Meet Hana Song | Middle School Teacher & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hana Song and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hana, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
As a teacher, my understanding of work-life balance has definitely evolved significantly over time, especially as I stepped into new life stages and my personal responsibilities grew. Early in my career, I was very work-focused, especially since I started out in the height of COVID and distance learning. I wanted to make sure my students were okay, and I wanted to make sure I did my absolute best despite the circumstances. When I got married, I became more intentional about maintaining balance and being present in my personal life, mainly by not bringing work (AKA grading) home. During pregnancy, that balance shifted again, as I had to prioritize my mental and physical health while continuing to meet professional responsibilities.

Now, as both a teacher and a mom, balance has become a lot more complex and requires constant reflection and adjustment to make sure I don’t grow comfortable in unhealthy habits with myself and my marriage. This year, I also made the intentional decision to work part-time so I could be more present for my child while still continuing to grow professionally, including through content creation on the side.

Work-life balance is tough as a teacher mom because I want to give so much to my students everyday, but I also don’t want to give the leftovers of myself to my family. It is definitely an ongoing process of aligning my priorities with what matters most in each season of life. I regularly reflect on what’s working and what needs adjustment, and I’m committed to building sustainable habits so I can show up fully for my students, my family, and myself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart is that I’ve always been very intentional about the population I serve. I knew early on that I wanted to be a middle school teacher working with diverse learners, and that’s been a consistent thread throughout my career. It’s work that can definitely be challenging and, at times, extremely overwhelming — but it’s also deeply meaningful and I’ve never regretted this choice.

I’m most proud of the relationships and community I build with my students each year. Seeing their growth — not just academically, but in confidence and identity — is what drives me. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is when former students come back to visit me as high schoolers, or when I’m able to support them outside the classroom by showing up to their games or events. I do my best to show up with a cheesy poster and lots of cheering because for me, the impact of teaching goes beyond just content.

At the same time, becoming a mom has deepened my perspective as an educator. It’s strengthened my empathy, my patience, and my commitment to creating a classroom environment where students feel safe, supported, and held to high expectations — because I now think even more about the kind of adult I would want in my own child’s life.

Outside of the classroom, I also create content centered around motherhood and lifestyle. For me, that’s been an incredibly meaningful (and much needed) outlet to reflect on this season of life, be intentional about how I spend my time, and connect with like-minded and like-hearted individuals (both fellow moms and other beloved “internet aunties”). It’s also reinforced the importance of balance and being present — something that directly impacts how I show up both as a teacher and as a parent.

It definitely hasn’t been easy. Teaching, especially in the contexts I’ve chosen, requires a lot emotionally and professionally. Over time, I’ve learned that being an effective teacher doesn’t mean modeling perfection–it means modeling resilience, reflection, and how to grow through challenges. I focus on meeting students where they are, showing grace, and supporting them in reaching their potential while maintaining high expectations.

I’ve also learned, though, that I can’t do everything or reach every student in the way I might hope, and that’s been an important lesson in sustainability. What I can do is show up consistently, build strong relationships, and create a classroom environment where students feel supported and challenged.

Ultimately, I want people to know that my work is grounded in care, high expectations, and a belief in my students’ potential. I’m committed to helping them grow not just as learners, but as individual.s

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I wanted to show my best friend an amazing time, I would take them to San Diego — the city where I went to college and completely fell in love with the lifestyle and energy.

We’d stay in Point Loma and ease into the week with a slower pace. One of our first stops would be Liberty Station, where we could walk around, take an art class, and just enjoy whatever pop-ups or community events are happening in the area.

For coffee, I’d take them to Moniker Coffee Co., then grab brunch and fresh bread from Con Pane Rustic Breads & Cafe–one of my favorite cozy spots.

We’d definitely spend part of a day biking around Coronado Island, just enjoying the ocean breeze and scenery.

Food-wise, there are a few must-stops. I’d take them to Oscar’s Mexican Seafood for the Torta de Oscar, and then to Tacos El Gordo for some amazing adobada with pineapple. I’d also show them my college campus with some of the beautiful architecture, like the Geisel Library or the Falling Star, since it’s such a meaningful place in my story.

Midweek, I’d plan a little day trip up to Julian for a change of scenery. We’d stop by Mom’s Pie House and get a mix of their pies — pecan, pumpkin, apple, and their chicken pot pie minis.

If there’s some time and we’re feeling extra adventurous, I would take us on an iconic hike to Potato Chip Rock or Three Sisters Falls.

Before we leave the San Diego area, we would enjoy a nice dinner at Cesarina, a warm and inviting restaurant with the most amazing food, service, and atmosphere — the perfect way to wrap up a trip.

On the way back up toward Orange County or LA, we could make a bonus stop in Temecula and have a relaxed meal at Robert Renzoni Vineyards — some gnocchi, pizza, and a glass of wine with a beautiful view. We could even explore some of the antique shops in Old Town Temecula.

Overall, it wouldn’t be about packing in as much as possible — it would be about slowing down, being present, and really enjoying good food, beautiful places, and time together.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my husband, Maurice. He’s been with me through every stage — starting my teaching career, navigating the challenges of COVID teaching and socializing, and now becoming parents together.

I know that this journey hasn’t always been easy, and it’s required both of us to grow in ways we didn’t always expect or feel ready for, but through it all, he’s been incredibly steady, supportive, and committed to doing his best for our family.

He’s someone who has consistently shown up for me in ways that I don’t always see, and I don’t always say that enough, so I really want to take the opportunity to recognize and appreciate him. To my beloved husband: let’s keep taking things one day at a time.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanatchr/