The educational connoisseurship and criticism method was used to research the challenges elementary teachers go through each day. This study's findings are taken from observations and interviews with three veteran elementary teachers who have experienced challenges and burdens due to the intensification of their jobs, student behavior, parental involvement, and teacher pay. Veteran elementary teachers were chosen as participants, as they have been through many changes that often happens in education and are able to provide insight that only veteran elementary teachers can provide. The results showed that although elementary teachers have many challenges, they are still able to find a sense of presence, bringing their whole self into the moment, in the classroom and a level of existential joy in teaching. These veteran elementary teachers reveal how having a sense of humor helps to keep their sense of presence. Also, elementary teachers find moments when the mandated curriculum needs to take a back seat while they reconnect with their students.