10 Uncomfortable Truths About Quitting Teaching

You may be at the point where you're thinking, I want to quit teaching. Is it time for me to quit teaching and leave the teaching profession? In today's video, I'm discussing the pros and cons of quitting your teaching job mid-year so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to leave your job. I talk about the benefits of leaving early in the school year versus continuing to work through the end, as well as the potential drawbacks of leaving before a break.
Whether teachers should quit during the school year depends on your individual circumstances and if teaching is right for you, but you can be confident in taking action if it is after watching this video.
Need help making the decision to stay or go? Grab my Stay or Go Checklist 👉🏼 teachersneedte...
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[@TMeyer-ge5pj]

Just for everyone who wants to quit....I quit and now work for a corporation. It is 10000% better. Teaching was literally torture. Kids in my school would run around threatening to stab people with knives. Maybe this woman has had an easy experience, but for some people teaching is literally like living in a war zone. People at my school were jumped, sexually assaulted, had their property destroyed, etc. If you've been there then you understand. Nothing can be worse. Don't let these reasons hold you back, there are better things out there ❤️

[@teachersneedteachers]

You're definitely right - if the conditions in your school are extreme and you want to quit, do what feels right! I don't encourage people who hate teaching to stay in the profession - it's bad for you and your mental/physical health, and it's bad for the kids. I definitely haven't had an easy experience, I just pushed through the crappy first 7 or 8 years and as a result, became really resilient. But even during those crappy years, I still loved teaching, just not my school and the daily frustration with particular students.

[@strangementalitypaperYT]

Same for my school. It's hell sometimes, but because of working inner city -- I get paid so much to do so little. Where else am I gonna sit on my ass all day and make 61K a year? I think my love of the material I teach keeps me from quitting. I just love Shakespeare and commas too much to do anything other that talk about them all day. Keeps me sane, but there are days when I just feel so done. I'm tired of our kids trying to bring firearms to school and kicking teachers' asses.

[@TMeyer-ge5pj]

@@strangementalitypaperYT fair! You do what works for you. Sorry it's like that at your school. I wasn't even able to get through any content because of constant behavior problems. I would argue that lots of people make 60,000 at easy jobs. That's not really very much money in today's economy.

[@strangementalitypaperYT]

@@TMeyer-ge5pj I know it’s not a lot but I hardly do anything at work besides talk about Shakespeare and commas. Lol. I don’t deal with behavior problems in a “traditional” sense. If kids are assholes I just kick them out and fail them. Haha

[@SarahR2D2]

@@strangementalitypaperYT "Sit on my @$$ all day" My school did not want teachers sitting period

[@rc6184]

I am too the point they can have my teaching license. I am tired of being responsible for some else’s kids. Plus the pay is terrible and education has no room for career growth. You got school superintendents making triple figures while they give teachers the table scraps and they lecture you about not doing enough to help the children. Pull your kids out of public school! The system is collapsing.

[@teachersneedteachers]

It really is so tough, so I completely understand! Your frustration about how these admin who've barely spent any time in the classroom (if any at all) really resonates.

[@elviragomez5703]

We are considering montisorri,or catholic. It going to a worth while investment

[@elviragomez5703]

Do public schools still allow the parents to volunteer and assist the teachers with making copies,walking the children to the rest room or handing out work sheets or helping the children get ready to go home maybe help watching them during lunch????? I know there is many careless shitty parents, but what about the ones that do care and value the selfless work teachers do? Can we help in that way? Or help on school events

[@teachersneedteachers]

Yes! Schools still allow and appreciate parent volunteers!

[@pistoffpussycat5778]

@@elviragomez5703 Sorry. Catholic school is worse. Taught it for 2 years. They tolerate very bad behavior and bullies bc they need the tuition money. Teachers don't have to be qualified; any Bachelor's degree will do. The spirituality is not there either. They pay teachers peanuts so there's a high turnover and low motivation

[@davejohnson8986]

We need Administrators who aren't afraid of kids and back their teachers. Teachers send behavior problems to the office only to see kids return with a piece of candy.

[@teachersneedteachers]

UGH! YES! This just encourages the bad behavior!

[@davejohnson8986]

@@teachersneedteachers Amen ! When a dog poops on the carpet we don't say "Good Boy, here's a treat" !

[@Veevslav1]

Those that cannot teach... Become administrators. They harbor a jealousy of those that can teach and thus they hate skilled teachers.

[@davejohnson8986]

@@Veevslav1 Or we have many that are promoted simply bc they check the right boxes. This experiment failed. Just like making Kamala Harris border czar. More failure.

[@robertreyes5036]

It’s all about money. They send them back because every kid is $$$

[@mandomtz]

I encourage any public school teacher that is feeling burnout to take paid medical leave of absence due to mental reasons. Get the paperwork filled out by a doctor or therapist. Use the time to re-center yourself or plan an exit.. It's your right. Remember you are a civil servant NOT a martyr. Don't feel bad about colleague or admin picking up the slack.. They'll manage. Always put your self and health first. Don't worry about references or petty grudges. These schools are desperate for teachers. they can not afford to be picky and they know it.

[@teachersneedteachers]

This is a great idea! Having some distance can give you some perspective.

[@carolinecherry2423]

The administrators seem just as stressed as the teachers. I don't think going into administration is a solution.

[@MassGainingGuy]

As a teacher, you should not making teaching your life, after work, do the hobbies that you love. Continue to do the things that bring you passion and joy. The minute that you put your career above everything else, then it's only a matter of time until you are stressed beyond belief.

[@minombre5555]

I cannot thank you enough for not saying that it’s not about the students as I have heard so many former teachers say. It is about the students. As you say, they are rude, uncooperative and mostly lazy. Times have changed. I am a big, buff guy, and I imposed discipline in my classroom during my one year teaching French in a public school. I imposed discipline where students are no longer used to being held to rigorous standards and being told to stop interrupting. THANK YOU again. It is all about the students, at least many of them. I got tired of having to impose discipline and got out at the end of the school year. I earn more money working for a great company and don’t have any work on the weekends. I should add that the few kind, hard-working and respectful students are to be commended. In the schools, the problem and mediocre students have won the day. Never again.

[@teachersneedteachers]

You're welcome! Glad you found a career that makes you happy!

[@Sheloyigamer]

I’ve taught for 20+ years. I have left and returned to teaching twice. I’m miserable. I’m a recognized teacher by the Texas Education Agency but I want out. What type of job did you get? How do I transfer my skills to a new profession?

[@teachersneedteachers]

Check out my friend Daphne at the Teacher Career coach. She has a lot of information on transitioning to other careers: teachercareercoach.com/category/teacher-career-coach-podcast/

[@justbeegreen]

@@teachersneedteachers the thing about that - they make commission for every job they recommend. If they were up front about it, I’d recommend it.

[@hillcatrogers9086]

I am so excited to leave teaching either this year or next year. I still want to work in education, but as an academic counselor, advisor or in admissions. I want to help students discover what they want to do, give them the tools to navigate the process and support them in their journey. This job fits my personality way better than working in general education.

[@teachersneedteachers]

I'm so glad that you still want to work in education! Being a classroom teacher definitely isn't a fit for all of us in the same way that I could NEVER, EVER be an administrator. Super excited for the possibilities for you next school year!

[@annaburns2865]

Yep. It’s affecting us substitutes as well. I was subbing a half day for a teacher in an emotionally handicapped (aka behavioral unit) I waited all morning for her to come in because I had plans in the afternoon and then when it was time she just waltzed in a said,”I’m not staying” and left. She totally expected me to stay the whole day which I did, and we never heard from her again. About an hour after she left they brought a long term sub in to start the next day and about ever two weeks I now sub for the other sub. It’s madness! 🤪

[@teachersneedteachers]

It's definitely hard to find teachers, especially ones in special ed!

[@Happybunnyyy528]

I’m a public school teacher. This is just my second year of teaching but I’m already considering to quit… I went into teaching because of passion but now my passion has all gone due to heavy workload and extreme work life unbalance. Teaching has left me broken and it is starting to affect my mental and physical health. I cry a lot during the weekends and evening times but I have to put up a smile when I’m with my students. I turn into a very grumpy person who get madly at any tiny things easily. I also get chest pain frequently but my doctor said my heart is functioning well with no problems detected. And you know what? After all the time, hard work , and tears that I have put in, I’m still not granted a cleared license and I still have a couple exams and the TPA to be done.

[@teachersneedteachers]

I can definitely feel that you're hurting, and I'm so sorry that teaching has done that to you. I don't think that anyone who is feeling that much anguish in the classroom should keep teaching! I hope you find something that brings you joy!

[@mlmj1994]

My first two years were terrible. My mental and physical health suffered greatly. Each year was at a different school and neither school was able to give me the support I needed for my students to be successful. My third year of teaching was when I finally found the right school. The work environment was healthy and safe. My kind felt clear enough so that I could take care of myself. Admin, parents, and teachers supported one another and really tried to find common ground to resolve or mediate issues so that students could be held accounts able for their actions and could be successful.

[@justbeegreen]

The first five years stink. After a couple of decades, I learned the colleagues make it lovely or unbearable. The management does not care. Get involved with a union. If the district is full of teachers with low morale, find another district or another profession - your mental health and happiness are not worth the sacrifice.

[@teachersneedteachers]

YES! Colleagues really can make or break it for teachers! And a hell YES to finding a job with a union - they fight for better conditions and pay!

[@whitebeads1]

This sounds like propaganda for our broken ed system. If people love teaching, there are opportunities to teach in other industries wherein you will be valued and well-paid. You don't necessarily have to lose professional or social connections -- if you lose them, they were not meant to last anyway And you can develop NEW professional and social connections. Change is good.

[@teachersneedteachers]

I don't understand why people are so sensitive about offering both the pros and cons of leaving in the middle of the school year. Any time someone is going to make a major decision, they should understand the ramifications and benefits of that decision. And if they feel good about leaving despite any perceived consequences, then it's obviously right for them. But when you go mid-year and your colleagues are left to pick up the slack you left behind, with toxic admin and unruly kids that you're escaping, they're probably going to feel some way about it, especially if they're not in a position where they can also leave.

[@Sheloyigamer]

Worrying about everyone else is a HUGE part of the problem with teaching. Teachers are just expected to put everyone but themselves and their families first. And the more we accept the more that gets piled on us and our health mental and physical gets destroyed more and more. I wouldn’t act rashly but the only thing keeping me stuck in the hellscape of teaching is earning money until I figure out an alternative profession. I loved teaching the first 10 years but it has only gotten more absurd, thankless, chaotic and dangerous.

[@Jeremy_the_bot]

Had it made for 9 years teaching upper iq-gifted kids. Then superintendent says we need more diversity in classes. Now everyone at our school Hates every moment of every day. I'm not quitting teaching. I'm quitting a district that values the dumbest, craziest, and poorest.

