Becoming the Teacher I Needed: Lessons in Radical Kindness and Resilience

PRAISE FOR Becoming the Teacher I Needed “Chang’s journey from a student who hated school to an educator who transforms lives is both inspiring and instructional. Every teacher, administrator, and parent should read this.” —GERRY BROOKS, educator, administrator, social media influencer “Jere Chang didn’t just write a book—she handed teachers a permission slip. A reminder that teaching is layered, emotional, and way bigger than anything that fits on a data chart. Her stories speak to the heart of this work and whisper what we already know: the most important stuff can’t be measured, boxed, or benchmarked.” —GREG SMEDLEY-WARREN, kindergarten teacher, The Kindergarten Smorgasboard “With the authenticity, humility, and heart that we’ve come to expect, Jere Chang captures the magic of her legendary videos in book form. This work will probably make you laugh, think, and cry… and definitely help you do better for your students and yourself.” —DR. MATT ZAKRESKI, PsyD, clinical psychologist and professional speaker at The Neurodiversity Collective “Jere Chang has written the teacher memoir that combines heart, humor, and hard truths in perfect measure. This book proves that our most powerful teaching comes from our own healing.” —JENNIFER CRAFT SEWELL, M.Ed., @ms.craft_kindergarten “Jere’s book stayed with me long after I turned the last page. Her voice is so brave, and every chapter feels like an invitation to see the world differently.” —AMANY ELGENDY “Jere Chang reminds us that belonging is not a bonus—it is the blueprint. This book reinforces a truth I have long believed: schools rise and fall on relationships. Practical, courageous, and deeply affirming, it moves educators from compliance-driven teaching to connection-driven leadership.” —DR. BRAD JOHNSON Rediscover your…