By Julia Bialeski
As a new teacher, you’ve long awaited landing your first job. Now that it’s here, there are many important items to check off of your to-do list as you prepare for the start of the year. Your classroom is sufficiently decorated. Supplies are stocked, pencils are sharpened, and your planner is set up.
One item that may not be on your list, however, is establishing healthy work-life boundaries. It’s easy to assume that you’ll create boundaries later if you need to, but as an educator of over 20 years, I’ve come to realize that the best way to achieve positive work-life integration is by devoting the same time and care to your professional boundaries as you do to your bulletin boards and lesson plans.
For over 20 years, Julia Bialeski has served as a teacher, instructional specialist,
assistant principal, elementary principal, and district leader. She was recognized for her excellence through leadership and innovation as the 2025 recipient of the University of Maryland College of Education’s Outstanding Alumni Award. Julia currently serves as the Coordinator of Recruitment and Hiring for the Howard County Public School System in Maryland.