[@teachersneedteachers]

I can definitely attest to the fact that a change of school or district makes ALL the difference!

[@fremontpathfinder8463]

What other profession fines you are holds your credentials if you quit? Such bs And after the Great Recession, there were 500,000 fewer public school teachers in the USA. There were massive layoffs from 2008- 2011. So teachers - especially those that teach art and music are likely to get laid off. Why do teachers have to show all the consideration after getting zero support. We need to stop worrying about everyone else. Teachers do what is best for you.

[@nelizadrew5283]

I took a leave of absence mid-year and never went back because the environment had become so toxic I was depressed but my medication was giving me hives, I didn't have any leave available to deal with it, we were constantly being micromanaged and lectured about things outside our control, and I wasn't allowed to use any of the innovative teaching strategies that had worked in the past with out students.

[@teachersneedteachers]

I definitely think that most teachers would leave in that situation! Nobody deserves to be treated that way, and hopefully you were able to find something better that doesn't harm your mental health!

[@mercherolvaag4717]

I'm afraid I'm going to have to break my teaching contract. I have a particularly bad situation where I'm being harassed by students for being Jewish and gay. The biggest problem and ongoing theme is the anti-Semitism. They have repeatedly spoken anti-Semitic slurs to my face and have brought up controversial LGBTQIA+ topics in class that I have refused to discuss (I teach a computer tech course that has nothing to do with any of this!), and refused to cooperate in class. I have also received a homophobic death threat from one student in the class who simply suspected that I am gay. Additionally, a hate crime was committed in my classroom where a school computer was destroyed and a swastika drawn on the desk while I was teaching. These problem students are active neo-Nazis and belong to Nazi organizations that send them literature in the mail at the private military school where I work. I reported all of these incidents to admin, and the private school where I work sided with the anti-Semitic students against me for the hate crime!!!! Additionally, several students from other classes have come to my class to disrupt and harass me. I have documented these incidents in writing and via audio and video tape, and shared them with administration. In the past week, I have lost three days of instruction due to disruption. I literally had to physically leave class twice, and admin gave me one day off while they addressed student issues. What in the heck should I do? I've been teaching for 30 years, and I've worked in my current school for 10 years. There has been a great deal of staff turnover at all levels, and they are desperate for enrollment at any cost! I'm trying to hang in there until May 2024 when my contract ends. However, I actually don't know if it is safe for me physically to do so. I'm also required to do night and weekend duties with these students, and I don't feel safe physically or legally from a liability perspective either. Should I report this to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or try to quietly leave and find another job? I don't know what to do, and I hate having to start looking for other employment at 50 years old when I have done absolutely nothing wrong. Also, I'd hate to have my teaching license revoked for leaving early. Under those circumstances, I'd have absolutely no choice but to file a discrimination lawsuit, etc. I simply exist, and that bothers some students evidently to the point that I can't teach them. I've also had some problems that started earlier about three years ago when new conservative and sexist administrators were hired as others left and retired. This situation has been building for a while now, and seems to be getting worse. Every time that I think it is resolved, it comes back with a vengeance! What advice can you give me in my current circumstances?

[@teachersneedteachers]

Honestly, I would consult with an employment lawyer and possibly even take this to your state department of education. This is beyond disgusting, and your rights are being violated in so many ways. And I'd start looking for other employment immediately. Your mental, emotional, and PHYSICAL safety and well-being are far more important at this point. The reason why i'd take it to the department of ed is in case your credential is at stake for breaking your contract. Kudos to you for documenting everything, but seriously, please leave as soon as you can!

[@shalexiadavis1378]

Worked with a guy who was a teacher during the day. One day he threw his bag on his desk and said out.loud ""I'm sick and tired of the little illegitimate bastards and their stupid parents".

[@teachersneedteachers]

Sounds like a fun teacher. 😒

[@shalexiadavis1378]

@@teachersneedteachers I just laughed. Know why??? Because he had every right to feel that way. People reproduce, dump their kids on others in different social ways (financially welfare, socially schools, daycare and disciplinarian, police/security)

[@volitionspark2686]

@@shalexiadavis1378The women in my family dealt with this for years. Have you tried talking to parents? Are they so belligerent they won't talk to you?

[@shalexiadavis1378]

@@volitionspark2686 I'm not an educator/teacher (thank God). Don't know if I could have handled being one, with the way kids are raised, or should I say, have been not raised the last few years/decades.

[@epsensei]

HAHAHA! I put that teaching in the US BOOLSHYTE down YEARS AGO. I teach in China and even though there are some challenges.....this place is HEAVEN BY COMPARISON! And I'M AN AFRICAN AMERICAN MALE!

[@teachersneedteachers]

I've had a few colleagues teach abroad with mixed reviews. If you can find the right situation - either in China or the US - teaching can be amazing!

[@sarahhumphreys3980]

Teachers here in Australia have quit too. In my state there is a teacher shortage. There was one teacher that quit because he was being bullied by a parent. This was on either A Current Affair or 60 Minutes.

[@teachersneedteachers]

Oh wow, that's terrible! I'm surprised the administration didn't do more to keep the teacher.

[@sarahhumphreys3980]

@Teachers Need Teachers yes me too. At one school the principal had to ban abusive parents from entering the school grounds. At another the principal was forced out by the Pand C representative council. It's just so sad. Here is the link to the documentary kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGfEYqR8qK6hd5Y

[@teachersneedteachers]

What? That’s crazy!

[@sarahhumphreys3980]

@Teachers Need Teachers sure is. There is another documentary where a group of parents ganged up on a principal. They bullied the principal via the school's parent and teacher communication app. One parent actually went to the principal's house and damaged her door. The principal ended up taking the parents to court, and she won. I hope things change for teachers soon. 🙏

[@mlmj1994]

@@sarahhumphreys3980 it’s an awful situation though it’s great to see an admin bold enough to ban parents that are being disrespectful and aggressive. Teachers should not have to put up with abuse.

[@chixwithstix2]

I am quitting but I am finishing my contract. I want to be completely removed from the classroom. This year has destroyed every aspect of my health and I need to heal.

[@teachersneedteachers]

I'm so, so sorry it's been such a tough year for you. Sending you positive vibes that you find something better that lights you up!

[@shannonrambles]

Same. But I’m pivoting. I’m going into the forest service and counseling. 😊 But the counseling won’t happen for years. I also need to heal.

[@RspbyLmn]

I have taught second grade for 28 years in a public elementary school. I've seen almost anything. This year has been the absolute worst. I've been exasperated and stressed. Even our raise seened to be burned off by inflation. My mental and physical health are frazzled. I have been dying to retire and never look back. Then something happened last week. It's like someone said a prayer and a glimmer of calm fell upon the entire classroom. This week, same. Today, they're remembering stuff. It's the lightbulb effect. Oh God how I love the sweet spots that start to show after that 100th day. Like the early blossoms in spring gives you hope, their little light bulbs are starting to flicker. I will make it! I still want to retire but go to work somewhere that's not education.

[@teachersneedteachers]

I hope you make it through the year, Clara! It sounds like things might be looking up to the point that you'll survive this year. And there are a lot of professions that value that skillset that teachers have!

[@thecampercook]

I'm leaving in order to go into higher ed (where I've worked before) and I am SO excited! I am ridiculously tired of teenagers who threaten to harm myself and others. I am sick and tired of kids who get zero consequences because we aren't allowed to fail them. (I kid you not!) I am exhausted by these BS after school meetings--working 7:15 in the morning until AT LEAST 4:00PM because of team meetings, staff meetings, etc. There is bus duty, game duty, curriculum night, cultural night... and more! Then there is the grading (say goodnight to your evenings and weekends). Sorry, but it really isn't worth it for $44,000 a year.

[@teachersneedteachers]

Congratulations! Considering the demands that your current school puts on you, it sounds like returning to higher ed is the best choice!

[@Veevslav1]

You forgot that your summers off keep shrinking as the different districts puts professional development requirements in the summer...

[@jaminschmitt]

The farther up you climb the teaching profession the more political it gets. The only way Districts will listen, in regards to their policies, is them losing the only thing that keeps the broken system going, is teachers. Many teachers don’t quit because if the guilt factor. It’s also the guilt factor that gives teachers more and more responsibilities outside of your pay grade. Quitting is absolutely OKAY. You have one life to live here on earth.

[@Sundaymike1]

I retired and now sub 2-3 days a week. I only work the jobs and schools I want. If a job sucks, I just don't go back there. My life is now being lived instead of being crushed by stress and a 200/100 BP on the daily. Quitting was the best thing I ever did.

[@teachersneedteachers]

I'm really happy that you're still in education and on your terms!

[@Sundaymike1]

Unfortunately since this I had a real bad class. It took me right back to my last HR class. Woke up from a nightmare about it crying. It had been a year and I was doing great. But after that class I just want to crawl in a hole.

[@bryanrobbins7390]

I will admit that I haven't been as excited at the start of the year as the past. I can't imagine giving it up. I teach shop class and gave up on the admin years ago. I adopted a persona that has the kids having fun but policing each other to not step out of line. the burn out since the pandemic has me wondering how much longer I can hold up

[@jjc6530]

I think this teacher is not really supportive of the teachers that want to quit and the hardship they go through. More of trying to make teachers stay and take the abuse.

[@teachersneedteachers]

The point of the video is to provide a balanced view and pros and cons of quitting in the middle of the school year. It neither encourages nor discourages teachers to quit.

[@TeacherKellyTag]

My district won’t EVER hire someone again if they quick mid-year. It’s what’s made me hang on. 5 more weeks!

[@teachersneedteachers]

If you want to stay in the district, that's definitely motivation to stay!

[@jimmiejammin808]

Skilled trades are in high demand, shortages everywhere. We need all educated women to try labor jobs, and bring uneducated men into the classroom. Everybody will be happy.

[@teachersneedteachers]

🤣

[@Dingo689]

I worked as a teacher for 6 years, and gave my resignation one year ago. Did I regret it? No. Do I miss teaching? Yes. Would I go back to teaching? I don't know. The problem with quitting as a teacher is that the ones who quit are usually good teachers. Teachers spending all nights and weekends working are good teachers but they usually burn out. Also you work with a lot of kids and the kids have their problems which effect you through their behaviour (being inpolite, offensive, sad ...). Also the injustice of school system and society gives you anxiety because you care about those kids. Bad teachers usually work minimum and have time for hobbies because they list their priorities differently, get the same pay as you and teaching for them is good.

[@shannonrambles]

I am teaching my tenth year. I am done March 10. I really, really tried to make it to Spring Break. I just can’t do it anymore. I’m mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted. I love it, but I’m just not healthy enough to keep going. :(

[@teachersneedteachers]

You definitely should not keep teaching if it's affecting your health! Nothing is worth that!

[@joytimmerman6185]

Thanks for this! I have been a special educator for 18 years and have experienced all of the highs and the lows, including seriously considering quitting or leaving the profession. I am grateful that I could rally, put up boundaries, find a good fit, and enjoy my calling again!

[@teachersneedteachers]

Yes! Finding a good fit is EVERYTHING! I'm so happy to hear that you still love teaching!

[@95RangerGirl]

Another thing to remember is that you can always return as long as you don’t quit mid year and lose your license.

[@95RangerGirl]

Also I don’t know where you taught, but most teachers DO not have any control in the classroom. They are teaching scripted lessons and following strict schedules

[@teachersneedteachers]

This is so true!

[@mendyviola]

So sad that teaching is now such a toxic work environment.

[@teachersneedteachers]

I agree! Things have gotten so bad.

[@722Leistung]

As a teacher I’ve made it my mission to game the system. Quite quitting, sure that’s just the beginning. Pitting admin against each other, a critical component. Lastly, having a seven page syllabus and an overwhelming amount of forms, to do anything, that students need to complete and have parents sign.

[@teachersneedteachers]

Sounds like you've got it figured out!

[@boston312]

the quite quitting teachers are the only ones who can survive nowadays. They realize the expectations of them and the workloads are unrealistic and they adapt accordingly.

[@lijohnyoutube101]

Adaptation is one thing but if the kids are losing in the end just switch careers

[@minombre5555]

Hahahahahahahahahahahaha! I love it!

[@722Leistung]

@@lijohnyoutube101 the education system has nothing to offer the students at this point. It’s corrupt in a sense, so it’s ripe for abuse. For people looking for an easy job education is the place to be, milk the system. What happens to this generation will be appalling but ideally it wakes up the population. Either way…

[@anothercitizen4867]

Going to the bathroom when you need to.

[@teachersneedteachers]

Haha this is true!

[@marcmeinzer8859]

I like your attitude because a bad attitude is the ONLY attitude. I already quit 35 years ago. I would have been an asshole to not quit. I went into the trades and stayed there without looking back. I tried truck driving school but then realized that as an ex sailor in the navy I had a merchant mariner’s document so I shipped out with the merchant marine for eight years. Then after trying being a Catholic monk for one year I became a barber and did that until I retirement twenty years later. Teaching sucks. Everyone should quit. A younger woman once asked me why I didn’t want to date her. I told her that I was a burnt out teacher and hated kids so I only dated menopausal women because I didn’t want to get stuck with any accidental babies. She thought that I was putting her on. Although she said she had no intention of having any kids I disbelieved her because she was young and fertile and intuitively I could sense that if she found a man who could support her comfortably she would start having babies. This is called nature taking its course. But the most important thing I learned teaching for seven years is that kids are useless so make sure not to have any. Once I came to that realization I decided that I would only date older women who were unlikely to become pregnant. Problem solved. Let all these indulgent parents tutor their own little brats. I always vote no on school levies.

[@teachersneedteachers]

I appreciate your honesty and the fact that you have had a variety of experiences in your life. Everyone has their own journey and what works for one person may not work for another - ESPECIALLY when it comes to teaching. It's great that you found a career that you enjoyed in the end and were able to retire comfortably. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

[@lijohnyoutube101]

Perhaps therapy was needed…

[@marcmeinzer8859]

@@lijohnyoutube101 I ended up going to alcohol rehab which didn’t really work so ultimately I just joined AA. In retrospect I should have gone to the New York State Maritime Academy (SUNY Fort Schuyler, under the Throg’s Neck Bridge, NY, NY) instead of Miami of Ohio where I got my useless teaching certificate and a BS ED.

[@ATONAL6173]

Thank you, Kim. My KZbin recommendations have more than a few "Why I Quit Teaching" videos and some of them resonate with me and I swing back and forth between a true 75% ready to quit, I just don't care and 100% I know I can stick this out, just work smarter, dude, don't let people take advantage of yo, you don't owe them as much as you fear you do. (Of course some days and some weeks and some months...and some years, those numbers are painfully, vastly different, but on average, I'm not too hopeless.). Anyway, your balance of pros and cons resonated with me, as I do have a lot of control, I do really feel fulfilled by the positive aspects of my jobs, and I am certainly no slouch in my field, dare I say a highly qualified, highly effective teacher (though several students and parents and outward appearances of my program could legitimately be argued to prove otherwise.). I'm a middle school band and orchestra teacher and I can say with a high degree of certainty that my workload and expectations are ridiculous, far out of step with those of my peers in neighboring districts and those of my classroom peers. One day I have 6 individual preps the other day I have up to 5 sections across 4 schools, or at a minimum, 3 sections at two schools, it depends on the day of the week. It's been this bad and worse for going on 6 years, I'm in my 17th year of teaching. My classroom peers have at most 4 preps in a day, often 3, often mostly repeating the same lesson at least once with two different groups. And of course they don't travel to multiple buildings across a large city like Bellingham. There is absolutely no hope of making any improvement in my expectations and we Middle School music teachers are going to continue to be over utilized in comparison with our local peers and our HS peers, it's been 20 years of such a terrible schedule. I keep laying out our students' needs that also align with improved expectations for us and suggesting solutions, but there is a "Teams" model and money concerns that make it nigh impossible for them to give students the experience they deserve and the conditions that would improve our teaching and our programs significantly. I'm exhausted every day, constantly flying through triage tasks, find it impossible to make progress on building systems that shift the load off me, because I am task-saturated and probably experiencing some light trauma around constant stress. I skip lunch frequently because there's just that one more thing to do and my students deserve me sacrificing to emergency plug another hole in the dike, because its often not their fault. And I sit in a union meeting hearing my classroom teachers complain about their workloads, when they know very well how terrible mine is and as well, how no one will do exactly one shit about it, since there's only four of us in the district who have to do this dance. And I'm the only one who has to travel, so even there I'm uniquely burdened. Part of the solution this year was to add a responsibility to my role, great! And I can't really turn it down, because they might just say, "Well, I guess you're a .9 employee now. We really love you and value you, remember to take care of your self, you're doing a great job.". The .1 position has absolutely no guidelines, no supervisor, no precedence, no written expectations, so of course I'm doing it to 100% of my capacity and what I believe needs doing. If they wrote it down, it wouldn't hold up to scrutiny. That's how they get 'ya, in the music world. "Listen, money's tight, you're lucky to have a program, you need to build your numbers and make us look good, there's 10 other music teachers who would take your job in a heartbeat and not complain.". Not literally said, but definitely implicit. So you helped me place all my bullshit in a nice little bucket labelled, "bullshit" and I can try and smile and go through my day remembering that it's probably worth it in the long run to just keep getting beat up and try to strengthen my "I don't care, not my problem, this is my best and it's better than most" muscles, the alternatives would be quite sad, financially risky, and probably a mistake.

