20 Years In - Why I Quit Teaching and What’s Next

[@ccc56ccc]

Dr. Julia Hare’s words ring true: “The teachers are afraid of the principals; the principals are afraid of the Superintendents; the Superintendents are afraid of the school board, the school boards are afraid of the parents; the parents are afraid of the kids and the kids aren’t afraid of anyone!”

[@erichammond2560]

Sadly true.

[@lorihill9129]

This is SO true! Oh, my gosh! This is my philosophy basically!

[@danzbutrfly]

the kids belong to the govmt...they cant be touched

[@marywilds4182]

Yep, and all of the responsibility is borne by the teachers.

[@joychien7309]

Amen’

[@OurFantasyLife]

I'm an English teacher in Japan, and how teachers are treated in America is just mystifying. Teachers here in Japan are respected, almost revered by both society at large and their students. Which, in turn, makes you want to be the best possible teacher you can be, because you know all eyes are on you and you're *actually* having an effect on society. Seeing how teachers in Japan and Singapore are treated made me literally ashamed to even talk about teachers in the US.

[@whyyeseyec]

Are teachers in Japan unionized and are they told what to teach and how to teach?

[@OurFantasyLife]

@@whyyeseyec It's a complicated question, because unions in Japan are structurally different to unions in the US. Teachers in Japan do have a labor union called "Nihon Kyoshokuin Kumiai JTU" or "Nikkyoso". Teachers aren't dictated to about what to teach, but generally every couple of years the Prefectural Board of Education introduces new textbooks based on contracts with publishing companies, and the individual school is left to decide how they want to teach the material. In most cases, only "important" subjects have any sort of co-ordination or plan - subjects like English, History, etc are left to the teacher's discretion. Generally the textbooks are geared around getting the students ready for "Shiken" or their college entrance exams for most subjects, or "Eiken" for English proficiency. Those tests are standardized at the national level. So while there's no one dictating what you must and must not teach, there's a social pressure to teach to the test and ensure students can study effectively and learn required material quickly. Not sure that answers your question but I hope it's helpful.

[@whyyeseyec]

@@OurFantasyLife Hmmmm, I would have thought the Japanese would have shunned 'teaching to the test'. I wonder if they copied that from the Americans...

[@OurFantasyLife]

@@whyyeseyec What gave you that impression?

[@trilight3597]

@@whyyeseyec It's more of a societal thing in general. They have respect and expectation, and they work to maintain it. After all, the students have goals to achieve and assist to achieve it and they look towards to the teacher to do so.

[@sabishiihito]

One big issue is parents. They don't seem to realize (or want to accept) that their children's education is primarily *their* responsibility.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Doing the right thing is rarely the easy thing.

[@charlesphilhower1452]

As far as behavior yes. The reason for schools was to have someone that has knowledgeable to teach children things that parents may not know or have time or energy to teach. Discipline starts at home and having parents being on the same page as the teacher is definitely an important part of the picture.😊

[@HabAnagarek]

Well, sort of. The parents' responsibility to instill respect for education, learn respect for their responsibility/accountability as students in the process, etc. But it's the teachers' responsibility to ensure that the child is receiving content, evaluating the student's demonstration of knowledge, noticing gaps/problems, etc

[@MasterMalrubius]

@@HabAnagarekThat is the model but teachers are subject to the administrators' prerogative and can only do what they are allowed to do. Too often administrators care more about getting funding over what is taught.

[@coracarrier6839]

take the parents out of the process......why do you think it works at the college level???????? it works because the parents are not considered in the process.

[@claudettemcallister7225]

I retired from teaching one year ago. I have lost weight, sleep better, eat better, my overall health has improved significantly, I don't spend money on things I don't need to, I am free to go to the bathroom whenever I want (need to), I have restored my family relationships, my car is in better health too. Basically teaching was draining my life of "life"...sucking the air out of my proverbial tires!!!! Retiring literally saved my life! I loved my 30 years of teaching and adored my kids, but, it was killing me.

[@jeffs7915]

That's a weird perspective.

[@videoluvr4204]

good for you for putting yourself first!

[@kristinstrickland1038]

Doesn't sound like you loved it.

[@abrahamcordova3796]

after 8 years!! i know exactly what you are talking about !!! thats why i quit as well!

[@daishaoutar5128]

This is where I am right now. 11 years in and teaching is sucking the life out of me. Stressed out, no sleep, no time for myself even though I’m trying to keep a work life balance but it’s almost impossible depending on your job… I feel alone bc I feel like no one understands

[@kellimarsicek8790]

I am 46. I started teaching in 1999. I am ready to be done. An administrator and a few parents gave me the worst year of my life. I left my school of 20 years. I hate standardized teaching. I hate how entitled people have become.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Life's too short to be this unhappy for so many hours of the day, Kelli. I support your decision to do what's right for you. No matter your path, someone who's taught for 20+ years is always going to be a teacher at heart.

[@kellimarsicek8790]

I did move to a different school across town. It's been a good change. But....I do not want to chair any spelling bees or speaking competitions. I do not want to be the union rep, on the pta, leadership, or school site council. I just want to my what is required of me.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

@@kellimarsicek8790 Sounds reasonable to me. I had to tell the freshmen that I couldn't be their class adviser. Weekly after-school meetings, fundraising for three years, supervising a jr. prom and senior ball, and...and...and...? I love 'em, but there were just no more apples on these branches.

[@ms.bubs4fun506]

❤

[@ilsengutierrez9348]

As an infant and toddler I enjoy being in the classroom and can handle the age group. I personally not all teaching happens in the classroom. If you calling is encouraging children to continue learning outside the classroom. Then go for it! Life is to short not be happy 😃

[@captainbeastazoid7084]

I've been a teacher for 12 years. I think a major part of the problem is just student behavior, honestly. And that ofcourse relates to how they're raised. But there's a major problem with discipline in our society.

[@margybernard]

I’d rather deal with discipline than be harassed by admins. That can send you to the mad house.

[@amandakalkstein6914]

Agreed!!! The disrespect and the lack of motivation for learning scares the shit out of me.

[@Spyrit2011]

Greed is the problem, bad wages, parents inability to spend time nurturing their children because they have to work100+ hours or more between 2 parents just to keep a roof over their heads. NEVER promote violence against children, stop spewing your right wing fairy tales. Are you watching the violence against children in daycare? You should not be anywhere near children!

[@rafadantas.6872]

I thought that only in Brazil do young people behave like delinquents in the classroom at schools.

[@jeffs7915]

@@margybernard the principal will cancel you,

[@thomgrlisdebra]

A friend of mine left the classroom recently because she said her reward for hard work was MORE hard work!! Profound statement!!!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Yup.

[@bbarnhouse9022]

Bad systems can force managers(admin) to inadvertently punish good workers when the system does not allow the manager to replace bad workers. For example: worker A is good at her job, worker B is bad at her job. Workers A & B are both given the same workload initially. Worker A produces good results, worker B produces bad results. The manager needs to report overall good results but cannot do so due to worker B. Since the manager cannot fire worker B and hire a new worker C, the manager has to find another way to raise the overall results. So the manager has to shift more of the workload onto worker A and less on worker B. Worker A is punished for her good work by being expected to do her job plus part of worker B's job. Worker B is rewarded by being paid roughly the same amount as worker A while only having to do half the work.

[@avelineb8239]

This is so true. I had a director who told our staff that if you keep doing more, you'll just get more work. He was trying to encourage us to use boundaries. At least he was being honest.

[@exchurchmouse]

I can see that. I left in 2015 after 13 years

[@Raiders24Fan]

@@exchurchmouse what profession are you in now?

[@dodieodie498]

My greatest disappointment with teaching was that the students didn't come first. I found myself constantly at odds with the curriculum because it was inappropriate for the performance level of the kids. I had to wonder how so many children reached the 10th grade without having basic reading skills. It was a heartbreaking mystery to me.

[@Daniel-yo5es]

kids dont try anymore... the curriculum doesnt matter if kids dont care.... and they dont.

[@dodieodie498]

@@Daniel-yo5es I think there are a lot of factors contributing to the problems we are seeing in education.

[@Daniel-yo5es]

@@dodieodie498 and I totally disagree... the main factor is that kids have too much shit.... just too much crap to occupy their time. in the past, they wanted to come get an education, it was a break from the field work or boredom. now it's just something they literally HATE. think what you want.... the truth is clear to see. add that lack of desire with a culture that glorifies youth overt wisdom and money over knowledge..... ya got American kids.

[@madisonmcknight2591]

@@Daniel-yo5es You probably never did field work in your life. Kids are struggling now because their parents don't support them in their education. When I was in grade 3 I almost got detention or suspension because none of my work was handed in grade 3 your like 8 years old no, 8 year old kid is it going to go sit down at the table and do their homework themselves without help. I wasn't a problem child or anything like that it's just I needed parental support and encouragement to finish the work a small child shouldn't be expected to have time management skills at the level of an adult. These kids need their parents help, dont know how old you are but your school probably did t care wtf you did and passed you anyway.

[@zoe-qf6yt]

Whole Language

[@wyldewillow2654]

What bothers me Soo much is that the people making the rules and regulations about schools are not educators. They think the numbers are all that matter.

[@mspylypciow5027]

@@jaelenrandolph3624 very true it's a business

[@JonathanESmithOfficial]

SO TRUE! Supervisors who have never even created a lesson plan!

[@kairoskarismaholdingsllc5499]

The expression was that "data" was what mattered. It's not even that. I had some of the highest scores in the district, but wasn't appreciated.

[@LB81RN]

You are right. Unfortunately same in nursing. Those making the decisions many times have no medical knowledge and extremely frustrating. I have a feeling it's this way in many professions.

[@companion3096]

I totally agree and relate to this situation.. The same is going on in higher Ed... Those who've never been in the classroom are the ones giving rules and orders and expecting teachers to create successful brains.... It's a real disappointment!!!

