When a Student Crosses the Line

I always thought the worst part of teaching would be the grading, or maybe the meetings that drag on after a long day. But tonight, I can’t sleep because a student sent me an email with no subject—just my parents’ home address in the body. No explanation. No context. Just that. I forwarded it to my AP and principal, said I was uncomfortable, but I keep replaying it in my head. Did I do enough? Should I be more scared? Or am I overreacting, like everyone says teachers do when we set boundaries? It’s not just about safety. It’s the way the job seeps into your life, until you’re lying awake, wondering if you’re allowed to feel threatened, or if you’re just supposed to take it. I wish someone would tell me what the right next step is, because right now, I just feel exposed. #TeacherReality #BoundariesMatter #AfterHoursAnxiety #Education