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Headlines love to say schools are broken. We wanted to step back from the noise and share the view from the principal’s chair: education is hard, yes, but it’s also purposeful, structured, and far more rewarding than most people realize. Drawing on years outside the classroom—factory shifts, retail, fast food, and eight years in the military—JL breaks down why teaching and school leadership can offer a stable paycheck, real benefits, and a daily sense of impact.

We unpack the nuts and bolts that rarely get airtime: how salary schedules create predictable growth, why coaching stipends and continuing education can boost income, and how moving between districts affects total compensation. We dive into benefits that quietly add tens of thousands in value, from health and dental coverage to strong retirement plans with employer contributions and defined benefits. You’ll hear how Nebraska districts handle pay, pensions, and insurance, and why understanding the full package matters more than a starting salary line.

Beyond the numbers, we talk about time. Teachers work on contracts that protect breaks and open space for rest, family, and side gigs—tutoring, seasonal work, or small businesses that supplement income without sacrificing sanity. For those who want to lead, we outline pathways from classroom roles to committees, department chairs, assistant principal, and principal, and what those contracts and calendars look like along the way. We’re candid about the stress—student needs, parent tensions, the daily unpredictability—and equally clear about the payoff: watching students learn, helping teachers grow, and building something bigger than yourself.

Curious about whether education could be your next move or how to advance where you are? Tune in, then share your takeaways and questions. Subscribe, leave a five-star review, and email your stories or topic ideas to the.principal.jl at gmail.com. Your feedback shapes what we explore next.

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