[@marlatnicholls]

"I don't care about grades... I care about learning, I care about connection and passion.. and yet, I have to 'demonstrate learning goals' and 'be data driven'... I just wanna teach. I just wanna take a kid from here, to here, have them not love writing, and then actually be proud of a piece of writing that they created. Like, I just want it to be organic like that..." This is me.

[@stephj9378]

.me, too

[@kairoskarismaholdingsllc5499]

Anyone hear of or know about DOK? My colleagues didn't at all. I did but had that marked against me for not using fully. Evaluator never explained what she wanted to see!

[@christopherbrian8638]

Hi Marla, how are you doing

[@1.jurisha.j]

Me too! 💖

[@deborahvretis3195]

And, me.

[@AisforAlibi1]

I told my niece to stay out of teaching but did she listen to me? Noooo. About two months in to teaching kindergarten her first year, she was fired due to lack of control of her classroom or something like that. Apparently she couldn't get her students to stand in a straight line at lunchtime. Three weeks later, the school called her and asked her to come back because they couldn't find any other teacher to hire. She went back and finished out the school year and wasn't offered a new contract for the following year. Five days into the next school year, there they were, wanting her to come back "until Christmas" when the hoped to have another teacher ready to come on board. Thankfully she declined and has moved on to a new career.

[@chulumancomahanjana5866]

What career did she move onto if you don't mind my asking? :)

[@keciaaskew5166]

@AisforAlibi1 Wow, and you told your niece to stay out of the teaching but didn’t listen to you. I can relate because my sister told me to stay out of teaching and working into those daycares, because I’m always looking stress and burned out. I work as a lead preschool teacher in the classroom, and it’s extremely stressful for all the amount of work I do for small pay. Going into the teaching field isn’t worth it.

[@MrYXYap]

she should have negotiated for a higher salary. What city is it?

[@lorihill9129]

I read your comment and just shook my head. That’s so typical of admin! They think they’ll find a better teacher if they get rid of one. We as teachers are disposable.

[@isabellaflorentina7574]

They want to pay teachers at sub rates which includes no retirement.

[@benjaminhernandez2892]

I resigned in January of this year. I'm now supporting students as a tutor, and I love the flexibility of being able to help them without being micromanaged or controlled.

[@keviinschannel]

How much do you get paid for tutoring? Do you do private tutoring at homes?

[@First_Generation_Nurse]

@@keviinschannel Roughly around 30 dollars an hour. I do it online. Not big on going to people’s houses and spending gas going to a physical location.

[@mtymama6598]

Do you do Spanish online lessons? I also left a while back and still see students one-on- one as a private tutor (online & in person). It’s so much better! Flexibility, family support and etc… I have families that tends to ask for a Spanish tutor (not something I do). I do K-12 Reading, Writing, & science mostly

[@First_Generation_Nurse]

@@mtymama6598 I do a variety of grade levels and subjects. Yes, the flexibility is there and the stress is gone. Actually, you know that you’re making a difference in that student because you’re with him/her 1:1. It’s impossible to reach 300 students or 30 to 35 students per 1 teacher.

[@donpietruk1517]

It's true. I tutor also. The parents back me up so much more. When the money is coming from the parents pocket they tend to want results. Funny how that works.

[@kittykatFL23]

Hi! I’m 10 years into my career as an elementary teacher and I just got my Real Estate license and I’m not going back. I just can’t be a martyr for education any more. I will miss the kids, but my time is done and I’m moving on while I can. Don’t fall for the lie that just because you’re a teacher you can’t do anything else friends. If you work half as hard as you do as a teacher, you will be successful in any venture 💜

[@t.terrell7037]

Katy how long did it take you to train for real estate? Thank you

[@kittykatFL23]

@@t.terrell7037 I took a seven day course in February 2021-studied my butt off- and passed the test in April 2021. Passed on the first try 😉

[@rockergirl2489]

Well done you and good luck in your new adventure

[@kittykatFL23]

@@rockergirl2489 thank you!!!!

[@babyramses5066]

"If you work half as hard as you do as a teacher you'll be successful in any venture" love that!

[@stellamartin1145]

I resigned this past October after 23 years, needed 2 more years to retire, I knew I wouldn’t make it out alive, the stress is surreal... I love my life now...the Lord told me to leave and I did...in Jesus name...Amen...

[@gretchenphilbrick9933]

Amen! Wishing you the best.

[@heyjennyhey2231]

I was going for teaching and was about to get into the program but the Lord told me it wasn’t for me and I rather teach at a church daycare.

[@exchurchmouse]

Good for you

[@babyramses5066]

Wow. I'm glad you're enjoying your life now. No job is worth daily misery when life is so short.

[@firstgradereadingstars3416]

Amen

[@MaxItUpwithMarta]

Reading the comments makes me want to cry, so many teachers are suffering so much.

[@rhondapelletier2141]

Mental health of Staff, our children & our entire Country is going to be NEXT Elephant in the room.....& our govt/ medical answer will be “ here, take this pill & Chill”.........30 years working in classroom❤️............. walked away last year ( just b4 COVID happened)...... EVERYONE.....PLEASE find passion without SUCH Compression of your SOUL......... PEACE LOVE & UNITY to all People

[@applesofgold2622]

In my last district, a union rep told me that 80% of our urban district's teachers were on anxiety meds. We needed the health insurance we had (which was great) due to the union constantly fighting for the mental and physical health of all teachers.

[@rhondapelletier2141]

@@applesofgold2622 - same in my district.........atleast 80% of the females are on anxiety meds.........most of them are under 40 yrs old......so Sad........

[@jimbojones4164]

It's true. My wife and her school are currently being sued by a gold-digging parent. 1st grader lied and said she threw something at him and scratched his eye. Parent sued the school and my, at the time, pregnant wife with no supporting proof or corroborating witnesses. Pure extortion.

[@inthevault9603]

It should make you 😡.

[@DafyddMorse]

I left after 14 years. The system was getting more and more broken, the behaviour of the kids was getting worse and worse but I mainly wanted to be in control of my own time and there's something immensely satisfying about being able to provide for yourself and be able to do the things you want to do with the people you want to do them with!

[@johannacoreas3968]

So simple, yet so profound.

[@ceciliaremeta7122]

“If you are good at your job you get taken advantage on..” so true - a real situation for many of us

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Yup.

[@violetaquintanar6279]

Absolutely! I’m in mental health and it’s exactly the same!

[@ArtLenLa]

And, do NOT let them know all your talents or abilities.

[@shannon2748]

@@ArtLenLa Amen, or they'll use you for no more pay/benefits.

[@kristincarlson1861]

Same in nursing... I quit as well after 20 plus years. But nurses do get paid. Sorry for feeling unappreciated! Teachers should be one of the highest paid professionals!

[@lindacallahan6330]

I am 67. Left years ago. Society changed. Teachers no longer are appreciated. It used to be about the kids learning. Now it's about politics and making sure we are not sued. I know so many good teachers that left hating their career. Good teachers get other jobs so that what are left are teachers that are over worked, and tired. They come for a check and wait until they can retire.

[@carolinamelara4521]

Sooo true !!!! I feel sooo much for our teachers the parents today are not parents worst part their children only learn from their parents and look what we have. What happen to parents and teachers working together?

[@judisnyder4868]

Amen to that!

[@annad3987]

I came back to teaching only for the money and that's it. I do what I have to do, and little more. This year, fortunately, I have a good class and seemingly pleasant parents - so far at least. I am acutely aware of the increased pressure on staff to get everything done in ridiculous timeframes and the 'eye's on whatever they are doing to ensure they conform to the school culture. Because I am older and have been around, I ask the questions, and am accused of 'being negative' or 'causing trouble'. No! I only ask that they think carefully before they start some crazy latest trend in managing kid behaviour or such like.

[@stubbsmusic543]

We had a special consultant scheduled to come in and talk about bullying. The day before the consultant was supposed to show up, I left an anonymous note in the principal’s mailbox that asked, “What about staff bullying each other?” The next day the consultant was asked to attend a special staff meeting regarding that subject. THAT was quite a meeting!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Oh, I'd sit in the back row for that meeting... 👀

[@tammymoulton7588]

Our school had a specialist from the district come to a staff meeting to teach us about bullying. Irony, she was the same person who came to our school two years prior, to rake me over the coals for reporting child sexual abuse to child protective services. Our principal didn’t want it reported, but I did it anyway. Which is the law! I just kept repeating, “I am a mandated reporter.” I feel that the quality of people that go into school administration is very poor.

[@jeffs7915]

@@tammymoulton7588 Boy are you being generous with your terminology. They're thugs.. A principal from Lehaman High School in the Bronx, Janet Saracino,was fired because she forced teachers to change regents grades, for which she received a bonus$. She was then hired by the Department of Education Network consultants for more money than the principalship. Yep! That's how we roll in the Bronx. Lol

[@cindyeisenberg8367]

That sounds like nursing. There’s so much bullying and political junk. There’s so much hate and problems. Teaching and nursing are nurturing professions. Both professions will suck all of the life out of you. Students and patients are not important and poor behavior is allowed. In my state you have to watch what you teach. Because, teachers can get into trouble with the government.

[@jefesalsero]

@@cindyeisenberg8367 I'm in the behavioral health field and work as a therapist. I've worked inpatient and crisis center environments in the past and, although I encountered good, hard-working nurses with whom I got along well, I also encountered many with nasty attitudes. The most recent negative experience I endured was when a nurse practitioner at a crisis center (I worked for the same company at the time at their counseling center across the street) accused me of playing doctor by advising a client on medication management, which I did not. I simply directed my elderly client to the crisis center for an evaluation for medication - the NP interpreted client's statements to mean that I had given advice on the client's medications, and that I was operating outside my scope of practice (I certainly was not!). The nurse practitioner did not contact me to verify the client's statements (she just made a complaint to her supervisor who in turn contacted my supervisor) and I was falsely accused of operating outside my scope of practice by this NP. Due to the NP's complaint, I was forced to defend myself to my supervisor. I now work in a traditional outpatient counseling center environment along with other master's level therapists like myself - there are no nurses in my work environment. I respect the work nurses perform and their role in behavioral health, however I will not return to working inpatient or crisis environments where I will encounter them - not a good fit for me. I'll stick with working in outpatient or private practice environments along side other therapists.

[@kathykujawa6183]

as a former college professor who never wants to teach again i hear you. and feel you. students changed drastically in their attitudes towards teachers as well as learning and actual work. everything was only about emotions and feelings. so work never got done. enough with the excuses. and the parents calling for a good grade without projects-- yes- it keeps going on even when the students are 20+ years old. hope things get GREAT for you. lots of ways to teach and nurture.

[@JB-mu8dn]

Everyone is a special snowflake and everyone gets a trophy. I thought about getting a master's and teaching at a community college but I realized it was just the same thing on a different scale with more personal liability, too. No thanks!

[@phoenixrising4995]

@@JB-mu8dn Good job not taking on that debt. The whole education thing is broken from top to bottom. Kids who don't want to learn, lowering standards for those who go into higher education making their ass wipe of a paper even more filthy. Teachers and other students who get beat up during class. The pay is SHIT. The only good thing is those few pupils who want to learn and grow can't because you need to balance out everyone else. Word of advise to teachers go teach English in Thailand/Korea (I would have said China but China has the ban hammer going right now), let these little America shitheads rot.

[@J.gwenhwyfar]

@@JB-mu8dn Comm Coll is the 13th grade. Don’t do it. Most students are UNDERPREPARED and ENTITLED. Many CHOOSE to do jack shit all semester long, then come to you to work miracles for them. Real example: “I know I’ve not attended any class or done a single assignment ALL SEMESTER along, but what do you mean I can’t submit ALL the work now’?” There’s nothing wrong with helping with one or two items, but you’re expected to throw ALL standards and fairness out the window. Many students take ZERO initiative, don’t come ask for help, and then BLSME their professors when aTHEY don’t do the work. Some students take ZERO accountability and if you don’t give them what they want and when they want, then you’re a b*tch. Another: “I emailed you at 2am on a Saturday morning, but you didn’t reply. So, I wrote you FIVE times after that with the exact SAME message all day Saturday, yet no answer.” Yes, some students expect you to reply INSTANTLY and many expect you to give them your mobile number. Sorry, there must be some boundaries like no replies on weekend and no, you may NOT have my personal phone number. Worse is that administration EXPECTS you to LOSER ALL HOUR STANDARDS to pacify their customers/students. Honestly, professors are literally customer service, expected to please the customers/students no matter what!

[@Oksa_L]

@@JB-mu8dn Phew, dodged a conservative teacher happening there. Thank you for your communal service, even if your politics hates solidarity, you accidentally did it.

[@genxx2724]

I’ve read the lawnmower parents even invade the workplace, calling bosses about Little Janie’s performance review and raises she deserves.

[@ayanahastings-beckford4251]

Girl! You are preaching nothing but FACTS!! I left after 11 years (9 years ago) for Corporate America. I was Teacher of the Year twice. I rather deal with the known B.S. in Corporate America for a fatter paycheck, than the undercover B.S in the public school system while struggling financially.

[@m.b.1702]

Yes, I'm struggling to pay bills. I got paid and I'm trying to figure how not to spend another dime... Teaching has changed over the past 19 years. They ask us to do a little more & a little more.....what about me & my own sanity!!! I'm starting question myself & how long will i do this????🤕.... I love children & seeing the Light bulb 💡 finally come on when you've taught something.....BUT what they pay us is sometimes embarrassing.... People sometimes look at me and say, "Oh you're a Teacher, thats wonderful, but you're not gonna make any money!" 😰 Its kinda a drag, but its the sad truth!!!

[@Xim3linda]

That’s amazing!! Good SUCCESS!!

[@goldilocks3593]

Undercover bs - you said it: it’s a covert narcissist infestation 🙄

[@spokenwordpoetries]

Teacher of the Year twice! Wow, that was a sad loss for the school and district.

[@kairoskarismaholdingsllc5499]

@@goldilocks3593 Yup!

[@chrislavergne4329]

Hi, I’m a student teacher. I’m also in my mid 30s and I decided to go back to school in my late 20s. For seven years, this is what I thought I wanted to do. Now that I’m in my practicum, I feel like this is not for me. I wake up every day with tightness, in my chest. I can’t stop thinking about quitting, but I’ve invested so much time and money to achieve this goal. I feel like I’ve journeyed for so long, but my reward is a future heart attack. The school I’m placed in can feel crazy. I have a ton of respect for the teachers there, but it doesn’t seem like any of them. Enjoy what they do anymore. I just want to run for the hills, but it doesn’t feel like the smart thing to do.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

I hear you, Chris. Our expectations of the classroom can be entirely different than the reality. I'm wondering if it's something about that particular school or teaching assignment or mentor teacher that's especially stressful. Sometimes, a change of campus/assignment makes a world of difference. A mid-semester change might be problematic for your program, but it's worth investigating. No job is worth a heart attack!

[@isabellaflorentina7574]

Just bite the bullet and pivot to something else. Save yourself. No one us going to save you. Maybe transfer your credits to a different program. Teaching is not what people think it is. Tryst me, save yourself now.

[@rsmithp51]

Try teaching in a private school. If that’s not what you want then save your own life and find another profession. I taught for 18 years and loved it but it was killing my mental health so I had to leave

[@rikubear6549]

Get out now while you still can. Your body keeps the score. I was in a similar position. I thought the same things and i thought it was the school or kids i bounced to 3 different schools in 3 years. This yesr i thought i found "my home" but people were 2 faced smile in your face and try everything to get me fired. Then, i was put on admin leave for god knows what. Im not going back. Im a good person and good people shouldnr get dragged through the mud dont put up with it. Your more valuable then you realize

[@kristenp5835]

I’m not a teacher. I’m a nurse but I see many similarities. I have lost all my branches and now down to my stump too. 😔

[@rcrojack4738]

I was going to comment the exact same thing. The similarities are uncanny.

[@mariee.5912]

Kristen, not a nurse, but I understand. I have doctors in my family and they're feeling it too.

[@praying6448]

Yes,I got out of hospital nursing and am a school nurse and I am haunted by the similarities. I do all I can to support my precious teachers and students who are caught in the crossfire of the evil that is plaguing not only the education system but this entire World. May God protect us all.

[@JB-mu8dn]

My nephew just left the nursing profession. He cited institutional politics and the pettiness of his fellow employees as the main reasons he left his job.

[@Bellamg70]

Yeah, nurses have a hard work as well.

[@aaronbuchanan4115]

Great post! I left teaching about two years ago. I was a math teacher. Short list of reasons: 1. "Teacher" was a misnomer. I was a glorified babysitter. 2. Headache-inducing conceptual mismatch between grades and standards. 3. 90% of time spent on the kids least interested in learning. 4. The weekly “parents and their fragile, helpless, innocent children vs. me, the mean teacher.” 5. Grade inflation (thank God for the SAT). See #9 below. 6. Ridiculous, time consuming, and embarrassing accommodations for 504 and IEP kids. 7. Excessive number of PDs and staff meetings. 8. Laughable salary. 9. Culture of dishonesty and secrecy. 10. Effectively no discipline system. 11. Tyranny of email. 12. Realness of school shootings, meretriciousness of policy. Now I'm a full time STEM tutor. It’s a few orders of magnitude better. Highly recommend to current teachers ;) Cheers

[@niaranyela]

How can I sign up?

[@aaronbuchanan4115]

@@niaranyela To become a tutor? I would recommend looking for a company to work for first. Once you get some experience and build a good network/specialty, you can try to freelance if you want. If you are making a joke about signing up to be a teacher, all I can say is pick the school nearest you and walk through the front door. Show up wearing shorts, a t-shit and flip-flops and tell them you can teach any subject and they will hire you on the spot.

[@3qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq10]

@@aaronbuchanan4115 they top out at well over 80,000 a year at the high school near me, so some how I'm a bit skeptical that it's that easy. Oh and off topic but a theme I keep hearing from teachers is rude parents that come after them trying to get into verbals with them. When my son was in high school it certainly seemed I had some of the teachers and admins as well looking to pick fights with me. Once I stepped back on their toes hard enough they decided to reevaluate their battles.

[@aaronbuchanan4115]

Obviously making a joke. But it is really quite easy to find a teaching job; what is difficult is not running for the door... What kind of fights were they picking with you?

[@3qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq10]

@@aaronbuchanan4115 my son wasn't interrupting their classrooms or skipping but he wasn't very engaged and he often did nothing. He also had extreme anxiety and wouldn't eat in front of any one or go to the bathroom in front of any one and the latter led to him being late for class at times. But to tell the truth I think the fact we both have long hair heavily factored in.

[@jaychandler9500]

This is year 6 for me. And by far the worst. I've never considered leaving teaching until this year. The students simply need too much. Too much attention. Too much support. Too much understanding. Too much grace. I feel burned out. Somehow no matter what the students do, it's in one way or another my fault. Add to this, I always feel like I'm at work. Grading papers. Lesson planning. I simply want to be off of the clock once I'm home. I'm actively seeking out different careers.

[@abbyabroad]

I left US teaching for the first time after 6 years and worked abroad before coming back. It was a good reset… just an idea. There is also Outschool now if you want to stay stateside… not that you should have to come up with an alternate career 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@JustPlayMusic6891]

@@abbyabroad My original goal was to teach over seas halfway through my career. I managed 2 months overseas and it was a great reset! I managed to stick it out another 5 years after that.

[@JustPlayMusic6891]

You’ll find something. I moved into sales. It is almost exactly like teaching except the interactions are one and done instead of 180+ days of drudgery. And you actually feel like your helping people!

[@m.k.278]

"It's in one way or another my fault" This resonated with me. My last year teaching I had 36 students, 12 students with IEPs, and ALL the students in my grade (6) that had major behavior problems. My class was considered the sacrificial class so the other classes could be "normal" I could not take time off for doctors appointments because someone would get in to a fight and I'd get in trouble for it when I came back the next day. I literally got in trouble for reading a REQUIRED book because 1 parent thought it was inappropriate - I had to stop reading it, the other classes got to finish it. I had a student who absolutely terrorized other kids, and administration arranged for her mother to join the class a few times a week to assist. The mother smacked her child in front of the other children.... I was held responsible for this. It didn't matter what I did, how hard I worked, or how much money, research, planning, time, compassion, grace, energy, or soul I put into teaching.... it was never enough. I was never good enough. I didn't realize how empty I was until I had to step away for a year because I moved to a different state. When that year ended, I had anxiety attacks about returning to the classroom. Never again will I sacrifice my own self worth and integrity. I wanted to be a teacher, not an abuse victim.

[@kairoskarismaholdingsllc5499]

@@m.k.278 Your year does truly seem the year from h.ll!! I'm so sorry! I thought my year was bad (6th grade Math intervention)!

[@PurpleConverse2013]

I'm 8 years in and I'm ready to resign. I am burnt out from the system and also the day-to-day of the job. All of these issues were ramped up by the pandemic, especially as schools re-opened. It is a thankless, abusive job. The best part is the kids. Everything else doesn't work. I just turned 30. At this point in my life I want more for my life. Too much work and not enough benefits, and not even just in pay. Not enough resources, not enough flexibility, freedom, down time to recuperate. I can't even get into how terrible the education system is for kids, ESPECIALLY the little ones. Having my 5 and 6 year olds sit at a computer for 8 hours is so developmentally inappropriate. Teaching kids virtually and in person at the same time is joyless. I'm just done.

[@maryelizabeth2751]

It is an abusive job. Well said.

[@ittybit922]

Very well said! I am 29, and 5 years in and I feel the exact same.

[@JDVmusicSound]

You can work at Enterprise Car Rental for the same pay and benefits ... and they love ex teachers

[@Katy32344]

I forced myself to leave by not renewing my certificate (getting the necessary CEUs). I left without a job to go to and ended up making half as much. Still, I never looked back and just carried on. That was 2008. 3 jobs later and so much better now! Get out while you can.

[@selenasimmons6653]

Wow..I get it..b.c it's happening in all industries

[@CammyKay708]

It is the end of my school day I'm sitting at my desk wanting to cry. I am ready to leave and never come back.

[@DarthFurie]

My heart goes out to you. I have been there before. You matter and I hope you are able to do whatever is best for you ❤

[@falt007]

You are not alone! Thank you for being honest.

[@emmawolf-saxon9]

I don’t think anyone not actually teaching this year understands how bad the burnout is. I can’t do anything right. I either spent too much time on the computer for the in person kids or the online kids weren’t engaged because I focused on those in the classroom. Every day is a different soul killing struggle

[@DR-eq6qe]

Aw love. I’m so sorry. Keep your head up. If you can get through this year, which you already have, you can get through anything. You got this.

[@ilovemytribe]

Can you financially afford to leave?

[@moegreenback6854]

“The structure of school hasn’t moved to match the realities of today” What a profound statement! We’ve changed everything but how to teach and improve the next generations...

[@HanT-04]

In the very beginning, this style of teaching system was meant to train children to be soldiers. Trained, obedient, don't ask questions. In the later 1800s, the "leading minds" in the US looked at that original system (used in places in Europe) and decided it was perfect for the industrial revolution age because they wanted factory workers who were easy to train, obedient tom factory managers, but really didn't think too much on their own. Our world has changed drastically. We now need people who are critical thinkers, innovators, and no longer need basically trained robots. This is what we want and need, yet we haven't done any fundamental overhaul of the system. We need to change drastically in order to be effective for today. I think it will change, but only after so many teachers leave that they (the current powers that be) are forced to reevaluate. So far, they seem to be digging in their heels. I don't think the unions are helping either because, frankly, they have a great deal going. Unhappy teachers but lots of power and money for the unions.

[@moegreenback6854]

@@HanT-04 You bring up great points. The biggest impediment to change is this notion schools are treated as daycare for working adults, unless this is reevaluated it won’t change as the state coffers require steady stream of tax dollars. Back when one parent worked and another stayed home to raise the children was perfect to implement changes.

[@ASmith-jn7kf]

@@HanT-04 where did you get that information? That isn't true. Have you actually seen textbooks from the 1800s??

[@HanT-04]

@@ASmith-jn7kf I not only have read books and textbooks from the 1800s but I use some of them to teach my own kids. I own reprints and originals from the 1800s. As for where I got my info, I do a lot of research and have read books both from that era (1700s to early 1900s) and more modern books on the topic.

[@meredithmericle7487]

That's because no one can come up with anything better. This topic has be discussed for decades.

[@markzarate6503]

You may not be in a classroom anymore but, in a way, your work continues to help so many teachers and students! Thank you, Laura!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Man, I sure hope so. Thanks, Mark, for this note of support. It helps. :)

[@dorianmac7466]

@@laurarandazzo1158 Yes! You are ministering to HUNDREDS!Thank You!

[@markwong4461]

Hi I am a teacher of 20+ years in Hong Kong. What you have said in this video resonates with me on every level. It seems that teachers are treated in exactly the same way wherever they are. We are always blamed for everything even when we work to our bones. It is just so sad.

[@screenfreehacks]

Hi Mark, I am surprised - I thought teachers are revered in East Asia - has that not been your experience?

[@meagancarmichael3892]

Same in Victoria Australia

[@valdabaker428]

@@meagancarmichael3892 Yea, another Australian! Very much the same in N.S.W. too!

[@sarahfelker8767]

"I just want to teach." YES!!! That is what I am constantly thinking and wishing for, thank you.

[@marcelvaillancourt7776]

In Teachers' College in 2009-2010 here in Ontario, Canada has told that I was not a teacher. That era was over. I was to be a process manager! I bucked at that but once I got in the system, yup, I was a process manager, a data collection clerk and a babysitter for the Child as King or Queen.

[@mallorycreasy3830]

I'm a third year teacher and it makes me so sad that teachers aren't given more resources and/or held to a higher regard. I have already seen issues with teachers leaving that are incredible because they're overworked and underpaid - leaving students with inexperienced teachers who can't help them the way they need. This cycle of teacher abuse is detrimental to students as well!

[@sean8470]

Nursing field same scenario

[@revahodge2179]

I'm so sorry to hear all of the comments of not being appreciated as a teacher. I am at an awesome school! The principal is supportive and encouraging, the PTO is always giving us notes and gifts, a church in the community has adopted us and showers us with snacks in the breakroom and little gifts throughout the year. I am 74 years old and will be back in my classroom again next year God willing. I LOVE teaching!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

I'm so glad you've found your school-home, Reva. Wonderful!

[@karendriscoll6883]

I LOVE hearing this from you! I'm 64 and want another overseas teaching adventure, but I fear I'm too old to put in the effort it will take to rent my house, etc. Your words are encouraging.

[@maryellenabilezgrandecerti915]

Thank you for this! Im 71 and have no desire to leave, I continued my education and had amazing success in my private life even before becoming a teacher-good thing because the things i went through and the obstacles thrown my way! AyeYaYah!Once we understand about neuroscience and diversity, it truly helps!

[@escazuzu9950]

How lucky you are!

[@julietboone2463]

That is awesome! This makes me so happy to hear!

[@prettyreeree]

I cried with you! Only 3 years in and I am contemplating leaving in June. I love the kids but it only continues to get worse. This profession is abusive on so many levels. Breaks my heart that thousands of us resonate, but I am grateful to know we're not alone.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

I've been stunned by the reaction to this video. Absolutely, this comment thread is a source of both comfort and sadness for me.

[@lovelyliving1436]

Me too. Especially since I’m due to have my first baby in July and the maternity leave that I get covered means I have to return by the beginning of the school year (which basically isn’t a maternity leave if it’s counted when no one is in school!) I think of how hard I’ve worked and the little appreciation I’ve received but more requests from privileged parents and no increased pay or even acknowledgement! It’s so saddening. I love my students but at this point I’m starting to really reconsider for my sake and the sake of my family.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

@@lovelyliving1436 Congratulations on the new addition to your family! I wish you didn't have to face these extra stressors.

[@jjan-nioak3666]

I’ve been teaching for 20 years and if I was a brand new teacher right now, I would cry and quit.

[@jean6061]

An auto accident ended my teaching career and, while I miss teaching my students, I don't miss the teachers or the principal. I find it ironic that schools have anti-bullying policies but that they seem not to apply to other teachers or principal. One teacher on our grade level actually bragged about being the grade-level bully. The principal was notorious for picking on one teacher each year until that teacher left. I thoroughly enjoyed teaching, working with parents, identifying students who needed extra help and I miss all of that. But the teachers or principle? I don't miss them at all.

[@I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago]

That teacher needs a good ole arse whooping

[@shealorena]

Bullying is epidemic in education.

[@13kisska]

That’s awful! I’ve worked in 3 different schools so far and have never encountered this problem. All schools are different.

[@Shonleah]

Profound

[@rosemarybanner]

Yup!!