[@teachersneedteachers]

Thank you for sharing this! I actually started out as a middle school band director for 10 years before switching to English. I wanted my time back to spend with my daughter. AND my first teaching assignment was in Lynwood, WA! Small world!

[@justbeegreen]

Eat your lunch. Challenge your union and colleagues to support you. Take care of you.

[@ATONAL6173]

@@justbeegreen Good advice, appreciated and valid. For those of us who are in a recruit/retain or die situation, though, we are constantly faced with the reality of doing more just to survive. There are four of us in a very large district who have the shortest end of the stick, so to speak. Union is very aware of the ridiculous expectations and load in comparison with our classroom peers and even our high school music peers in-district, let alone neighboring districts. They are not capable of making things better or addressing our concerns because we are such a minority and the myth of music teachers who "do it all" because they are passionate and they love their jobs and we should feel lucky to have the programs and support we have at all....plus there's a dozen other music teachers in even less supportive districts who would have my job in a heartbeat and gladly take in the same challenge, since theirs is likely even worse, or non-existent...so when I work my contract and take care of me, the overall result is things that have really strong effects of student and parent satisfaction and learning simply don't get done and when students ask, telling them, "I didn't have enough time, I needed to take care of me." causes real harm to the goals I'm trying to accomplish, namely building and maintaining an awesome program, the only leverage point we have, sheer numbers. Even that is a tiny tiny lever. With next year's budget, we will be lucky to not have our workload increased just to stay whole. If I were to just work the contract and draw my lines where I feel they ought to be, I might as well try to get a job at Costco or something, because I've tried it and it doesn't improve my situation, unfortunately. Thanks for listening and for the advice, sorry for being overly contrarion, but this is one of my forms of therapy, it helps for me to spell it out and debate it with other knowledgeable professionals, so it doesn't surface with students, parents, and admin...very much. ;)

[@colleenkochman9656]

applies to nursing and other health care workers as well

[@teachersneedteachers]

Yes! Sadly, I've been seeing the same level of burnout from healthcare workers. It's so sad that we're all being taken for granted at the expense of our students (and patients).

[@colleenkochman9656]

thanks for validating my assessment of my experience.....wishing you a better outcome than mine.....knowledge is power. :)@@teachersneedteachers

[@jeffherringa4709]

My urban school district has a $1,000 to $2,000 teacher contract penalty if you quit before the school year starts. If you quit during the school year the teacher contract penalty goes up to $3,000 to $4,000. We are also having staffing issues. At one school a school support teacher needed to fill in for 5th grade because the original classroom teacher went back to college. At another school, we had the principal, a gym teacher, and several classroom teachers fill in for 6th grade because no classroom teacher was assigned. A third school had a 1st grade teacher quit mid-year and we couldn't find a replacement until the Spring. This teacher was retired, but came out to help the school briefly. Most school librarians work 3, 4, or 5 schools in this school district (about 80%). We are mostly teacher prep relief for the schools we are assigned to. Some schools do have adequate staffing, funds, and programming in this school district. However, these better schools are more competitive for student admissions and staff hiring. Just my experience here.

[@teachersneedteachers]

Wow, that's crazy! There are fewer and fewer people getting their teaching credential and more teachers quitting, so staffing issues will only get worse!

[@mlmj1994]

I have a friend that left the district and decided to take a break and sub for a bit. She really needed a change of scenery and feels refreshed where she is at currently as a long term sub. I’ve had so many out of the norm challenges this year. They’ve been even more painful than the usual first or second years of teaching. I’ve had a good run at my current workplace for the past five years; however, there’s been so many attacks this year. I love teaching and at the same time, I feel crazy for wanting to start all over again at new district and school, but teaching is such a huge part of who I am. I love children and have so much passion still for the profession even though it seems everything is going to 💩 in a lot schools. It’s year 7 for me.

[@teachersneedteachers]

Starting over at a new school or district can be SO AMAZING and reignite your love and passion for teaching! It's ridiculous how much school culture and supportive admin make! It's honestly a must easier transition than trying to transition to a brand new career. I'm glad to hear that you still love teaching!

