The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions in the educational system, placing a substantial burden on teachers. Since the onset of the pandemic, ample quantitative research has been conducted, documenting increased rates of anxiety, stress, and burnout among teachers. However, these rates do not provide an explanation for why teachers are struggling, nor do they offer guidance on appropriate support for these educators. This study aimed to gain a nuanced understanding of teachers' experiences during the pandemic and expand the existing literature that focuses on public school teachers' experiences to include insights from progressive educators. When teachers were provided with the opportunity to share their stories, they expressed a desire to be heard, emotionally supported, and to connect with their communities. These sentiments align with existing literature on public school teachers during the pandemic, suggesting shared experiences of stress and isolation across educators.