[@littletodger7008]

Smartest move of your life. Most teachers I know are dead within a year or two of their retirement if they stay the full course. My dad taught as a monitor and then for the rest of his working life as a classroom teacher (50 years in all). He was well loved and was the highest ranked teacher in our State - but he paid for it with his life. You would know many stories like this and so do I and so do most of the teachers I know. YOU HAVE DONE THE BEST THING FOR YOUR LIFE, YOUR SANITY AND YOUR FUTURE. Be at peace with yourself and your decision. Stay centred and don't regret a moment of it or of your change of direction. Now the world will open to you if your want a new career. Just make haste slowly and deliberately. For a while, give yourself to the great mistress of healing, time. Don't be 'brave', or 'tough' or 'strong'. They are all masks. Rather be yourself and see if every day, even for a few short minutes, you can be centred. Above all, BREATHE.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Thank you for this, Old Scribe. I'm so sorry for the loss of your father. Sounds like he touched a lot of lives and his story reminds me of my friend, beloved science teacher Eric Thiel. He died one day (yes, one actual freakin' day) after his retirement. More on him here: laurarandazzo.com/2017/06/08/to-laugh-often-and-much/

[@heatherbeck4186]

Thank you so much for that. Perfect.

[@SarahG266]

Dang. This was very resonant for me.

[@jenniferannis9445]

I want you to know that you have already created a legacy. I am a homeschool mom, and your site, teachers pay teachers, is famous and well loved by all of us. You have provided so much and have such a wide reach. You are already making a larger difference than you realize.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Thanks for these kind words, Jennifer. I'm so glad the materials I built for classes are working for your homeschool family, too. How awesome! :)

[@user-rs1wc9qs3n]

I didn’t realize you made teachers pay teachers. I’ve found some great resources on there as an ESL teacher in Japan. It’s really interesting to see your perspective in this video. Teachers do not get the respect and recognition they should in America. They’re tired and overworked in Japan too but there’s more community respect for them and there’s government support to some degree. I think we still need to do something to change the system that is leading to teacher burn out. We need to do something to fight this system. Please tell us if there’s something average people can do to put pressure on the system to change that so that teachers are supported and teachers don’t experience as much burn out. What can we do? Do you have any resources you recommend to enact this kind of change?

[@laurarandazzo1158]

@@user-rs1wc9qs3n Oh, Jesse, if only I knew how to enact this type of change. For now, I'm reading a lot of work by others who have walked this path before me. A lot of ideas out there, but I haven't found the clear solution we both seek. Until that is revealed to me, I'll continue to support my teacher friends with ideas and encouragement. Last week's video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/np3Jc3SNgp6YgKM) was my starting spot. Glad you're here with me!

[@NicoleTeacher]

You made Teachers Pay Teachers?? Wow. LEGACY INDEED!!!!!! That is the best resource ever available to teachers.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

@@NicoleTeacher Whoa, whoa, whoa, Nicole. I did not make the TpT site. I just have my own little shop in that curriculum juggernaut. Just wanted to make sure that’s clear. They existed way before I came along and they’ll certainly be cranking well after I’m gone. 😉

[@tinabowen4169]

After 31 years as a Special Education Teacher, I'm leaving and it's heartbreaking.

[@activitiesandideaslelek1111]

I am a speducator. I ham only in my 7th year, but this year, the district’s expectations are just so beyond unreasonable that I am actually really considering leaving teaching. I feel I can make just as much money and enjoy it more if I start selling my crafts that I make as a hobby or work with organizations to help underprivileged students. I have no idea what I would do but I know I will miss my students. I love my students and working with them, but I don’t know how much more I can handle. And you have done it for much longer than I have!

[@brianrudin7880]

@@activitiesandideaslelek1111 Yes me too I live in Hawaii: its The Worst. Like a Penal Institution, $ = #s, Teachers are = to Janitors.

[@megg.1610]

After 31 years, you deserve a nice break. Enjoy!

[@laurievigil6404]

I wish you success, peace of mind, and lots of prosperity on your new path in life. As a Special Educator myself, I believe in my heart of hearts that you will do well.

[@mbrooks1214]

I am a special education teacher as well and looking for a way to leave the classroom, but not the kids.

[@karrion93306]

I have two friends “abandon ship”. One had 27 years of experience and one had less than 10. I’m at 26 years of teaching, but I’m only 53 years old. I’m the primary breadwinner and my health insurance keeps me teaching. Love the kids and watching them learn, hate everything else. So sad.

[@mgloriabarcenas-zavala2798]

When we have to support our families, we put up with everything that happens in the school setting and the put downs we get from the school system.

[@nikkicas260]

@@jaelenrandolph3624 🙌🏾 so true!

[@vickieashley1688]

I'm the same. I have, in the past 15 years or so, often said... "I LOVE teaching - when I can TEACH."

[@julietboone2463]

This is totally my story. I am so depressed. I dread going to work every day and it's affecting my marriage. I want to help kids be successful. These kids need us, but there is no support from administrators, the district, or school board. All they care about is stats and making money.

[@jeffreycooldude2048]

Health insurance... How many teachers would immediately quit if there was universal coverage?

[@callmeangie867]

I’m a first-year elementary music teacher and it always feels like folks in my bunch (PE, art, music, etc.) are constantly getting the shaft. Then preached to about “equity”.

[@catzenhouse]

As a specialist you are a sitting duck for knocks from everyone - staff, students, parents, admin, and State, budget cuts, tiny/no budgets for curriculum supplies, being required to teach in classrooms as a sub and not teach your content/curriculum yet still provide grades in your subject, not allowed field trips because you are not a regular teacher(?!), getting stuck with other duties during the day, lack of support from staff (including from your own "team") and admin, chopped up "planning time", not having enough places or supplies for all the students that get crammed in your class from five different classrooms at specialist time, being expected to create displays for the school on your own time (yes, till 11pm and on) and your own money, not having a classroom of your own, traveling to multiple schools per week, and on and on. Target's best friend in July when you buy the supplies to keep your classes (All the kids) going and hauling it all from school to school. Having to take professional development away from the district to keep your state certificate current at a high cost to you financially. The level of disrespect and lack of support from all sides can be staggering at times. I retired after 30 years teaching - most of those years as a specialist - and am so grateful I got out alive. Chronically ill but alive. A victory of sorts. I still have nightmares and still get anxiety from all the abuse I had to deal with as a teacher/specialist. My sister-in-law is also a specialist in another state - same problems where she works as well. This is not going to change any time soon, if at all.

[@mattgoodwin1286]

I retired because of an abusive, manipulative administrator. And I can remember at a writing conference the teacher who said that she was hesitant to have a third child because of the burden of her grading load.

[@genxx2724]

Idk how working women have families.

[@livinglikelee]

I’m a nurse and this entire pandemic I’ve heard “You’re a hero”. The amount of teachers and educators I have come into contact with this past year that I have expressed the MOST gratitude for is unreal! You’re absolutely right that in our western society we say we value things like education for kids of the future and equal health however our actions STRONGLY prove otherwise. It’s sad. Here’s the thing- teachers are teaching the next generation of everything! Not just our kids. But I know for a fact as a nurse that having a dedicated educator makes ALL the difference in my learning and ultimately my profession going forward. Watching and understanding the struggle teachers experience over the past few years (pre-pandemic included) has made me seriously reevaluate how I at least view the true “hero’s” of our society! A trillion times over- THANK YOU for all that you do as an educator. I see the struggle, I see the hardships and there’s so much I wish I could do to help and change things. Unfortunately, like yourself, I simply don’t have a simple answer/solution. Thank you for sharing your prospective and thank you for your time teaching the next generation!!!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

I see you, too, livinglikelee. Your work, too, is difficult and important. We need to celebrate and support one another, especially in this time. Glad you're here with the teacher community! Big love!

[@Lindz2817]

I'm actually currently pursuing my masters degree in elementary special education but considering potentially going back to school for nursing down the line, so it's interesting to read both sides commenting on each others' work!

[@ladyamon7974]

I'm a nurse and have been for 14 years. I left teaching during my student teaching practicum because I could see that future me would not be a happy teacher. What I have found is that our professions are so similar, mgmt expecting you to do more with less, heavy pt work loads, dangerous working conditions, burn-out and I could go on and on. Teachers especially need a huge pay jump and I would say nurses as well but teachers first. Lastly, I would get so infuriated when the pandemic started and everywhere I saw nurses are our heroes. Now what, we and teachers are an afterthought and nothing systemically has changed for our professions. What do we truly value in this country?!

[@Xim3linda]

Thank you to you QUEEN!!!

[@mariawaugh-clayton7978]

@@Lindz2817 Be a nurse. you'll see later. This isn't getting any better.

[@darrelgearhart4850]

After teaching for almost 17 years, I am moving on to something different. For about the first 10 years, it was the most fun and satisfying job anyone could ever hope for. I did not mind putting in the long hours and making the personal sacrifices because I knew that I was making a difference in the lives of my students. I no longer feel this way. I do not feel supported like I was in the past. I do not like the direction that education is moving in our country. Civics and American History used to be one of the most basic and fundamental classes taught in high school and now some schools do not even offer them. How is our country supposed to move forward and get better if our young students are not aware of our past? Physical fitness has almost been eliminated from the curriculum at a time when childhood obesity and physical health has declined significantly among our younger population. Laura is correct....the system needs to change. Like Laura, I don't know how to go about doing that, but I do know that we need to do a better job of teaching kids what they really need to know to survive in the real world.

[@MM-wi5dn]

What version of history should be taught is now further destroying public education. BLM/1619 Project, CRT, DEI. More teachers will be quitting as they are forced to teach things they may not believe in. What a mess we are making of education in the US.

[@orwellcalledit408]

in my opinion (and withe the research I've done) unlink education from Common Core and corporate America

[@tazzburnell4882]

I agree!

[@JB-mu8dn]

So true - everything has changed.

[@dennyze5744]

Our school district is openly looking to get rid of "older" teachers; "older" staff. That kind of message is demeaning and devalues (further) teachers, so several "older" teachers left this year for that reason, among others. :-(

[@spokenwordpoetries]

That's terrible and illegal!

[@kairoskarismaholdingsllc5499]

@@spokenwordpoetries Agree and hard to prove but I am 99% sure this is the main reason seasoned teachers are being pushed out.

