For everyone curious about what I’m doing now: I’ve just posted an update video on my channel a year later-and yes, I did get another teaching position! Thank you all for the supportive comments over the last twelve months and for the serious analysis you’ve provided of the school system. Talking about issues helps us move towards mending them. I wish you all the best!
I was asked by a principal why half my class was flunking. The reality was that over 50% could have cared less about the work. It was somehow my fault. That is teaching in a nutshell. If you are in college studying to be a teacher, find another major NOW!!!!!! Do not under any circumstances be a teacher now. Let the system crumble!
I have watched tons of these teacher-quitting videos because I have so much compassion for you all. One thread I always hear is guilt. Someone is instilling guilt in all of you. Maybe they keep teachers on the job by making them feel too guilty to quit? I never see videos about other professions that are so filled with guilt and pain. I never hear about other professions where the staff is so unsupported. The school system is broken but the teachers are made to believe it is their fault. I wish complete healing and happiness for you and all those who have gone through this dysfunctional situation.
More of these videos need to be made. The most frustrating part is how nothing is changing with the school system. I don't blame you one bit for quitting. Smart move.
Thank you so much for your comments! It was scary to leave my first position. People like you help me remember I did the right thing. And I agree - the more people who speak up, the closer we get to better school environments for teachers and students!
Quit, Quit, Quit!!! I left after 12 years teaching 2 weeks ago. Mental health comes first. Join the Great Teacher Resignation. The country and society in the US has not respected us for at least 2 decades now. QUIT!!! Let the system crumble.
I agree....We tried everything. The Great Teacher Resignation is now here. Im out too. My blood pressure and sanity need to heal. The bullshit has to end one way or another. I hope the system collapses.
I was dating a schoolteacher and most of our dates revolved around me helping in her classroom. After a couple of years of dating, I ask her to marry me but I had one condition and that was that she had to quit teaching. While dating, I became well aware of her stress and I felt that she needed to quit. There isn't a "Back to School" ad or when she talks to her teaching friends that she doesn't thank me for having asked her to quit. My wife is an outstanding teacher that was being emotionally abused by the teachers union, our current school system and the school administrators. And as much as teachers try to cover up the stress of their work from carrying over to the classroom, that is simply not possible.
@@tonyaldorsey 50% of union teachers realized their $65/month dues was wasted money and dropped it in favor of $10/month liability insurance. When i joined 30 years ago the union had your back and fought against bully principals. Those days are long gone. Good luck getting any help from the union now, all talk and no action.
I'm shocked that something at this level would happen. I'm very glad that you made this video so that people could be aware about these kinds of things.
I work at a school in Wisconsin. We had a new teacher right out of school come in and teach last school year. She was out within two months. She dipped. It was just not what she thought it was. Reasons like yours are the reason. Keep your head up. There are other jobs and options for you.
@@FrenchHawk878 No, I've been every kind of sub you can be and would never consider being a teacher. I've been asked several times if I would be interested in being a special education teacher by my employer and have told them off.
Wow, too funny but sad. We paid alot of money to get credited and we end up hating the job. I taught sped for 10.5 years, I had the worst kids the school could have every year. The county I worked at had us do so many job responsibilities it was crazy. Like wearing 10 hats for ONE low salary. Scary to loose my salary, but had to do it for my own health and family.
Hearing this story from you has helped me so much. I too quit my first teaching job after only 4 months. It was was unbearable by the time I left. I had constant surveillance in person from other senior members of staff who felt like they were only there to find fault with me - despite being a newly qualified and having over 30+ students in one class at times. Honestly I decided for the sake of my mental health I had to leave. Glad to know others have gone through this and no I wasn’t crazy to do the same. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
I’m so sorry you had that experience! I remember also looking around for some justification, and I assure you, your health matters above being a “good teacher.” We shouldn’t be expected to sacrifice ourselves for our jobs. I wish you all the best moving forward.
@@ms.rainh20teachesart I resigned last Oct because I had 27 kids with 10 sped students with no teacher assistant. I am so happy that I resigned . My best day was my last day.
@@giovannitodaro9242 YESSSS!! I hear you. I had 7 class periods with a 3 min break in between and 25-30 kids and each class was about 25% SPED and no TA, ever. When I told them I was resigning she offered me a TA. And I was like, oh wow, no. I only lasted a semester. My mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health have never declined more in my life than in those 4 long, exhausting months. I was like Nope! My health is too important for this nonsense. Good for you!! It feels good to be free!
Hearing my fellow teachers quit is music for my ears. Less alcohol and psychiatric drugs be gone from your lives my fellow teachers. Have your little guilt fest for 15 minutes and then move on. I left after 12 years 2 weeks ago.
I don’t blame you for quitting. This is my first year teaching HS and coaching middle school cheerleading, and I just submitted a resignation 9 weeks in. While I don’t love my school/admins and feel lack of support, I would have stuck it out because it’s nothing as severe of your experience. However, I was diagnosed with Epilepsy. I’ve had over a dozen seizures since school started and had one in front of one of my classes. My stress is causing me to have more seizures, so I felt it was best to quit for my own health. I do hope I can get another teaching job in the future because right now, I’m not sure if they will release me from my contract. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Your health and wellbeing is paramount as a teacher. I am a highschool teacher and I hear you on all these levels. The most important point you made is you "felt the students were treated as business, not as human" that is a HUGE warning sign that your intuition, your heart was telling you this was NOT the place for you or for any teacher that loves young people and cares for humanity. Follow your intuition, when you find a school that has "heart" you will know..I have found "heart" in 2 school's ad despite the tough times of being a teacher, that is the part that keeps you going. It fuels you :)
You commented this at the perfect time for me! I start professional development for a new position at a new school tomorrow. I really followed my gut this time, and I'm determined to find and maintain that "heart." Thank you for your comment!
This is very helpful to me. This is my first year teaching and I am really considering quitting. The amount of stress that I am constantly under is not healthy. I've gotten sick 6 times this year due to the stress of the job. The behaviors are the most difficult to handle. No support from families or admin, at least none that changes the students behaviors. Like you said something along the lines of: "What I love got trampled on and I got trampled on." I feel the same way. That I try so hard but am not taken seriously. Your video is helping me realize that there is nothing wrong with me if I can't make it until the end of the year.
At about 6:26, you had me screaming "you are my girl, that's what I'm talking about"...I've been in the same position and refuse to play that game with these poor children's educational future and lives. I feel you totally and have made the decision to throw in the towel, as well. The month of May will be my last, unless my hand is forced due to my not wanting to lose the sick days I haven't taken over the last 10 years. We'll see. May God bless you in your future endeavors.
I was hired last minute as well at a Catholic school. This was Sept. 2020, so height of pandemic with in person teaching with some students virtual. And a first year principal. First off, the gym teacher, who said Covid was not real, harassed me for trying to get her daughter to keep her mask on which was required. Then, the principal screamed at me and threatened to “put a note in (my) file” because I had not posted some grades, some from virtual students who had not turned in the work. She reprimanded me in front of my class and took me out of class to yell at me some more. I finished the day and never went back. She asked me to sub! I also found out that another teacher had also failed to post grades for same reason (trying to chase down work of checked out virtual students), but that was not known to the principal when she was yelling at me. I tried again at a different school and had an equally miserable experience. I love teaching, but it’s a toxic profession.
I quit after 9 years to preserve my mental health. Teachers are natural caregivers and more is added month after month. There’s also an environment that always feels like don’t say anything or you could lose your job.
Literally on the verge of depression and I’m only 5 months into my first year of being a elementary school classroom teacher for Deaf students in an inner city school. I’ve been wanting to quit since like 4 months into the job. And my anxiety has only gotten worse. I feel like I have no time for me anymore. I’m in the process of filling out paperwork for an itinerant 1:1 position so I can better serve the Deaf students I work with. I won’t have too many responsibilities as a classroom teacher so I’ll be better able to meet my students’ needs. Especially as an introvert a 1:1 role is a better fit for my personality. My elementary students need lots and lots of structure and I’m too laid-back. On the flip side, sometimes I wonder if I expect too much from them at their age. Also I commute 2 hours to and from school, and my mentor is a 60+ year old white lady who makes me feel inadequate for not being like her. In regards to safety, I’ve got one kid in my class who barely shows up to school, and when they do show up, they wreak havoc and the other kids don’t like them. Once I’m officially hired at my new job, I’m leaving my current school.
Totally feel you. This position doesn’t fit my personality. I’m sticking it out for now. I also have an E license. I will NOT be doing this job for substitute teacher pay (bc I haven’t enrolled in the teacher prep program) . I’m gonna make a video but I have some businesses I’ll be focusing on when u leave this school.
I empathize your experience. I’m a counselor at an at risk high school in an underprivileged area. I would come into work early and leave later and would even work on the weekends. I never got extra pay or a simple ‘thank you’ for the additional time I contributed to my role. I’ve gotten yelled at by the parents and the admins. I also reached out for mental health support due to the verbal abuse I received from my admin, and when I went to the district to speak about my condition, they really didn’t care and suggested that I quit. Even though I pay union dues monthly, I reached out to them and they also suggested that I quit. The admins only care if the students graduate for the numbers, and when they fail, I’m being blamed even though I did everything in my power to guide them to pass. On top of that, there are a ton of issues at the school with truancies, and students were also being passed even when they didn’t have good attendance. Now after several years - I’ve decided to take a leave because my mental health won’t be strengthened if I stay. Good luck to you!
Don’t give up on teaching. I too had similar experiences like yours working in a charter school. I resigned and got a teaching opportunity at another school/district and I LOVE it ❤️ !! It’s all about administration and how they treat their teachers. Not all schools/admin treat their teachers the same.
Hi! I watched your video because I'm a former teacher but still like to hear about other teachers' experiences in education. I just wanted to say that you seem very sensitive and caring (which I mean as a compliment). I'm very sensitive too and ultimately was burned out by teaching. I've noticed that the education field attracts sensitive types like us because we care and genuinely want to make a difference. But teaching can also be a very harsh experience for us. I've definitely taken a blow to my confidence since going through teaching (I taught for 4 years). I like what you said about the administration being strong but not good. That's something I never considered, but that perfectly explains my experience with some admin and even a boss from a different job I had years ago. These people are definitely experts, but are not very kind, considerate or, in some cases, honest. I hope you are able to find a teaching environment that better suits your personality and brings you peace. ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Thank you so much for your encouragement! I do intend to try again, but you’re right about a degree of sensitivity. I think a smaller school would be a better fit. I hope all is well, and I’m sure you are doing great things!
Yes I agree with all this! The admin at my school knows what they're "doing" but it's dishonest and it's not helping society (passing kids who have done nothing all year) I've realized with this job that I am definitely a highly sensitive person and extremely introverted. I cannot handle this job because I have 187 students daily with class sizes varying between 24-30 middle schoolers. 7 periods a day. With only 1.5 hours in between for lunch and planning. I am not cut out for this, but I do plan to homeschool our children. I love to teach but not teaching. Kids these days are so disrespectful!!
I watched your capsule wardrobe before subscribing and watching other videos (this one caught my eye). I TOTALLY understand where you are coming from. I do not blame you at all for leaving that place. My first teaching job - I was hired the week before school began, it was in a Special Education Day Class in a public high school (I was not qualified - I have an elementary credential, not secondary) so I was hired on an emergency credential. They also did not have ANY curriculum in place, so I was basically creating everything the students did on my own. It was very frustrating. I did finish the year, but I sure didn't stay. I have since found a job 30 minutes from my home, where I also had a rocky start with a big learning curve. I spent my first 2 years there thinking I wasn't cut out to be a teacher, and I should get out of teaching and find another career. But, I stuck it out, and learned a lot, and I've now been there 22 years. I'm so sorry to hear you went through this. I think you did the right thing by leaving. I wish you the best with your future. Don't let this experience discourage you from following your dreams, even if you choose to pursue something besides teaching!
My first and only year of teaching was 5th grade in 1980. The kids were great, the principal was always interrupting over the intercom, other than that not too bad. I had my first child in April of that year and didn’t go back. It was such a relief I hadn’t realized how much teaching wasn’t for me. I’m so happy I got out and spent the next 30 years being a stay at home Mom of 5. Im astounded and saddened at what teachers have to put up with now. Very good explanation of your experience.
I had a horrible experience for my first job as well and just could not stay. Mid year, I interviewed at the school where I did my student teaching when I heard a pregnant teacher was leaving. It was a great experience and leaving job one turned out to be the best move I’ve ever made. With some time out for raising my two kids, I stayed in various education capacities until 2005! It takes a little time to regain your confidence, but don’t give up.
Glad you got out of there. I am quitting my first long term sub job as well. I'm in a very similar situation to yours. I'm looking forward to trying out day-to-day subbing for awhile.
I find myself in the same place. I have been going through some grueling times at the school I am hired at. I feel like it is literally draining the energy out of me. I get out, grade some papers, maybe watch like one or two videos, eat while making lesson plans, and go back to sleep. I feel like I am burning out little by little. Thank you, for making this video. It’s like an epiphany I needed to hear and see.
I honestly commend you for lasting as long as you did. First year teaching is stressful enough, and you don’t need that extra stress on you. The safety concerns really need to be addressed.
I remember my first few years of teaching. It was hard but you have to recognize that you can't do everything so don't try. Do your best and let the chips fall where they may. Half the crap the admin asks you to do you don't really have to do. No one is checking to see if your lesson plans are correct. No one is checking anything. No one is going to sue you.
That is partly true. I used to be 504 coordinator. I had all 30 504s w same "accomodations"...1. Check for understanding 2. Extra time to complete assignments, 3. Reteach difficult concepts. 🤣🤣 you must recognize it is all a big joke
WOW did we teach at the same school????? I also worked at an urban charter school and the experience was very similar. I was hired last minute and given some materials the day before. But there was no 'curriculum.' I spent 70 hours a week working my butt off to create a curriculum because they refused to provide one. Then I was heavily penalized on evaluations because I didn't have lesson plans prepared 2 weeks in advance and didn't get the grading back immediately. When that wasn't humanly possible!!!!! Students weren't supposed to talk. Lunch was very short and teachers had to STAND during lunch or do detention every single lunch. The kids felt like they were in prison, they were miserable! Which led to crazy behavior problems. Teacher meetings every single morning, the school day was longer than public school days, but we got less planning time and 4X more PD meetings. So basically, the teachers and students were treated like slaves. I got out of there as soon as I could, there were several days I almost had a nervous breakdown and had to take a sick day. Admin tried to bully me not to take my contract sick days! Same thing with safety procedures, they were never explained to me, I was never trained on anything related to health and safety for me or the kids period. It was honestly the most traumatic thing I have ever experienced. Several other teachers also quit at the same time as me, one of them a veteran teacher who said this school ruined teaching for her and she would never teach again. These charter schools are absolute TRASH.
I am SO SORRY you had to experience that. It really is a system that benefits no one. I hope you’ve found some healing and a new place that treats you with respect and grace!
I am so sorry that happened to you! I have worked in 2 school districts, one was out of an Orwellian nightmare, and the one I am at now is completely different. I am sorry that your first experience ruined the profession. I think a major red flag was you not getting the curriculum until too late. That just set you up for failure
It is difficult to work in many schools if you care about the welfare of the students. I stopped teaching in America and ended up teaching here in Thailand. In this kingdom, the students and their futures are very important. The teachers are respected because it is thought that they play an important role in society. Even the students respect teachers. Any teachers watching this who are not happy should consider teaching in a foreign country or maybe some rural/ small town located in the USA. In small America, the administrators are not always smarter or better but they are held more accountable by the community, parents, and teachers. They have to at least make things appear to be OK.
Yes, to every thing you said. I started teaching as a certified technology teacher, which I had incase my business ever failed. It did not, but after I retired it, I said what the heck lets teach for a while. So, I taught for 7 years. During that time I had kids who were mentally disturbed, aggressive, and liked to curse me out. I even had a student who was on meds, went berserk in class one time. I had a student call security. They hauled him off, but a week later he was back, but drugged out of his mind. Yes, people do not really know what is going on and I understand your position. I just think you should not have quite in mid term. It does not look good for your next job, because the outside world does not really realize what is happening in a classroom. Yes, you have to pass students because you don't want them back in your class next year. Most of the people we are talking about are the trouble makers. One student can destroy your entire class. The thing is, being an older male, I did not need the money, so I was a loose cannon. I used to tell the students I will beat the hell out of them . They believed me. But it made the administrators mad and nervous. I gave them a hard time also. I told the vice principals that it is YOUR job to handle these troubled students, I am hired to teach. That went over like a lead balloon, but I did not care. I did teach, and teach like crazy. I made students learn. When they had a hard time with a concept I did not make fun of them, which I have seen some teachers do. I took the time and would shut down the class until that one student got the concept. I think that the other kids appreciated that also. Actually, the kids liked me, even the trouble ones but the administrators could not stand me. I would tell them to their face that they don't know what they are doing, or that they don't realize what is actually going on. etc. Yes, I was a hell raiser, but you know what. The kids learned. I would yell and scream like a Marine Corps Drill Sgt, and some how they would do their work. I hope you are successful in your new job? Me? I am retired ands would not go back.
I think as he did the right thing to quit. The very fact that the teacher can be unfairly held lethally responsible for things the kids do that are entirely out of the teacher's control makes the quitting seem a much better option. Getting unfairly sued could be much, much worse than having to explain why one quit her/his first teaching job.
“Students being viewed like a business” , yup sounds like a charter school (I saw you mention this in the vid description). Disclaimer: Not to say that public schools don’t have their own issues
888walrus888 * I’ve worked at charter schools where the parents and students can sway admin to non renew you if they, some parents, don’t like you well enough 🙃
It is amazing when an employer goes toxic, the employees turn on themselves, instead of helping each other. Unfortunately, I am seeing the same issues at the university level. We teachers are ground from the admin/management on one side and the students on the other side. No surprise - teachers are fleeing from the teaching profession.
What a video! You are such a warm, caring, and kind person. I'm so glad you left that school - you definitely made the right decision. I hope your next teaching job goes better. It's very sad how you were treated. That school doesn't deserve to have teachers as devoted and caring as you. I wish you only the best in whatever you decide to do.
I empathize with your decision. I had terrible administrators my first year of teaching. They had completely unrealistic expectations for me. I had to learn the job on the fly and apply professional teaching methods that I was learning from my alternative certification program. By then, it was too late for some of my classes. I had some very disrespectful students and no support from administration to exercise meaningful consequences for their actions. I hate to say it, but COVID was a mixed blessing. I didn’t have deal with the stress of the classrooms and the rest of semester was an online class. It was pretty rotten of my administration to not offer me a new contract, so I lost my health insurance during a pandemic. On the flip side, I filed for unemployment, so I didn’t have to find a summer job. I managed to find a new job with a different district. If teaching is your passion, I would try to find a different school and/or teach a different grade level. I didn’t like some of my high school students, but I haven’t had any major issues with my middle school students.
Omg this reminds me of a charter school I worked at a little over a year ago. Email we’re always written as threats and the principal would send people to check on us daily at odd times. I had a crazy high work load and a small amount of money. I’m glad I got out after 10 months but even that was starting to weigh on my mental health by the end.
Second Reply - I know its a year later, and maybe you're back in teaching, but you could consider giving it a second go in another school. A former work colleague of mine was having a lot of problems at school and his confidence was gone. Also, his relationship with parents and students had collapsed. To the extent that he decided to quit. His supervisor advised not to quit the profession. instead, go and do supply teaching for a while, maybe take on a year's contract elsewhere, give it another go, and then you'll truly know. Brilliant advice. 7 years later that same teaching is doing brilliantly in a different school.
Wow! This video opened my eyes to Charter Schools. Glad you are happy in your new teaching position. I have taught 35 years at Katahdin Elementary School, Stacyville, Maine and still love it!!!
Thank you for sharing this.. Do not feel your quitting as a weakness, I think it is a very strong decision. You have made the choice to stand up for yourself. Good on you. Teaching is a very demanding job and teachers should get much more support. I do think that a different school could make a world of difference though. I find my own job taxing but do enjoy the interactions with my students. So maybe you will find a school with more freedom and creativity with more personal interest. Best of luck and thank you for sharing, if more people would do this, maybe things can change.. Without people like you sharing these experiences, nothing will.
As a retired teacher, I find the lack of support you were given as a new teacher in a school new to you appalling. I appreciate your integrity to expect students to do the work and earn their grades. This was far from a normal teaching assignment and I hope you will not let this sour you on a teaching career.
I don't think her experience was far from normal though. Have you watched other videos here on RUclips? Lots of people experiencing burnout due to excessive demands and little to no teacher support, and that's just a handful of those actually quitting (not everyone is making RUclips videos). They're even now trying to dictate how or when sick days can be taken, when in reality, most of us need a mental health or rest and rejuvenate day each week (and Saturday or Sunday does not count because most of us do have families and housework to catch up on during the weekends). I'm here in the south and have had very similar experiences, especially with grades being given (hence the kids are passing WITHOUT students turning in the work) and it's very frustrating because I really want to help the children, but they're so far behind by the time they get to me by that it takes more time than we have to get them to produce something of quality. Still, no one seems to care about that until state standardized testing time when more pressure and stress is put on the teacher to catch students up 2 or 3 years in a matter of months. Student surveys were placed in our boxes today, but as of now, they're not used to determine whether we get a raise or not. I have watched several of these "Why I Quit Teaching" videos now and it seems the problems I have seen and experienced in education are nationwide, so I don't know that going to another school or school district will make much of a difference. Perhaps if we ever return to having an emphasis on teaching rather than testing, teachers having some kind of autonomy in the classroom, and not have every second of the day dictated and micromanaged that things may turn around for our kids, until then...I can't continue to be a part of the ruin and will do whatever I have to in order to ensure my grandbabies don't have to enter the public (or private) systems of education as I know them today.
Gee, I just saw this video. I am glad sounds like you've moved/are moving on. I was horrified by your intruder alarm story and the lack of training on security and making sure you understand how things work. I can't imagine how awful it must of been. I am sorry you had to experience that. I sure appreciate what teachers do and wish more folks would consider the difficulty and responsibility before passing judgement.
Wow, what a sick environment if the administrators were speaking to the teachers as you described. You were not in a school, you were in a prison! Good for you to get out -- every teacher should walk out of such an environment.
My cousin's daughter taught for a week in an inner city charter school. She had never been around coarse, poor children. The first graders' families were in gangs and sold drugs. The boys fought and two got Black eyes. The administration did nothing to prevent or stop the fight.
this was me at my previous school admin was just one person but she was just helicoptering me idk why but they were not flexible with me even tho i was for them and it was just overwhelming for me. the new school im at i dont regret switching mid school year and during a pandemic. but what made me quit was they made me work a split shift with preschools with out asking me bascially. and they were prioriting the other new girls. idk but it was just too stressful and I was just over it i honestly love my new school and no regrets
I'm glad that you brought up the safety issue in a lot of public schools. My school that I worked at had a bomb threat called in and we were put into a shelter-in-place lockdown in the classrooms. The kids all knew what was going on because one of the students worked in the office and was Snapchatting about how it was total BS that they were being put in classrooms when there was supposedly a bomb in the building. Having to calmly answer my seniors' questions about what we should be doing in a bomb threat situation, while mentally debating whether or not I would get fired if I made them go out the window with me, was beyond traumatic. The nonsense story that Administration concocted later was that they believed that the bombs could have been at the doors, which was never discussed at any point, ever, and was just being used as a tool to backpedal out of a poor response to a safety threat.
THANK YOU for standing up for yourself and laying down common sense when the administrator asked about the students getting their grade raised. The notion that students don't fail you fail is getting taken to seriously. I understand how there's part of it that's needed but it's getting ridiculous.
We have the infamous "Student Voice" in schools in England. Its where students sit down in a focus group style setting and have a long discussion about teaching, the school, assessment, areas of improvement etc. I have always refused to co-operate or read/listen to "the findings". I am not too interested in what a group of jumped up, self important, 17 year old children think. If Senior Staff and teachers can't make decisions without consulting with kids, I don't know what's going on. Imagine that at a professional football club. "Lets go ask The Under-18 team who they think should be the next Head Coach. Also, what about investing in the stadium - lets ask them that too"!
I taught for 16 years. I felt like a battered wife. Administrators left that were supportive and then super cut throat administrators came onto the scene. All the students wanted to do was text and talk. What a waste of time high school was for many students.
I don’t know how the American education system works but I am quite sure that here in Australia you would never have been put in that situation. You made the right decision and I’m sure you will find the job of your dreams very soon.
It's so bad in my state that you can be a retiree, go back to teaching full time at the pay scale you left, and not lose ANY retirement benefits. I'd be making close to...lots of money. Am I going to do it? NOPE!
There is a real lack of respect for teacher time. In addition, the amount of bs paperwork required from teachers is insane. Best to not start at a charter school but a mid size school district with a strong union. The emails you received are completely abnormal. I've never gotten emails like that in 19 years of teaching. Asking you about surveillance is bizarre. I hope you try teaching again. The school culture matters. You could end up in a really positive experience.
I actually am in a new job this year! I’m at a normal public school in a mid-sized town, and it’s been overall a good experience. I mean I did get COVID and we’re investigating a student putting laxatives in my water, but hey, progress! 😂
So the idea that charters are better for students is a fallacy? Yet parents have been led to believe they are great schools and public schools are not. Another big lie from those that are privatizing education. Thanks for sharing!
Any school can work; I think privatized schools just have greater potential to be either way worse or fantastic. Parents need to do their research above all else!
Sumirosa it is false. I’ve worked at charter schools doing what they need to do while others just aren’t. It’s honestly horrible. When I was in college I was doing observation hours in public schools that get vilified as being “failing” schools but these “failing” public schools had better behaved/respectful students and admin teams that weren’t cliquish.
My heart goes out to you. The system of indoctrination (education!) is toxic and your health and safety seems to have been the last thing on their minds. Well done for seeing through all the BS. So glad you left that hell hole of a school. Let me share this from the UK. I know of a female teacher in FE that was accused by some UAE male students of some sort of sexual offence of which she was totally innocent. (It turns out she'd complained that the work she'd set them was ignored). She was sent home pending enquiries...mud sticks right? and there were the "no smoke without fire" merchants. How she kept herself sane is beyond me. Eventually the charges were dropped but nothing was done to the students and she was even asked if she would teach them again! Needless to say she refused. These b.....ds were happy to ruin a teacher's reputation just because they were too lazy to do their homework. Well done LM and ALL the teachers who are waking up. Politicians don't give a damn about teachers.
So sorry your first school sucked! I was hired on a Saturday for a 4-5 combined class that started, first day new school year on Monday! Unlike your situation, I had 28 students, in a room really designed for 20 students, tops! I was fairly ready for days 1 & 2, and yes, I had to set up the Delaney card book, make a sub folder with three day’s emergency lessons, make expectation posters, do the hallway bulletin board, get ready for parent orientation…but they knew I couldn’t possibly do all those things between 4:30 Saturday and 8:05 Monday morning. The principal was amazed I put up a few posters, got textbooks on desks, had the Delaney book done, and when she popped in after lunch, I was teaching and the students were all engaged in working. I ended up staying for 28 years until I retired.
Hi, would you be able to make a video of your experience at school when you handled bullying, and how did it coordinate with the school anti-bullying policy.
A combination of factors have created these awful conditions. Bad parenting, useless and corrupt school administrators, a lack of respect for teachers, a lack of basic honesty and accountability....
I taught for 30 years and quit. This video is an accurate portrayal of how teachers are bullied by politicians, business leaders, administrators, the public, and students. As a parent, I want my child to have good teachers. We are sending our child to a Waldorf school where teachers are valued. Quality public schools are fundamental if we are to have a vibrant and inclusive American culture. We do not have a healthy culture at this point in time. Public schools reflect the interests and needs of the ruling autocracy and plutocrats.
Eventually this is going to hit a climax where there are no more teachers in the schools to teach. It is already at a major crisis point, but I believe it will reach a critical climax where the administrators will be the only ones left.
![Twenty One Pilots - The Line (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Audio]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XCz7WUotXs8/mqdefault.jpg)
For everyone curious about what I’m doing now: I’ve just posted an update video on my channel a year later-and yes, I did get another teaching position! Thank you all for the supportive comments over the last twelve months and for the serious analysis you’ve provided of the school system. Talking about issues helps us move towards mending them. I wish you all the best!
Best of luck to you. Teaching is almost impossible for high energy, talented teachers nowadays.
Thank you
I was asked by a principal why half my class was flunking. The reality was that over 50% could have cared less about the work. It was somehow my fault. That is teaching in a nutshell. If you are in college studying to be a teacher, find another major NOW!!!!!! Do not under any circumstances be a teacher now. Let the system crumble!
…let it crumble 😂💀
I have 2.5 years until retirement. I am thinking I can't make it. I am thinking I will leave the profession before retirement.
@bullard73 : Stay strong and only do the bare minimum. Your pension and health is more important.
I wish I would have seen these comments and videos in college. I would have picked a different career path.
I have watched tons of these teacher-quitting videos because I have so much compassion for you all. One thread I always hear is guilt. Someone is instilling guilt in all of you. Maybe they keep teachers on the job by making them feel too guilty to quit? I never see videos about other professions that are so filled with guilt and pain. I never hear about other professions where the staff is so unsupported. The school system is broken but the teachers are made to believe it is their fault. I wish complete healing and happiness for you and all those who have gone through this dysfunctional situation.
This is such a kind message, and you’re so right! Thank you for your heart for teachers.
More of these videos need to be made. The most frustrating part is how nothing is changing with the school system. I don't blame you one bit for quitting. Smart move.
Thank you so much for your comments! It was scary to leave my first position. People like you help me remember I did the right thing. And I agree - the more people who speak up, the closer we get to better school environments for teachers and students!
I agree
When you said students help determine your pay, my jaw dropped. I am so, so sorry.
STUDENTS reviewed you and THAT would go into determining a raise?! I'd get out right there and then.
Yes students evaluate the teachers with a survey 🤦🏽♀️
That’s how it is in FL. In MI, it is going that way, too, to a lesser extent.
Oh why sure !!!! It's 2022 !!!
Maybe try not being a garbage/hated teacher lmfao its not hard
Quit, Quit, Quit!!! I left after 12 years teaching 2 weeks ago. Mental health comes first. Join the Great Teacher Resignation. The country and society in the US has not respected us for at least 2 decades now. QUIT!!! Let the system crumble.
I agree....We tried everything. The Great Teacher Resignation is now here. Im out too. My blood pressure and sanity need to heal. The bullshit has to end one way or another. I hope the system collapses.
