In Episode 42 of Season 4 of The Teacher CES Podcast, Sess shares a deeply personal experience about planning her father's funeral and the unexpected lessons that came with it.

After navigating grief and the responsibility of organizing a funeral for the first time, Sess walks through what she learned about the process, the surprising costs involved, and practical ways families can reduce expenses when planning a funeral.

She also shifts into a reflection on teaching during the AI era—discussing how tools like ChatGPT are affecting student work, academic integrity, and the modern classroom.

This episode blends personal storytelling, practical life advice, and real talk about education, boundaries, and navigating adulthood.

Topics covered include:

• Planning a funeral for a loved one

• Hidden funeral expenses and ways to save money

• Grief and responsibility after losing a parent

• AI and cheating in the classroom

• Reflections on 25 years in education

• Investing and financial lessons learned along the way

If you're navigating loss, teaching in the age of AI, or simply trying to make smarter life decisions, this episode offers honest insight and perspective.

After a multi-year hiatus, I'm finally back on the mic.

In this reintroduction episode of The Teacher CES Podcast, I'm sharing where I've been, what life has looked like behind the scenes, and why I made the decision to return in 2026.

From navigating personal loss and major life transitions to resetting boundaries, evolving as an educator, and focusing on motherhood and personal growth, this episode is a transparent life update.

This space is still about education, but it's also about real life—healing, growth, financial awareness, and becoming your highest self without burnout.

If you've ever had to pause, reset, and find your way back… this one is for you.

🎧 Make sure you're subscribed—this is just the beginning of Season 4.

Email: cestheteacher@gmail.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/teacherces

Website: www.realteacherces.com/