[@kairoskarismaholdingsllc5499]

@@spokenwordpoetries Someone needs to start advocating against this practice!

[@lolab1808]

Yes, I can relate.

[@Pterodactyl-kn3ve]

Those experienced teachers might also be questioning the direction of a school. Hire new young compliant teachers that won’t question anything, that’s the end game.

[@grohr2323]

I retired in May 2019 after almost 30 years of teaching. I loved (past tense) teaching. I recommended it to young people searching for a direction. I welcomed student teachers and helped them get their sea legs. If you do it right, having a student teacher is more work than teaching your regular schedule, but I felt it was important to get good teachers in the profession. I sponsored clubs, joined committees and gave up evenings and weekends to grade and prep. When I retired I couldn't get to the exit fast enough and I haven't looked back. That's been the hardest part of retiring, that by the time I left it was no longer my career and profession. It was a job. Just a job.

[@violetastojkovic6047]

Wow. Thousands of people just like myself. This is like a family gathering. Everything that is said here is spot-on. The same thing all over the world. Lots of love from a teacher (of 21 years) from Serbia.❤

[@laurarandazzo1158]

"This is like a family gathering." Agreed! I had no idea what I was uncapping here.

[@edgehaven8485]

@@laurarandazzo1158 Your very brave transparency did it. Thank you for leading the way. I watched your video this afternoon, and it made me cry. I am exploring alternate career paths. I taught hs ELA the last few years and loved it...felt born to do it...but I was deeply burned out before the pandemic hit. Everything you said resonated. I wish that good teachers could gather on the outside and create something better...more humane...actually equitable. I'm 100% for public education, but the system is broken.

[@kairoskarismaholdingsllc5499]

@@edgehaven8485 Agree 100% I would love to help in a venture like this!! The kids will be the ones to lose out if this continues without some intervention. I am ready and willing to do something big for good change!! Anyone else?

[@barbarayoung8593]

After 32 years of teaching English 7-12, I retired last June. I have felt, experienced, and been angered by ALL the examples of teacher stress-outs that you enumerate. You're absolutely right that education is undervalued in America; the connection between taxes and public school education is clearly seen in localities where taxes are high and student achievement is high. However, in places where people refuse to pay into education, I have to believe they don't want to support their children and those children's futures in any meaningful way. And everything you've ever said about administrators is absolutely and disappointingly true. Good luck to you in your future endeavors--follow your heart! It's all good!

[@consumerdebtchitchat]

My principal has never questioned my KZbin channel. In fact I tried to get her to watch it even once and she's like I'm not that big into social media. You had a very odd principal. And you're right teacher retention right now is horrible. August 2022 and there are thousands of positions open here in Florida.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Yeah, once I started putting myself out there, lots of folks had lots of opinions. 😅 And the shortage is a real problem here, too. 400+ credential position openings still unfilled even though school started last week - oof.

[@Alex-ic6tq]

I'm only in my second year, and I have thought about leaving. I love teaching and the relationships I get to build with my 5th graders, but everything else that goes with this job makes it hard to stay.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Hey, Alex, I hear you. I used to tell new teachers that it gets easier by Year 3. Now, I'm just not sure...

[@moniqueboecking3670]

That's the biggest pain point in teaching - the "everything else". It breaks my heart that after two years you want to leave, but I totally get it. Take care of you. Do what you need to do.

[@applesofgold2622]

Wow MisterB...where do you work?

[@inthevault9603]

Get out while you still can.

[@mayaflemming9111]

I am a second year teacher too. I teach art to grades k-8th. Middle school is the hardest. They threw markers at me on day one( didn't hit me). I told them to work on their aim because they missed me. They haven't thrown anything at me since but, now they ignore me when I assign work and give Art demonstrations. Class average is currently 37%. We did sewing, crafts, drawing, clay. They simply don't seem interested in the subject...Parents do not always reply to calls or text... I now understand how a student can fail art. The lack of student interest combined with behavioral issues is a bit much. As a teacher/human it's discouraging to witness the lack of willingness to learn Art. Sometimes I wonder why am I teaching. Then my k-5th graders show me why. They are so excited about Art and it makes me feel a little better about my career choice.

[@randomdude_2000]

I still remember some really great high school teachers I had and even though I never thanked them or showed any form of appreciation I still think of them fondly 20 years later and understand just how awesome and important they were in my life.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Any of them still teaching at your old school? An unexpected email could be like oxygen as they prep for the new year. (I always love those, just sayin'.)

[@richardmay1961]

I retired just before the pandemic hit after 21 years in the system, good timing on my part. I think expectations for teachers are unrealistic: endless responsibilities, little support from administrators and parents, heavy workloads, long hours… At my school, I felt students had more power than we teachers. No wonder there’s a teacher shortage, and doubtful it will improve unless measures are made to make things better. I believe online learning will increase and become the main mode of learning in the future as districts struggle to fill vacant teacher positions.

[@javieraponte5159]

I have been working as a correctional officer for the past 14 years, and trust me, we get treated the exact same way. Our higher ups, better known as our politicians, coddle our inmates, and treats them like they are our model citizens, and treat their staff, like we are the criminals, even if some us, happens to be retired military combat veterans. The only good thing I see about this travesty, that it provides job security for us prison guards, because these criminals just keep coming back over and over again and again.

[@marcmeinzer8859]

Absolutely! You hit the nail on the head. Teaching will eventually be largely phased out in favor of interactive computer learning, watching documentaries and lectures online, and so forth. The people monitoring the student’s progress will not be teachers but rather youth leaders like what they hire at juvenile reformatories, and they will not be blamed for those who will not take an interest in their studies. Bring back the industrial manual arts so simple people can become self employed repairing things or even as homesteaders. We need people who know how to work so urban wastelands such as Detroit and Youngstown can be reclaimed for future habitation. What we don’t need shitloads of retail clerks with half assed high school diplomas who in reality can barely read.

[@Modularperson1]

Thank you for being emotional in this video. 19 years in here, and struggling so hard with the guilt associated with thinking about leaving. Also, I'm angry that "the system" is forcing me to consider leaving the thing that I used to love and be really good at. But you are right: I left once before, did something else, and came back to teaching. At the time, I needed that break. And I definitely need one now.

[@NicoleTeacher]

I left the department of education in 2015 and returned to teaching as a private business (tutoring, content, online courses). Your video is an excellent reflection and analysis!

[@airheadcreations3371]

Your life is already a legacy . You taught and impacted many children. Everything you stated in this video is TRUE. Best of luck! I appreciate your honesty and bravery.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Wow, thank you, Airhead Creations! Glad you're here with me. :)

[@heatherruble3177]

I started teaching in 2001. I have a teaching degree and a nursing degree. I have taught high school health science since 2011. I am ready to be done. I need to go back to nursing. I cannot sit here and continue to watch students slide by with no consequences for their actions because admin does not want to deal with parents. I have a strong desire to help students in our health science pathway prepare for the next steps in their lives. (This is college for most of them.) I am unable to do that now because we are more concerned about our graduation rate than the actual long term success of our students. I will miss building relationships with the students but I look forward to returning to nursing.

[@samanthashrack5939]

As someone in college to become a teacher, I thought I was going to be discouraged after watching this video. But this honestly helped me understand a little bit of what I will be walking into. I would really benefit from your videos if you do this full time.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Thanks so much, Samantha, and welcome to this side of the teacher's desk! My daughter, too, is in college now to become a high school history teacher. We need you all! Yes, the job is tough, but it is so important. If you go in with your eyes wide open, you'll be able to take on the changemaker role even more quickly than I did. I'll be behind you, supporting you both all the way!

[@susancasey1526]

Bravo!! Thank you for your honesty!! Teaching is tough work especially when we are heart led! I’m 52 years old and this is my third year - yes you read that right THIRD year teaching! I was a stay at home mom for 15 years, went back to work as a teaching assistant 14 years ago, god divorced and quickly realized I needed a way to support myself and two daughters. I dug my heels in and went back..... BEST decision I ever made because I love connecting with students. This year has been brutal and I feel as though I’m not connecting with students the way I always did. I’m not leaving but I am looking to grow and improve. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@mr.stephenwerthner7589]

Ten minutes in and I'm nodding and saying YES. Thank you for clearly articulating what I've felt over the past few years. (I'm 24 years in as a teacher now and doing some reckoning.)

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Sounds like we started around the same time. Oh, what an adventure this has been!

[@laralong2403]

25 years in and I’m taking my retirement now. The district offered a payout to teachers close to retirement and I’m taking it. I have taught 5th grade, middle school and high school. Loved them all. But high school was my biggest personal challenge. Your videos helped me understand what I needed to do to connect with high schoolers. Because of your generosity in sharing your knowledge and skills, these last few years have been among my best. I cry most days when thinking about leaving my kiddos, and also my colleagues. I’m fortunate to work with some amazing professionals. That said, the job is hard. It’s become too much. Teaching in a “hybrid-fully remote-hybrid again-full class with at home synchronous learners model” has made it exponentially more complex. So on to my next career. Professional reader? Professional closet organizer? Professional hiker? I got it: professional napper! Thank you for helping me to become a better teacher and for making it possible for me to bow out of the profession gracefully. You have been a gift to me and my students. There’s your legacy!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Thank you for the years of service you've given to try to make the world a better place, Lara! And, I must admit, "professional napper" has an attractive ring to it. Enjoy your retirement!

[@mrs.rogersneighborhood]

I am resonating with you on sooo many levels. I’m about halfway in on the video, and am feeling like you sound like me! Guess what I did? I quit Teaching, pulled my kids out of public school, and we became an Unschooling family. They are learning SO MUCH MORE than they EVER would have learned being institutionalized in public school.