[@christopherrosado6053]

Nice video, very real... 70 % rule here...to share...respectfully. 70% of Teaching community will be manageable...30 % difficult Accept this and Teaching long term is for you True for any job, it's a Career, money, etc... right ?? ... When you're being paid..the 30%, of difficulty is always there.., ( ..in any Career), ...otherwise everyone could do it, if , managed, by you, (6) hrs of the day, only here ...(the students,.... do, go home, in Teaching,) But, for yourself not making it, a whole day.( 24 hrs) thing, my point, taking home, drama, stuff....etc. Be mindful and find Peace daily. Life itself is tuff enough..?? Peace

[@teachersneedteachers]

Yes! Every job has at least 30% difficult and ridiculousness to deal with. But if that 30% is too much to deal with, then it's time to go!

[@deirdredunbar5282]

As a substitute I was able to vet the schools that I was interested in prior to becoming a certified teacher. I have now attained my teaching certification and the first job I got was wonderful. I began to dissect why this school was a better fit than all the schools I had subbed at. The reason was that the cell phone policy- "no phones out at any time" was actually enforced. Having a "no phone out" policy took away the communication between classes and students.which took away much of the drama. The school is also small and in a small community, which is also a good fit for me. Due to my husband's cancer diagnosis, I have had to put my teaching on hold. I may never make it back to the teaching world, but my experience at the small school was great.

[@duanebidoux6087]

I was a French teacher in High School until Jan. 2. I walked out mid-contract. I did it for health reasons. I had five preps, had to be in charge of 1 honor society and 2 student clubs, and had at least 3 afterwork meetings after school each week. I arrived at 6. This was my first year, but I found out in October that I had replaced TWO French teachers. Furthermore, admins micromanaged everything, giving me loads of work. My kids were great. Actually they were the only reason I lasted that long. I did not have a single day off from mid-August until late October when I started collapsing from exhaustion. I was by then on anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds. For me there was no thought. It was becoming life and death, and I chose my health.

[@teachersneedteachers]

That sounds TERRIBLE! Your admin should've done more to support you as a first-year teacher, not pile an insurmountable and unsustainable amount of work! I hope you found something that's better for your mental health and with more support!

[@duanebidoux6087]

@@teachersneedteachers Thanks. Well, I'm actually 64 and so, teaching is done, for sure. I just need a little something not to have to dig into my savings too deeply for the next year or two (I'm eligible for full benefits (now) at 66).

[@cynthiatrantham6770]

Thanks for sharing this video! I was thinking about retiring in March of 2032. After watching your video, I was thinking about retiring at the end of the school year of 2032.

[@teachersneedteachers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@yardmama3660]

Where are all these employers looking to hire teachers?

[@teachersneedteachers]

Hi there! Are you not in an area with a teacher shortage? There are soooo many districts across the nation that can't even find substitutes to temporarily fill the vacant teacher positions!

[@yardmama3660]

@@teachersneedteachers I was just asking about your comment about other industries wanting to hire former teachers. Who wants to?

[@sarahhumphreys3980]

@Yard Mama what about assistant store manager and store manager jobs? They are looking for people who have had experience in leadership and team management. Couldn't your experience as a teacher be used in those types of jobs? Your skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and written communication would be valuable, and your maths would be pretty good too 😊You could also tutor children from foreign countries online.

[@yardmama3660]

@@sarahhumphreys3980 oh I’m not looking. Was just curious.

[@janejones7638]

I'm glad that you still enjoy teaching. There are few people that enjoy it anymore. Those that do are either groomers or losers who couldn't get a job anywhere else. You on the other hand sound as if you're neither. My mother and aunt retired from teaching about 20 years ago. They both have amazing pensions. My mother wanted to go for 30 years but because of medical problems, she couldn't make it. But her pension is almost as much as my social security (I'm disabled) and hers put together. You gave some wonderful advice in this video.

[@teachersneedteachers]

Nope, not a groomer or loser, just someone who still loves her jobs and the perks that come with it!

[@joyfitzgerald9878]

Damn, Girl!! That intro 🔥🔥🔥

[@strangementalitypaperYT]

I am an English teacher. I always wanted to be a doctor but I just can't make it through the math. I've been working really hard on my writing so that one day I can make enough money to live off of it (as long as Obamacare doesn't get repealed). That's the only way I would ever quit teaching. I need the insurance. However, I've definitely thought about leaving the inner city. I'm tired of the disrespect and being threatened by students.

[@teachersneedteachers]

I definitely think that a change in your assignment, school, or even state can make a HUGE difference in job satisfaction! Have you ever thought about teaching the kids how to write for some extra money like you do? Money is a motivator!

[@mixedviews3536]

You can find a corporate job with benefits! Don’t let that hold you back. Our district has crappy healthcare anyway. It would cost me $200 per visit to see a specialist, which I haven’t because I can’t afford it.

[@strangementalitypaperYT]

@@mixedviews3536 with a creative writing degree?

[@PSL_Lover2024]

What if you really don't care about the "Mess you left behind" for the other teachers and admin, because your environment was actually so toxic that you really had to leave for your mental health? Even though it's frowned upon for leaving, all of those things you listed in the beginning of the video are valid. We can't deny that . If you're feeling those and going through it, it's really hard. I didn't want to sign my contract and was forced by my husband who is also a teacher to do it. I broked it and lost my license. Guess what. I was still hired outside of my district at a private school, they didn't contact the previous school but hired me on the spot. Don't make it sound devastating I left. They lost a very dedicated, seriously motivated, devoted teacher. It's their fault. I'm not embarrassed for what I did, I'm in a better place now. I know this video made it seem awful HORRIBLE that I quit. But thank God I did. I did what I needed to do for my health, which was to walk away. If you need to walk away, don't be afraid to do so. Who cares if they "don't like you" or don't want to write you a letter of rec. Don't put that you worked at that school on your resume. Done deal. What school? I don't know them. I just didn't like how this video came across, since I guess I had a completely different teaching experience. Like you said, times are tough right now. If they NEED a teacher, if they are DESPERATE, they will hire you, since you're a warm body. Yes it's true. Your past dosnt matter. Look at Florida, you don't need a teaching license anymore, just be a military wife. Look it up it's true. Teaching is not as esteemed as you are talking about it to be. How long have you been teaching? It's gone downhill and it's only getting worse.

