In this episode of Professional Development, I sit down with Ben Porter, a science, math, and sports medicine teacher in southern Alberta, to uncover the hidden costs of being an educator. We dive into his transition from private to public education, the surprising financial trade-offs, and the emotional toll of teaching high-academic courses.

Ben opens up about the unspoken expectations placed on teachers, from answering emails late at night to coaching sports and running extracurriculars—all without extra pay. We discuss whether teachers should be compensated for their time outside the classroom, how burnout and mental health struggles impact educators, and what it takes to maintain work-life balance in an increasingly demanding profession. Ben also shares his personal fitness journey, breaking free from unhealthy habits and shifting his focus from weight loss obsession to long-term well-being.

This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone curious about what really happens inside schools. Listen now to get an honest look at the realities of teaching today.