I was dating a schoolteacher and most of our dates revolved around me helping in her classroom. After a couple of years of dating, I ask her to marry me but I had one condition and that was that she had to quit teaching. While dating, I became well aware of her stress and I felt that she needed to quit. There isn't a "Back to School" ad or when she talks to her teaching friends that she doesn't thank me for having asked her to quit. My wife is an outstanding teacher that was being emotionally abused by the teachers union, our current school system and the school administrators. And as much as teachers try to cover up the stress of their work from carrying over to the classroom, that is simply not possible.
That is correct. The teacher union is another joke.
@@Richard-vq7ud you think 🤔 it’s a union problem 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 it’s much worse without one for teachers
@@tonyaldorsey 50% of union teachers realized their $65/month dues was wasted money and dropped it in favor of $10/month liability insurance. When i joined 30 years ago the union had your back and fought against bully principals. Those days are long gone. Good luck getting any help from the union now, all talk and no action.
I'm shocked that something at this level would happen. I'm very glad that you made this video so that people could be aware about these kinds of things.
I work at a school in Wisconsin. We had a new teacher right out of school come in and teach last school year. She was out within two months. She dipped. It was just not what she thought it was. Reasons like yours are the reason. Keep your head up. There are other jobs and options for you.
Hey, are you a school teacher? Would like to speak with you to get more insight from you because I’m about to start school to teach.
@@FrenchHawk878 No, I've been every kind of sub you can be and would never consider being a teacher. I've been asked several times if I would be interested in being a special education teacher by my employer and have told them off.
Wow, too funny but sad. We paid alot of money to get credited and we end up hating the job. I taught sped for 10.5 years, I had the worst kids the school could have every year. The county I worked at had us do so many job responsibilities it was crazy. Like wearing 10 hats for ONE low salary. Scary to loose my salary, but had to do it for my own health and family.
Hearing this story from you has helped me so much. I too quit my first teaching job after only 4 months. It was was unbearable by the time I left. I had constant surveillance in person from other senior members of staff who felt like they were only there to find fault with me - despite being a newly qualified and having over 30+ students in one class at times. Honestly I decided for the sake of my mental health I had to leave. Glad to know others have gone through this and no I wasn’t crazy to do the same. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
I’m so sorry you had that experience! I remember also looking around for some justification, and I assure you, your health matters above being a “good teacher.” We shouldn’t be expected to sacrifice ourselves for our jobs. I wish you all the best moving forward.
Im in the process of resigning. I'm only 3 months into the school year. I just can't do this.
@@ms.rainh20teachesart I resigned last Oct because I had 27 kids with 10 sped students with no teacher assistant. I am so happy that I resigned . My best day was my last day.
@@giovannitodaro9242 YESSSS!! I hear you. I had 7 class periods with a 3 min break in between and 25-30 kids and each class was about 25% SPED and no TA, ever. When I told them I was resigning she offered me a TA. And I was like, oh wow, no.
I only lasted a semester. My mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health have never declined more in my life than in those 4 long, exhausting months.
I was like Nope! My health is too important for this nonsense.
Good for you!! It feels good to be free!
@@ms.rainh20teachesart Great decision! I don't blame you.
Hearing my fellow teachers quit is music for my ears. Less alcohol and psychiatric drugs be gone from your lives my fellow teachers. Have your little guilt fest for 15 minutes and then move on. I left after 12 years 2 weeks ago.
I don’t blame you for quitting. This is my first year teaching HS and coaching middle school cheerleading, and I just submitted a resignation 9 weeks in. While I don’t love my school/admins and feel lack of support, I would have stuck it out because it’s nothing as severe of your experience. However, I was diagnosed with Epilepsy. I’ve had over a dozen seizures since school started and had one in front of one of my classes. My stress is causing me to have more seizures, so I felt it was best to quit for my own health. I do hope I can get another teaching job in the future because right now, I’m not sure if they will release me from my contract.
Thank you for sharing your experience!
All the best to you. Your stress levels & health must come first. Teaching is pretty miserable now.
Your health and wellbeing is paramount as a teacher. I am a highschool teacher and I hear you on all these levels. The most important point you made is you "felt the students were treated as business, not as human" that is a HUGE warning sign that your intuition, your heart was telling you this was NOT the place for you or for any teacher that loves young people and cares for humanity. Follow your intuition, when you find a school that has "heart" you will know..I have found "heart" in 2 school's ad despite the tough times of being a teacher, that is the part that keeps you going. It fuels you :)
You commented this at the perfect time for me! I start professional development for a new position at a new school tomorrow. I really followed my gut this time, and I'm determined to find and maintain that "heart." Thank you for your comment!
@@feywildfiend You've got this powerful woman, walk in your truth and strength of your heart xo
This is very helpful to me. This is my first year teaching and I am really considering quitting. The amount of stress that I am constantly under is not healthy. I've gotten sick 6 times this year due to the stress of the job. The behaviors are the most difficult to handle. No support from families or admin, at least none that changes the students behaviors. Like you said something along the lines of: "What I love got trampled on and I got trampled on." I feel the same way. That I try so hard but am not taken seriously. Your video is helping me realize that there is nothing wrong with me if I can't make it until the end of the year.
Good decision.
Teachers need SAFE working environments
At about 6:26, you had me screaming "you are my girl, that's what I'm talking about"...I've been in the same position and refuse to play that game with these poor children's educational future and lives.
I feel you totally and have made the decision to throw in the towel, as well. The month of May will be my last, unless my hand is forced due to my not wanting to lose the sick days I haven't taken over the last 10 years. We'll see. May God bless you in your future endeavors.
I was hired last minute as well at a Catholic school. This was Sept. 2020, so height of pandemic with in person teaching with some students virtual. And a first year principal. First off, the gym teacher, who said Covid was not real, harassed me for trying to get her daughter to keep her mask on which was required. Then, the principal screamed at me and threatened to “put a note in (my) file” because I had not posted some grades, some from virtual students who had not turned in the work. She reprimanded me in front of my class and took me out of class to yell at me some more. I finished the day and never went back. She asked me to sub! I also found out that another teacher had also failed to post grades for same reason (trying to chase down work of checked out virtual students), but that was not known to the principal when she was yelling at me. I tried again at a different school and had an equally miserable experience. I love teaching, but it’s a toxic profession.
I quit after 9 years to preserve my mental health. Teachers are natural caregivers and more is added month after month. There’s also an environment that always feels like don’t say anything or you could lose your job.
Literally on the verge of depression and I’m only 5 months into my first year of being a elementary school classroom teacher for Deaf students in an inner city school. I’ve been wanting to quit since like 4 months into the job. And my anxiety has only gotten worse. I feel like I have no time for me anymore.
I’m in the process of filling out paperwork for an itinerant 1:1 position so I can better serve the Deaf students I work with. I won’t have too many responsibilities as a classroom teacher so I’ll be better able to meet my students’ needs. Especially as an introvert a 1:1 role is a better fit for my personality. My elementary students need lots and lots of structure and I’m too laid-back. On the flip side, sometimes I wonder if I expect too much from them at their age.
Also I commute 2 hours to and from school, and my mentor is a 60+ year old white lady who makes me feel inadequate for not being like her.
In regards to safety, I’ve got one kid in my class who barely shows up to school, and when they do show up, they wreak havoc and the other kids don’t like them.
Once I’m officially hired at my new job, I’m leaving my current school.
Totally feel you. This position doesn’t fit my personality. I’m sticking it out for now. I also have an E license. I will NOT be doing this job for substitute teacher pay (bc I haven’t enrolled in the teacher prep program) . I’m gonna make a video but I have some businesses I’ll be focusing on when u leave this school.