[@PSL_Lover2024]

My advice, don't be a teacher at all. I look around my attic at all the shit I've accumulated over the years as a teacher. I'll the time, energy, money, I took to be licensed, down the drain in a dwindling profession, which unhelpful admin, spoiled children despondent parents. I have awful, traumatic stories.. I'm still not over a lot of it. I don't care what my previous school "thinks about me" or if their still friends with me. We were never friends to begin with. Why would I care if they talk with me still? Or hangout? Girl what? Where did you teach at.

[@teachersneedteachers]

I've been teaching for 21 years, and yes, in many places, it's gone downhill. Not everyone will care about the mess they left or if they get a letter of recommendation. I'm simply bringing up points to consider and if you DON'T care, then obviously you should quit! But for someone who is just frustrated with their particular situation but still wants to teach somewhere else, then they're going to strongly consider these points. And you contradicted yourself by saying "Don't make it sound devastating I left. They lost a very dedicated, seriously motivated, devoted teacher." It IS devastating for that school and those students because they obviously needed someone like you! That doesn't mean you're beholden to them since they treated you like crap, but it was definitely devastating, even if they didn't admit it. I'm happy you found a better position though! Sometimes teachers don't realize that they don't have to quit teaching altogether - they can just change schools.

[@teachersneedteachers]

I'm really sorry that your previous school was so bad! You do realize that everyone's situation is different, so my message will resonate with those that can identify with it. For many teachers, they make friends with their colleagues and even spend time with them outside of work. It's too bad that the people at your previous school weren't that way.

[@PSL_Lover2024]

@@teachersneedteachers I am really happy for you that you had a good experience in the field and you were about to come out with friendships and good energy. Thanks for not taking my comment personally. It has been very hard, stressful and emotional for me to be a teacher. I left because I needed it and I am so thankful I had the POWER to recognize I was not ok, and leave. I wish you and your teaching career all the best. Schools really do need teachers who want to teach.

[@byeteaching]

It's so important for educators transitioning into new careers to be aware of these pitfalls.

[@thebxx724]

I hate my job. The first 10 seconds of the video summarizes my job. Disrespectful scummy students, unsupportive admin & parents & piece of sh*t coworkers. My job makes me depressed but I need to stick it out until June & dip. I need that student loan forgiveness & need to submit my tenure portfolio. Afterwards, I need to teach at a much better school. Hopefully my youtube channel takes off & I can leave the field altogether.

[@teachersneedteachers]

Sending you positive vibes so you that you survive this year!

[@Germerican-b4f]

One recommendation I have would be to look for a small school. I quit at my previous school after a month for mental health reasons and switched to a small high school that is extremely well run. There is comparatively little paperwork, few emails throughout the day, and the admins are accessible. i’ve only been there two weeks, but I went from getting almost no joy out of life to looking forward to going to work.

[@glennwatson3313]

I have been teaching high school in Alabama for 28 years. For the most part my kids are good. My admin is fine. The parents leave me alone.

[@teachersneedteachers]

That's great to hear!

[@leoinsf]

I don't care how difficult it is to do, leaving your job mid-year is foolish! It will mean you will never be hired again. Hold on until the end of the year and then if in the future you decide to return, you might be able to find a district to hire you!

[@amourphoto]

Best you tube cold opening ever!

[@teachersneedteachers]

HAHA Thanks!

[@itumelengmoetanalo4791]

I'm a teacher in South Africa and I want to leave my job immediately to start my own school

[@rebeccaalderman1393]

I get overwhelmed and frustrated sometimes, but Nah I love it too much!

[@teachersneedteachers]

SAME!

[@johnnyfive9815]

I stopped listening when she said no time lmao 3 months off plus weekends the latest you stay at work is 4 on a regular day give me a break...also every teacher should have atleast a masters degree

[@teachersneedteachers]

I'm assuming you're not a teacher 😏

[@johnnyfive9815]

@Teachers Need Teachers worked for the DOE in NYC but not as a teacher; my brother and my sister are teachers; both had to get their masters and have a lot of time for plenty of hobbies(unless you have kids). Also, as a police officer and veteran, especially in today's climate, it's odd to hear people talk about time and stress. Teachers need support and flexibility with the curriculum.

[@charnaeyoung9815]

@@johnnyfive9815Work doesn’t end at 4. You literally take your work home with you. 😂 And you aren’t getting paid for those summers off. The salary reflects it. Add up all the hours worked besides being at school and then do the math AGAIN.

[@teachersneedteachers]

You're right, work ends at 3:05 for me. I've worked long enough to implement systems that don't require me to take my work home with me UNLESS I WANT TO. And while I don't get paid for my summer, Thanksgiving, winter, and spring break, I still wouldn't trade those!

[@justbeegreen]

Obviously a person who has never taught before - useless comment.

[@battyaboutratties]

Interestingly enough - all I heard was how the employers couldn't see how my skills/experiences as a teacher would transfer...

[@teachersneedteachers]

Did you hear this from other teachers or those employers?