In this episode, Renee Boss and Natalie Croney discuss addiction and recovery with Jessica Dueñas, the 2019 Kentucky State Teacher of the Year and an advocate for mental health. Jessica Dueñas worked in special education and equity advocacy for 13 years. Dueñas said that to anyone who looked at her, she excelled, but she led a double life. She hid a history of self-medicating and coping with alcohol, forcing herself to perform well outwardly to hide her pain. Listen as Dueñas shares her story about battling addiction while teaching and what maintaining sobriety looks like for her.

Connect with Jessica Dueñas on Twitter @JDuenas24. Her website is https://www.jessicaduenas.net/. To connect with Renee on Twitter, find her at @renee_boss. To connect with Natalie on Twitter, find her at @ncroney.

If you need substance abuse or mental health help contact SAMHSA National Helpline 1-800-662-4357. It is confidential free help, from public health agencies, to find substance use treatment and information.

The Teacher Check In podcast is brought to you by Brave Teacher Kentucky (formerly, Brave New Teaching Kentucky), a coalition of Kentucky educators working to support one another for the growth and wellbeing of all Kentucky schools. Learn more at www.braveteacherky.org/.