broke me, and what I’m carrying with me into whatever comes next.

✨ Whether you’re a fellow educator, someone navigating a major life pivot, or just curious about what it’s like to walk away from a decades-long identity—this one’s for you.

In this three-part episode, I unpack:

📚 Part 1: What I’m Taking With Me From matchmaking students during literary analysis to decoding Axe body spray clouds in the hallway—these are the skills, stories, and soul-shaping moments I’ll never forget. Deep listening, classroom improv, open mics, student-driven learning, and the ability to build community through Buzzfeed quizzes and literary tears alike.

📸 Part 2: What I’m Leaving Behind Let’s get honest: I’m leaving behind the mental load, the never-ending grading, the guilt, the martyrdom, the impossible standards, and yes—staff meeting icebreakers. (IYKYK.) Also not missing: mystery vapes in the bathroom, forgotten SD cards, and “How many points is this worth?” echoing in my nightmares.

🌀 Part 3: Becoming Rachel Again Who am I when I’m not “Ms. Rauch”? I’m finding out—slowly, awkwardly, and with a surprising amount of joy. This ending is creating space for something new. A new identity. New rhythms. New ways to use my voice and talents—without bells or bells schedules. And I’m finally learning to measure worth by something other than awards and productivity.

💬 Quote to Hold Onto: "Sometimes the most important lesson isn’t what we teach others—but how we ourselves learn and grow along the way."

🛎️ Tune in as I ring the bell one last time—and invite you to turn the page with me.

🔗 Connect with Me → Website: lifesnextlessonplan.com → Instagram and YouTube: @lifesnextlessonplan