I empathize your experience. I’m a counselor at an at risk high school in an underprivileged area. I would come into work early and leave later and would even work on the weekends. I never got extra pay or a simple ‘thank you’ for the additional time I contributed to my role. I’ve gotten yelled at by the parents and the admins. I also reached out for mental health support due to the verbal abuse I received from my admin, and when I went to the district to speak about my condition, they really didn’t care and suggested that I quit. Even though I pay union dues monthly, I reached out to them and they also suggested that I quit. The admins only care if the students graduate for the numbers, and when they fail, I’m being blamed even though I did everything in my power to guide them to pass. On top of that, there are a ton of issues at the school with truancies, and students were also being passed even when they didn’t have good attendance.
Now after several years - I’ve decided to take a leave because my mental health won’t be strengthened if I stay. Good luck to you!
Thank you! And I’m so sorry you had that experience. I hope you find all the fulfillment you could ask for moving forward!
Teacher “ok start reading”
Kids “hold up, we gotta fight the Latin Kings pulled up”
Teacher “ok be careful guys, please finish chapter 24 for tomorrow” lol
Don’t give up on teaching. I too had similar experiences like yours working in a charter school. I resigned and got a teaching opportunity at another school/district and I LOVE it ❤️ !! It’s all about administration and how they treat their teachers. Not all schools/admin treat their teachers the same.
That’s what I’ve been told! Not giving up yet. I’m really hoping to have that break through to a better place as well!
Hi! I watched your video because I'm a former teacher but still like to hear about other teachers' experiences in education. I just wanted to say that you seem very sensitive and caring (which I mean as a compliment). I'm very sensitive too and ultimately was burned out by teaching. I've noticed that the education field attracts sensitive types like us because we care and genuinely want to make a difference. But teaching can also be a very harsh experience for us. I've definitely taken a blow to my confidence since going through teaching (I taught for 4 years).
I like what you said about the administration being strong but not good. That's something I never considered, but that perfectly explains my experience with some admin and even a boss from a different job I had years ago. These people are definitely experts, but are not very kind, considerate or, in some cases, honest. I hope you are able to find a teaching environment that better suits your personality and brings you peace. ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Thank you so much for your encouragement! I do intend to try again, but you’re right about a degree of sensitivity. I think a smaller school would be a better fit. I hope all is well, and I’m sure you are doing great things!
Yes I agree with all this! The admin at my school knows what they're "doing" but it's dishonest and it's not helping society (passing kids who have done nothing all year)
I've realized with this job that I am definitely a highly sensitive person and extremely introverted. I cannot handle this job because I have 187 students daily with class sizes varying between 24-30 middle schoolers.
7 periods a day. With only 1.5 hours in between for lunch and planning.
I am not cut out for this, but I do plan to homeschool our children. I love to teach but not teaching.
Kids these days are so disrespectful!!
I watched your capsule wardrobe before subscribing and watching other videos (this one caught my eye). I TOTALLY understand where you are coming from. I do not blame you at all for leaving that place. My first teaching job - I was hired the week before school began, it was in a Special Education Day Class in a public high school (I was not qualified - I have an elementary credential, not secondary) so I was hired on an emergency credential. They also did not have ANY curriculum in place, so I was basically creating everything the students did on my own. It was very frustrating. I did finish the year, but I sure didn't stay. I have since found a job 30 minutes from my home, where I also had a rocky start with a big learning curve. I spent my first 2 years there thinking I wasn't cut out to be a teacher, and I should get out of teaching and find another career. But, I stuck it out, and learned a lot, and I've now been there 22 years. I'm so sorry to hear you went through this. I think you did the right thing by leaving. I wish you the best with your future. Don't let this experience discourage you from following your dreams, even if you choose to pursue something besides teaching!
Thank you so much. I don’t think I’m ready to quit yet, but I might be taking a break this year.
My first and only year of teaching was 5th grade in 1980. The kids were great, the principal was always interrupting over the intercom, other than that not too bad. I had my first child in April of that year and didn’t go back. It was such a relief I hadn’t realized how much teaching wasn’t for me. I’m so happy I got out and spent the next 30 years being a stay at home Mom of 5. Im astounded and saddened at what teachers have to put up with now. Very good explanation of your experience.
I had a horrible experience for my first job as well and just could not stay. Mid year, I interviewed at the school where I did my student teaching when I heard a pregnant teacher was leaving. It was a great experience and leaving job one turned out to be the best move I’ve ever made. With some time out for raising my two kids, I stayed in various education capacities until 2005! It takes a little time to regain your confidence, but don’t give up.
As someone who is currently struggling with the guilt of quitting a job, I admire your courage for doing what was best for you and following through!
Glad you got out of there. I am quitting my first long term sub job as well. I'm in a very similar situation to yours. I'm looking forward to trying out day-to-day subbing for awhile.
So sorry that you had to go through this traumatic experience. Teaching sucks now; it used to be a great job.
I would have left also. That's crazy about the video and alarm situation. Bless you!
I find myself in the same place. I have been going through some grueling times at the school I am hired at. I feel like it is literally draining the energy out of me. I get out, grade some papers, maybe watch like one or two videos, eat while making lesson plans, and go back to sleep. I feel like I am burning out little by little. Thank you, for making this video. It’s like an epiphany I needed to hear and see.
I honestly commend you for lasting as long as you did. First year teaching is stressful enough, and you don’t need that extra stress on you. The safety concerns really need to be addressed.
I remember my first few years of teaching. It was hard but you have to recognize that you can't do everything so don't try. Do your best and let the chips fall where they may. Half the crap the admin asks you to do you don't really have to do. No one is checking to see if your lesson plans are correct. No one is checking anything. No one is going to sue you.
That is partly true. I used to be 504 coordinator. I had all 30 504s w same "accomodations"...1. Check for understanding 2. Extra time to complete assignments, 3. Reteach difficult concepts. 🤣🤣 you must recognize it is all a big joke
WOW did we teach at the same school????? I also worked at an urban charter school and the experience was very similar. I was hired last minute and given some materials the day before. But there was no 'curriculum.' I spent 70 hours a week working my butt off to create a curriculum because they refused to provide one. Then I was heavily penalized on evaluations because I didn't have lesson plans prepared 2 weeks in advance and didn't get the grading back immediately. When that wasn't humanly possible!!!!! Students weren't supposed to talk. Lunch was very short and teachers had to STAND during lunch or do detention every single lunch. The kids felt like they were in prison, they were miserable! Which led to crazy behavior problems. Teacher meetings every single morning, the school day was longer than public school days, but we got less planning time and 4X more PD meetings. So basically, the teachers and students were treated like slaves. I got out of there as soon as I could, there were several days I almost had a nervous breakdown and had to take a sick day. Admin tried to bully me not to take my contract sick days! Same thing with safety procedures, they were never explained to me, I was never trained on anything related to health and safety for me or the kids period. It was honestly the most traumatic thing I have ever experienced. Several other teachers also quit at the same time as me, one of them a veteran teacher who said this school ruined teaching for her and she would never teach again. These charter schools are absolute TRASH.
I am SO SORRY you had to experience that. It really is a system that benefits no one. I hope you’ve found some healing and a new place that treats you with respect and grace!
I am so sorry that happened to you! I have worked in 2 school districts, one was out of an Orwellian nightmare, and the one I am at now is completely different. I am sorry that your first experience ruined the profession. I think a major red flag was you not getting the curriculum until too late. That just set you up for failure
It is difficult to work in many schools if you care about the welfare of the students. I stopped teaching in America and ended up teaching here in Thailand.
In this kingdom, the students and their futures are very important. The teachers are respected because it is thought that they play an important role in society. Even the students respect teachers.
Any teachers watching this who are not happy should consider teaching in a foreign country or maybe some rural/ small town located in the USA.
In small America, the administrators are not always smarter or better but they are held more accountable by the community, parents, and teachers. They have to at least make things appear to be OK.