[@emmawolf-saxon9]

I’m leaving the classroom at the end of year probably to go back to the laboratory. My mentor 15 years ago when I asked for advice teaching said “Don’t keep good notes.” I asked him what he meant and he said “teach to the kids who showed up to your classroom TODAY, not the kids who showed up yesterday or last week or last year.” I have done just that and been able to connect with the kids I teach. I think that is part of what has killed me this year. There is just no way to be spontaneous with the students in the hybrid model. I can’t give them what they need today. This year has taken me down to the tree stump without planting any new seeds.

[@haleymelville444]

I have been in the classroom for 15 years. I've done the whole move grade levels, subjects, and even school districts all in hopes to outrun this growing feeling of "this isn't working anymore." I'm tired of running. This feeling is so heavy and so exhausting. The scarier feeling: where do I go from here?

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Looks like we're on the same path, Haley. It's good to acknowledge what is/isn't working and start dreaming of a new path. It's all good.

[@DR-eq6qe]

Well...what do you love?

[@haleymelville444]

@@DR-eq6qe I love this question; I ask myself this question almost daily. I mess myself up every single time because I put the answer through a filter in my head first - would this bring in money? could I see myself doing this for years to come? I guess that's the fear part? The reason I've stayed in the classroom for so long.

[@DR-eq6qe]

@@haleymelville444 Right. I’m 33 years old. I could have been a SPED teacher years ago, but I let the system ruin it for me. Lo and behold, here I am working on my SPED teaching credential. I realized that I can’t let others dictate who I am as an educator. We are our students advocates, but we can also be the voice for other teachers as well. If you love teaching and your students, don’t give u on it because the systems gives up on you. Be the system. Be the change. Love your students, but love yourself through it all. Be a voice.

[@activitiesandideaslelek1111]

Cynthia White, what do you mean by “evaluating home portfolios”? I really love working with students but am seriously considering leaving teaching. I’d love to figure out a way to make $ but still get to work with students.

[@katielarsen2630]

"We're still stuck in the industrial revolution model" yes! Public schools were started by rich company owners who wanted skilled factory workers. Even adults can't really pay attention for more than 20 minutes at a time

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Something's got to change and it's got to be big, Katie. I hear this. I'm half-way through Seth Godin's manifesto on this very same topic (seths.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/stop-stealing-dreams6print.pdf) and ideas are bubbling in my brain. We have to build a better system!

[@KieleciaCoker]

@@laurarandazzo1158 YES Let's build a better system. The school system is antiquated and destructive to the human condition.

[@Chris-tg3qy]

@@KieleciaCoker Also, the negative impact of kids creating cliques and mistreating kids outside if those cliques. The school system is just not good for the self esteem of children.

[@JRobbySh]

Piaget is still the great authority on child development. Only the most superficial off his ideas have even been incorporated because the schools are organized to disregard the fact that a group of thirty student s of any given age do not develop at the same rate even if they are close in native intelligence. But consider the brute fact that the thirty students in a class may differ in age by as much as a whole year, Student “A” was born on September 1, 2010; Student “Z” was born On August 3, 2011. Yet here they sit in the same elementary class room. NOW we start looking at the personal differences between them. And those of the 28 other students in the class. Excerpt we do NOT. Rather they are essentially treated like 30 men and women in boot camp in the military.

[@activitiesandideaslelek1111]

Judy S., YES. Our schools (my master program taught us this) teach us to differentiate, but our districts don’t bother to train incoming teacher or to provide enough planning time for teachers period to differentiate for all levels in a classroom! Our class sizes don’t allow it, and our building are so pressured to perform that there is not much leeway for teachers. And supplementing current curriculums to meet all levels AND to engage students requires PLANNING time.

[@TeacherKellyTag]

I JUST started teaching a month ago and already jaded. I actually had to put my KZbin channel on hold because the school found out. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Health problems with family are hard. Best of luck.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Thanks, Kelly! Yeah, it is nice now to just make and say what I want without having to answer to admin.

[@tashnik]

OMG this resonates with me on every level...I feel so discouraged..no one appreciates the work that teachers do and the entitled parents are the worst part of it.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Oh yeah...I could do a whole video just on crunchy parent interactions, for sure.

[@marclabrie6027]

@@laurarandazzo1158 it's sad where parents won't take blame for their kids bad behaviours and won't help their kids do their work and just blame teachers for not passing them or using teachers as babysitters to enriched their own lifestyles

[@thoughts3897]

Yes!! Why is my child failing? Why are you grading in the "traditional way" and not giving completion grades? (Meanwhile little Johnny did not turn in 13 out of 26 assignments!) Why aren't you accepting late work --from January!--in the last month of school?

[@ec9833]

I think this is all really blamed on a ton of inequality, lies, distractions & conditionings across the entire country, across its entire existence. And a focus on blame in whichever ways best distract sects of ppl from the real catalysts. Those nasty parents... conditioned robots perpetuating problems. Some are privileged & have been given undue incentive for carrying around their ignorances and projecting them... some are conditioned, unduly under educated themselves, trying to fight for their children’s best interest with no real, factual understanding of the system. IMO, IME and only an example of some. But IMO/IME... this is the story of every challenge & every divide in all of this country, in every era of it. But I do, very deeply, feel that real education from birth to the end of life, may be the only answer to fixing any of it. Equal, accessible, honest education.

[@ec9833]

The answers are the problem RN or, the total confusion as to what they could be, I’m sure? I’m listening to the podcast, Serial; Nice White Parents, which is one person’s delving into one school in Brooklyn, over desegregation from the late 50’s to now. The answers were not, still seem to be not, intuitive. They tried intuitive thinking from the beginning & repeated intuitive thinking, several times over. But, intuitive to one conditioned, segregated group (which is what the the US is made up of, in every aspect of human affect, IMO) and intuitive to another, just in those general ideas of a sect? Then power over vs powerless vs one idea vs another’s needs vs vs vs etc. All the dynamics. All the variables. No intuitive outcome. Zero desegregation to this day, zero needs met of the oppressed and so far, at the end of episode 3, where I’m at, not even the “nice white parents”, the ones with the feel good, “humanity first(ish)” motivations (aka: white savior, zero due diligence educating outside of their experiences, wants, ideas & privilege) didn’t even come out, at any era, so far reported, feeling warm & fuzzy. They simply went back to their privilege, one person saying, in essence, that they didn’t want to sacrifice their children...for their own values. 🤔 I read that as, they didn’t want their children the guinea pigs in this experiment conducted amongst a small number of them, only the support of themselves and potentially risk their own children’s futures. Lots of ignorant, unequal privilege. And that’s one school. One idea. One humanity? Why are we so ignorant, across the board? In the era of fingertip access to endless information...we all remain incredibly ignorant to one another and to ourselves, really. Why are teachers suffering? Why are teachers suffering challenges, undue, us having known they’re suffering these things for how long, now? Why DO we vote against funding schools when we, not only, think so highly of education but many of us understand the US suffers within its own design, scoring so grossly low across the globe? When educators continue to say, “We need money for YOUR children.”? When we have known for forever, now, that teachers pay to teach our children. They pay to teach our children... and we’re okay with that. We gasp when we hear it, talk amongst each other over lattes at the concept and SAY we’re appalled... but we’re okay with it because we do nothing against it. We vote against teachers, we vote against our children, we vote against our own interests. Why? Nothing intuitive about that. I’ve gone on long enough & feel like I sound self righteous so, I’ll stop. But it gets me, every time, when we come to “the answer” to any of these problems within our society. None of us have any and any of us that try to resolve any issue, it seems often times we recreate the problems. But we need answers. Desperately. We need each other so desperately.

[@charmonclark5837]

You so perfectly articulated the issues I am struggling with at now 20 years in. I have a broken heart for the calling I love, but have no control over the dysfunctionality of the system.

[@c.s.griffel4890]

I’m a homeschool mom turned into a college English instructor which is how I found you. But my kids are flourishing writers and critical thinkers because I could spend time discussing, reading, and exploring. The joy of learning without state tests was amazing. We took standardized tests every few years. They always did well and we did no test prep. Just answer what you know. Anyway, we don’t have the joy of learning when we’re beholden to mass testing.

[@marriedaprince1]

Hi! I am a homeschool mom who has considered becoming a teacher later in life- how did you go about doing this? what was your experience like? Thank you :)

[@sobeliever1638]

That is great! I was teaching college then resigned to focus on homeschooling my kids full time. I teach English online but I would love to go back to teaching college once my kids graduate.

[@davidreed1561]

YEEESSSS! You hit so many nails on the head on why so many of us have left, are leaving, or will leave a profession that is a calling, it is part of who we are. Yet the demands are just too much and the support simply is not there. The system is broken, no one is ready to face that reality, and certainly no one is ready to fix it.

[@dkhatri2006]

You are an amazing person and your generosity is unquestioned. Both of my parents were teachers and I saw first hand their struggles and disrespect from parents, administrators, and certain students. Despite these obstacles, they continued on for 30 year career of service to public education and in the end both of my parents were physically attacked by students . My Mom had a chair thrown at her. My Dad was hit in his stomach. They both told me to never go into teaching and I did not. But their pain remains with me and remember their stress when they would arrive home and didn't have energy to talk. They would both take a nap and recover from their day. My father started teaching in 1970 at $12k/year and retired at $50k in 1991. My Mom started in 1975 and retired in 1999. Their combined pension was roughly $3800/month. This country needs to VALUE its teachers. That pay should be $150k/year for all teachers because they are the highest influencers on our young generation, AND most important DISCIPLINE MUST RETURN to the classroom. The kids are monsters and the system supports this behavior. Thank You For sharing!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

This is heartbreaking, Dilip. I feel for your parents and how hard it must have been for you to standby and watch their struggles. I, too, had a student come at me, but that's a long story for another time. Please know that your message is important. It helps me (and probably a lot of other folks) gain important perspective. Thank you.

[@jaidenlee4128]

This. This. This. I have been struggling with this system for the last two years. And I am a young 6th year teacher! Thank you, Laura. Stay strong.