Yes, to every thing you said. I started teaching as a certified technology teacher, which I had incase my business ever failed. It did not, but after I retired it, I said what the heck lets teach for a while. So, I taught for 7 years. During that time I had kids who were mentally disturbed, aggressive, and liked to curse me out. I even had a student who was on meds, went berserk in class one time. I had a student call security. They hauled him off, but a week later he was back, but drugged out of his mind. Yes, people do not really know what is going on and I understand your position. I just think you should not have quite in mid term. It does not look good for your next job, because the outside world does not really realize what is happening in a classroom. Yes, you have to pass students because you don't want them back in your class next year. Most of the people we are talking about are the trouble makers. One student can destroy your entire class. The thing is, being an older male, I did not need the money, so I was a loose cannon. I used to tell the students I will beat the hell out of them . They believed me. But it made the administrators mad and nervous. I gave them a hard time also. I told the vice principals that it is YOUR job to handle these troubled students, I am hired to teach. That went over like a lead balloon, but I did not care. I did teach, and teach like crazy. I made students learn. When they had a hard time with a concept I did not make fun of them, which I have seen some teachers do. I took the time and would shut down the class until that one student got the concept. I think that the other kids appreciated that also. Actually, the kids liked me, even the trouble ones but the administrators could not stand me. I would tell them to their face that they don't know what they are doing, or that they don't realize what is actually going on. etc. Yes, I was a hell raiser, but you know what. The kids learned. I would yell and scream like a Marine Corps Drill Sgt, and some how they would do their work. I hope you are successful in your new job? Me? I am retired ands would not go back.
I think as he did the right thing to quit. The very fact that the teacher can be unfairly held lethally responsible for things the kids do that are entirely out of the teacher's control makes the quitting seem a much better option. Getting unfairly sued could be much, much worse than having to explain why one quit her/his first teaching job.
“Students being viewed like a business” , yup sounds like a charter school (I saw you mention this in the vid description).
Disclaimer: Not to say that public schools don’t have their own issues
888walrus888 * I’ve worked at charter schools where the parents and students can sway admin to non renew you if they, some parents, don’t like you well enough 🙃
@@mlmj1994 whoa! That's insane!
This is the first video that I have seen of someone giving legitimate reasons for quitting this type of job.
It is amazing when an employer goes toxic, the employees turn on themselves, instead of helping each other. Unfortunately, I am seeing the same issues at the university level. We teachers are ground from the admin/management on one side and the students on the other side. No surprise - teachers are fleeing from the teaching profession.
What a video! You are such a warm, caring, and kind person. I'm so glad you left that school - you definitely made the right decision. I hope your next teaching job goes better. It's very sad how you were treated. That school doesn't deserve to have teachers as devoted and caring as you. I wish you only the best in whatever you decide to do.
I empathize with your decision. I had terrible administrators my first year of teaching. They had completely unrealistic expectations for me. I had to learn the job on the fly and apply professional teaching methods that I was learning from my alternative certification program. By then, it was too late for some of my classes. I had some very disrespectful students and no support from administration to exercise meaningful consequences for their actions. I hate to say it, but COVID was a mixed blessing. I didn’t have deal with the stress of the classrooms and the rest of semester was an online class. It was pretty rotten of my administration to not offer me a new contract, so I lost my health insurance during a pandemic. On the flip side, I filed for unemployment, so I didn’t have to find a summer job. I managed to find a new job with a different district. If teaching is your passion, I would try to find a different school and/or teach a different grade level. I didn’t like some of my high school students, but I haven’t had any major issues with my middle school students.
I have been a teacher for about 30 years. I do not blame you at all for leaving that school. I hope your new teaching job is a better experience.
Omg this reminds me of a charter school I worked at a little over a year ago. Email we’re always written as threats and the principal would send people to check on us daily at odd times. I had a crazy high work load and a small amount of money. I’m glad I got out after 10 months but even that was starting to weigh on my mental health by the end.
Second Reply - I know its a year later, and maybe you're back in teaching, but you could consider giving it a second go in another school. A former work colleague of mine was having a lot of problems at school and his confidence was gone. Also, his relationship with parents and students had collapsed. To the extent that he decided to quit. His supervisor advised not to quit the profession. instead, go and do supply teaching for a while, maybe take on a year's contract elsewhere, give it another go, and then you'll truly know. Brilliant advice. 7 years later that same teaching is doing brilliantly in a different school.
Thank you for speaking up. Many of us have quit teaching because the environment is toxic towards teachers.
you are strong and helping the rest of us carry on. thank you for sharing.
Congrats on your new job ... we need teachers like you. James Deagle
Wow! This video opened my eyes to Charter Schools. Glad you are happy in your new teaching position. I have taught 35 years at Katahdin Elementary School, Stacyville, Maine and still love it!!!
Hi Crystal! I’m a teacher in Maine, too!
You've hit every point. I'm a nurse educator and this happens with adults as well.
Thank you for sharing this..
Do not feel your quitting as a weakness, I think it is a very strong decision.
You have made the choice to stand up for yourself. Good on you.
Teaching is a very demanding job and teachers should get much more support.
I do think that a different school could make a world of difference though.
I find my own job taxing but do enjoy the interactions with my students.
So maybe you will find a school with more freedom and creativity with more personal interest.
Best of luck and thank you for sharing, if more people would do this, maybe things can change..
Without people like you sharing these experiences, nothing will.
As a retired teacher, I find the lack of support you were given as a new teacher in a school new to you appalling. I appreciate your integrity to expect students to do the work and earn their grades. This was far from a normal teaching assignment and I hope you will not let this sour you on a teaching career.
It didn’t! I’m actually back at it and having a much more fulfilling experience this time around. Thank you!
I don't think her experience was far from normal though. Have you watched other videos here on RUclips? Lots of people experiencing burnout due to excessive demands and little to no teacher support, and that's just a handful of those actually quitting (not everyone is making RUclips videos). They're even now trying to dictate how or when sick days can be taken, when in reality, most of us need a mental health or rest and rejuvenate day each week (and Saturday or Sunday does not count because most of us do have families and housework to catch up on during the weekends). I'm here in the south and have had very similar experiences, especially with grades being given (hence the kids are passing WITHOUT students turning in the work) and it's very frustrating because I really want to help the children, but they're so far behind by the time they get to me by that it takes more time than we have to get them to produce something of quality. Still, no one seems to care about that until state standardized testing time when more pressure and stress is put on the teacher to catch students up 2 or 3 years in a matter of months. Student surveys were placed in our boxes today, but as of now, they're not used to determine whether we get a raise or not.
I have watched several of these "Why I Quit Teaching" videos now and it seems the problems I have seen and experienced in education are nationwide, so I don't know that going to another school or school district will make much of a difference. Perhaps if we ever return to having an emphasis on teaching rather than testing, teachers having some kind of autonomy in the classroom, and not have every second of the day dictated and micromanaged that things may turn around for our kids, until then...I can't continue to be a part of the ruin and will do whatever I have to in order to ensure my grandbabies don't have to enter the public (or private) systems of education as I know them today.
It sounds exactly like a charter I worked for. I lasted less than three months.
All the best to you!
Gee, I just saw this video. I am glad sounds like you've moved/are moving on. I was horrified by your intruder alarm story and the lack of training on security and making sure you understand how things work. I can't imagine how awful it must of been. I am sorry you had to experience that. I sure appreciate what teachers do and wish more folks would consider the difficulty and responsibility before passing judgement.
I haven’t replied to a comment on this video in a long time, but this was so kind. I really appreciate your thoughtful words!
Wow, what a sick environment if the administrators were speaking to the teachers as you described. You were not in a school, you were in a prison! Good for you to get out -- every teacher should walk out of such an environment.
Thanks for sharing your story! You seem like you have such a kind heart ❤!
That means so much to me! Thank you!
My cousin's daughter taught for a week in an inner city charter school. She had never been around coarse, poor children. The first graders' families were in gangs and sold drugs. The boys fought and two got Black eyes. The administration did nothing to prevent or stop the fight.
I can relate. I was also not prepared for success.
this was me at my previous school admin was just one person but she was just helicoptering me idk why but they were not flexible with me even tho i was for them and it was just overwhelming for me. the new school im at i dont regret switching mid school year and during a pandemic. but what made me quit was they made me work a split shift with preschools with out asking me bascially. and they were prioriting the other new girls. idk but it was just too stressful and I was just over it i honestly love my new school and no regrets
Don’t beat yourself up over this. You did the right thing.
Good job on leaving asap! Smart! I understand some of the things you went through 😢
Glad to read that. The world will always need bright teachers that care about their students.
I'm glad that you brought up the safety issue in a lot of public schools. My school that I worked at had a bomb threat called in and we were put into a shelter-in-place lockdown in the classrooms. The kids all knew what was going on because one of the students worked in the office and was Snapchatting about how it was total BS that they were being put in classrooms when there was supposedly a bomb in the building. Having to calmly answer my seniors' questions about what we should be doing in a bomb threat situation, while mentally debating whether or not I would get fired if I made them go out the window with me, was beyond traumatic. The nonsense story that Administration concocted later was that they believed that the bombs could have been at the doors, which was never discussed at any point, ever, and was just being used as a tool to backpedal out of a poor response to a safety threat.
I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine! I hope you’ve found healing and that the school has worked towards better, safer systems of response.
THANK YOU for standing up for yourself and laying down common sense when the administrator asked about the students getting their grade raised. The notion that students don't fail you fail is getting taken to seriously. I understand how there's part of it that's needed but it's getting ridiculous.
I think you are brave person to listen to your heart all'the best
Thank you!
It turns out the worst possible thing with intruder is huddling together in corner. The schools teach the opposite of what should be done...ruN!
We have the infamous "Student Voice" in schools in England. Its where students sit down in a focus group style setting and have a long discussion about teaching, the school, assessment, areas of improvement etc. I have always refused to co-operate or read/listen to "the findings". I am not too interested in what a group of jumped up, self important, 17 year old children think. If Senior Staff and teachers can't make decisions without consulting with kids, I don't know what's going on. Imagine that at a professional football club. "Lets go ask The Under-18 team who they think should be the next Head Coach. Also, what about investing in the stadium - lets ask them that too"!
You are DEFINITELY not alone
I taught for 16 years. I felt like a battered wife. Administrators left that were supportive and then super cut throat administrators came onto the scene. All the students wanted to do was text and talk. What a waste of time high school was for many students.
You did the right thing🙂don’t trouble yourself thinking about it.
You're the absolute best!❤❤
Love you!!
Cameras in classrooms sound scary! I don’t know how that is even legal.
It is strange but not technically illegal!
Considering how teachers and students act maybe they should? They take our taxes so what are we getting for it?
They’re in every classroom in Maine.
That’s a shame… new teachers should be supported not bullied..
I don’t know how the American education system works but I am quite sure that here in Australia you would never have been put in that situation. You made the right decision and I’m sure you will find the job of your dreams very soon.
Thank you for sharing your story!
Teacher from the UK here and going to quit after a year of teaching... Gonna find something else.
It's so bad in my state that you can be a retiree, go back to teaching full time at the pay scale you left, and not lose ANY retirement benefits. I'd be making close to...lots of money. Am I going to do it? NOPE!
New to your channel! So interesting to hear this 🥰
Welcome!
A friend had a lockdown last year and the students were banging on the wall. The police walked in they they started laughing.
There is a real lack of respect for teacher time. In addition, the amount of bs paperwork required from teachers is insane. Best to not start at a charter school but a mid size school district with a strong union. The emails you received are completely abnormal. I've never gotten emails like that in 19 years of teaching. Asking you about surveillance is bizarre. I hope you try teaching again. The school culture matters. You could end up in a really positive experience.
I actually am in a new job this year! I’m at a normal public school in a mid-sized town, and it’s been overall a good experience. I mean I did get COVID and we’re investigating a student putting laxatives in my water, but hey, progress! 😂
@@feywildfiend LAXATIVES?!? jesus!!
I left a teaching job in the month of October one year. I was miserable.
I teach remedial adults and students can't pass in 16 weeks and now the semester is 8 weeks now. And we are expected to advance students.
170 students is a bad thing..good that you left..huge differences in school districts. you made the right choice.
there u go,,an honest perspective about TSL in details..tnx
So the idea that charters are better for students is a fallacy? Yet parents have been led to believe they are great schools and public schools are not. Another big lie from those that are privatizing education. Thanks for sharing!
Any school can work; I think privatized schools just have greater potential to be either way worse or fantastic. Parents need to do their research above all else!
Sumirosa it is false. I’ve worked at charter schools doing what they need to do while others just aren’t. It’s honestly horrible. When I was in college I was doing observation hours in public schools that get vilified as being “failing” schools but these “failing” public schools had better behaved/respectful students and admin teams that weren’t cliquish.
It depends on the administration, some can be wonderful and some can have this "We're better than public school" attitude.
I would seriously just not show up and find a new job.
More administration leads to an administrative environment. But school is not just another building in the cities‘ bureaucracy.
My heart goes out to you. The system of indoctrination (education!) is toxic and your health and safety seems to have been the last thing on their minds. Well done for seeing through all the BS. So glad you left that hell hole of a school. Let me share this from the UK. I know of a female teacher in FE that was accused by some UAE male students of some sort of sexual offence of which she was totally innocent. (It turns out she'd complained that the work she'd set them was ignored). She was sent home pending enquiries...mud sticks right? and there were the "no smoke without fire" merchants. How she kept herself sane is beyond me. Eventually the charges were dropped but nothing was done to the students and she was even asked if she would teach them again! Needless to say she refused. These b.....ds were happy to ruin a teacher's reputation just because they were too lazy to do their homework. Well done LM and ALL the teachers who are waking up. Politicians don't give a damn about teachers.
So sorry your first school sucked! I was hired on a Saturday for a 4-5 combined class that started, first day new school year on Monday! Unlike your situation, I had 28 students, in a room really designed for 20 students, tops! I was fairly ready for days 1 & 2, and yes, I had to set up the Delaney card book, make a sub folder with three day’s emergency lessons, make expectation posters, do the hallway bulletin board, get ready for parent orientation…but they knew I couldn’t possibly do all those things between 4:30 Saturday and 8:05 Monday morning. The principal was amazed I put up a few posters, got textbooks on desks, had the Delaney book done, and when she popped in after lunch, I was teaching and the students were all engaged in working. I ended up staying for 28 years until I retired.
Thanks for sharing your story! I was in the same boat and left too!
Hi, would you be able to make a video of your experience at school when you handled bullying, and how did it coordinate with the school anti-bullying policy.
A combination of factors have created these awful conditions. Bad parenting, useless and corrupt school administrators, a lack of respect for teachers, a lack of basic honesty and accountability....
I taught for 30 years and quit.
This video is an accurate portrayal of how teachers are bullied by politicians, business leaders, administrators, the public, and students.
As a parent, I want my child to have good teachers. We are sending our child to a Waldorf school where teachers are valued.
Quality public schools are fundamental if we are to have a vibrant and inclusive American culture. We do not have a healthy culture at this point in time. Public schools reflect the interests and needs of the ruling autocracy and plutocrats.
Your story is mild compared to my past careers. I’m in a good place now. If u still want time teach and ur in Cali I can help.
Good thing you got out of there. What an abusive situation.
I can totally understand
Working for most charters sucks I would never work for one or send my child to one.
a difficult job today because parents are not parenting they don’t know how to parent or they have no father-in-l The home
Eventually this is going to hit a climax where there are no more teachers in the schools to teach. It is already at a major crisis point, but I believe it will reach a critical climax where the administrators will be the only ones left.