[@jasminejoseph8307]

Same!! I'm 6 years in as well! It's been rough.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Yes! We can (mostly) control what happens in our four walls, but what about when the whole thing is built on stilts and the ground is shaky? You are far from alone in the struggle.

[@autumngallaher9559]

I’m in my 6th year, too, and it’s been such a struggle for me. I’ve started looking elsewhere for jobs that aren’t in education. Thank you Laura for everything you do for fellow teachers and students!

[@mandytiefen9913]

Same. 6 years. I quit

[@laurarandazzo1158]

@@mandytiefen9913 I'm sorry to hear this, but I totally get it.

[@gaudynguyen6874]

I don't really have time to watch videos, but the title caught my attention( I know 2 teachers who said the same) so...I watched the whole 27:30 ...Laura, I am homeschooling cause my child is immune compromised...I was thrown into this and all is moving so fast, cause I have no curriculum, didn't even know where to start..my boy is in 9th grade...look, you don't seem to understand the scope of your impact through youtube...THIS IS how you captivate minds in today's world--- it is NOT the classroom. I truly hope God blesses your channel. America is crumbling, I found you and you have helped me get through this year--- and allowed my boy to enjoy English. I am flying solo( with u)...and I'm sure I'm not the only one in these shoes. I hear you-- you want to be there when the fruit of your labor flourishes through the kids' accomplishments, but just because you don't see it, doesn't mean it's not happening. Laura, you are the tree and it's roots, we( the ones incorporating your knowledge and lessons) are the branches--- and the kids are the fruit ...it's still happening, you are just not seeing it. I'm glad you had the courage to let it go and let it all fall into place. You are at the right place. Make memories with the one next to you. Whatever is put in your heart to do, do it. Leveling up is not easy. This is what's happening. You are impacting sooo many people, you have 27k subscribers, but that's only the front--- that number can easily be multiplied by a greater factor since your videos, your lessons, ect are presented in classrooms of 35 kids, in homes with mamas with 4 kids x a neighborhood, ect......Do you get it Laura?...your subscribers is NOT the number of people you are impacting, it's way way greater!!!! Take your breather and just do you. You don't see us, but we DO see you. Give yourself the liberty to take this channel in whatever way your heart is leading you to do. It's clear where your passion is. Go for it. There is nothing in your way now. Even if it's for a season. You can't grab the future, but you can " cease the moment". It's time to fly......fly high!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Gaudy...you can't know how much I appreciate this note. Now I'm crying again! Happy tears, though. It's true, I've underestimated KZbin's impact to reach people. To me, it just feels like I've been making awkward, hard-to-watch videos with no production value. Maybe, though, that's fine. The message matters more than the medium and it's good to know my content is working for you and your son. I think it's time I stop looking at numbers and just build cool stuff I like. Hope you like it, too! Thanks for being with me on this journey. Let's see where we go next... xoxo

[@nightreader1264]

Nothing will change as long as the districts can find bodies at this point. Retired public school teacher here. I put in my 30 years and was eligible for my pension. I subbed full time for 6 years after retiring. I hear you. Same old as when I was teaching.

[@lubnan2936]

The part of teaching that has exhausted me this year is losing my planning period almost every other day. We cover each other's absences and this has been a great burden on all the teachers in our building. The district pulled our two pool teachers that covered absences this year out of all the years. They pulled them during a pandemic year!! The crazy part is, our district can afford it!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

That's messed up.

[@JRobbySh]

The pandemic has revealed the incompetence of school administration. As a group, they are helpless in the face of the situation.

[@Magdalena287]

Everytime I hear these stories from teachers, I'm so glad I decided to homeschool my kids. My kids are well educated and well adjusted and we never have to worry about all the BS that comes with the public school system.

[@tlocastro1]

Laura, I am an English teacher ready to be done & retire. I have purchased your materials through the years. We, as teachers, have touched young lives and helped so many one student at a time. Continue on your path & I am weeping with you. God bless you & your family.

[@Dudebrointhesky]

If I ever have kids, I'll be homeschooling as well.

[@tamaracoba]

@@Dudebrointhesky Me too

[@samanthaquant7411]

As a mom of two toddlers, these things you’re saying is exactly why moms like me are looking for education options other than public school. My mom friends and I are all looking into homeschooling and Charlotte Mason principles/ classical education / charter options.

[@Laura_5757]

@Samantha Quant I don’t know about some of the options you mentioned, but many of the issues mentioned in the video are just as prevalent in charter and private schools as they are in public schools. My sister retired from teaching last year before Covid hit and she was at a Charter school for the arts; she was paid less than if she had found a job at a public school (generally public school systems are able to pay slightly higher wages than charter or private) and there was just as much political b.s., if not more than what I experience as a public high school teacher. Do what’s best for your children based on the type of learner they are. As a mother to a toddler also, I think it’s great that you and your your friends are researching all of the options!

[@susandevine3907]

Do it! I homeschooled my 4 kids and have never regretted it. It just takes desire. I teach in a public school now, and am confirmed in knowing I made the right choice.

[@susanhighfield8284]

Try to keep your kids out of public schools so your children aren't SUBJECTED to critical race theory.

[@deniselockard2621]

@@susandevine3907 This is me. I taught school for 5 years before homeschooling my own children. I've been back in PS for the last 6 years. I also made the right choice.

[@lauriewilliams8336]

Love Charlotte Mason ❤. She was ahead of her time. So inspiring

[@jenniferwutt4284]

You make so much sense! Yes! I retired around the time you made this video at 55, after 32 years in the classroom. I taught in a special ed class for 10 years, before teaching regular ed in 3rd, 4th, and 6th grade English. I agree with EVERYTHING you are observing in education. The system is broken because our country is broken. I would love for you to do a follow up video as to how you are doing. I am assisting my 89 year old mom, catching up on all of the relaxing I was unable to do for 32 years, and working as a singer, songwriter and performing musician. My audiences are kind, supportive, and attentive: a piece of cake compared to working in a school. Hooray for you and hope all is going well.

[@gretchenphilbrick9933]

Wow. Take a cue from Laura, teachers (again!). I'm a teacher and mom who has been disappointed and betrayed by the education system. The system is completely broken--and now it's even more deadly (school shootings were already killing students and teachers). Pre-pandemic the edu system stole the mental health, professionalism, joy, and physical health of many teachers--now it's taking lives, happiness, and hope. You are a great teacher, Laura. Thanks for the help you'e given me during difficult teaching times. I'm out this year, too. I have no plan yet--operating on hope outside of the system.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

"Betrayed" is an interesting and appropriate word, Gretchen. I feel all of this.

[@gretchenphilbrick9933]

@@laurarandazzo1158 You made things better by sharing your work. Wishing all teachers out there health, prosperity, and peace! You deserve it!

[@joanb8489]

Gretchen Philbrick You also tell it like it is. I can relate to your previous comment. My very best wishes to you in the future. I stuck it out for a very long time and I truly enjoyed the teaching part as I'm quite sure you did. But time and unrealistic testing and demands have changed all of that.

[@Miracles4Lif]

I agree with your "betrayed" comment. As a SPED teacher, I feel like it's all about the paperwork so the district will get their money. I wanted SPED (levels 1 & 2) in order to problem solve WITH students... the "art" as Laura said. I'm so sad that I went back to school to become a teacher, 8 years in & 52 years old, and feel like I am not a teacher but a paper pusher.😥

[@DogmaGirlAD]

My time teaching in the public school system (All prior to Covid) and seeing the priorities in the curriculum etc. confirmed my desire to homeschool my own children.

[@c.s.griffel4890]

I taught my kids at home from beginning to graduation. It was a wonderful adventure! I encourage you to think of it as such. Take advantage of the freedom. My best wishes to you!!!

[@DogmaGirlAD]

@@c.s.griffel4890 Thanks - My oldest is only 3, so I'm definitely looking forward to it. I like teaching and I like my kids, not every aspect of either but on the whole definitely, So I don't dread the idea of homeschooling. I was kind of winning in the direction of homeschooling anyway, But seeing some of the "behind the scenes" of public school has made me much more determined.

[@activitiesandideaslelek1111]

Emily, I have an 11 & 7 year old and have started thinking that way since the pandemic started. I have a feeling if I leave my job, my kids are coming with me and we’re doing this together. C.s. Griffel, how does it work for colleges and all that? I’m seriously playing with the homeschool idea...

[@DogmaGirlAD]

@@activitiesandideaslelek1111 I went to a small, private school and I know that to get into community college is pretty easy (just take their placement test) and then you can transfer. I never even needed my transcript. I know a lot of homeschool families that went this route too. I know it is not the only way, but it certainly is a way.

[@burjuddubowy347]

@@c.s.griffel4890 how did you handle class work in areas where you have no expertise!

[@meggensaka575]

I know you're a complete stranger. This is the very first video I've ever seen of you, and yet there are two things I'm sure of. (1) I'm disappointed we've never taught together. (2) I'm proud of you.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Two things I'm sure of, Meggen: 1. I also wish I'd taught with you. 2. I'm glad you found me.

[@courtneyziani6045]

Literally my experience, too!

[@tapestry5678]

I love your channel...Hey....just want to say Amen! 2 all that you are preaching sister!I also quit being a teacher years ago and the stories i have to tell are shocking. However, i stayed in Education and took a job as a teachers assistant/ instructional aide, and that confirmed that I made the right decision. I saw this teacher shortage coming years ago, in the state that I live in, california, being a teacher is a big nightmare, especially once i realized how much in debt i was after graduating from my teacher program. This shortage was no accident and its because of the pandemic that our country finally took a good look at itself, maybe now teachers will get the respect they deserve, and the pay!

[@christinanancarrow9005]

I can't believe that you used the analogy of The Giving Tree to talk about teaching. I have used that analogy myself before to try to explain to pple how hard teaching is, and how much of yourself you give. I left teaching after 26 years. By the time I left, it was not really a choice. The burnout took over my life. I loved teaching for a long time, but I couldn't be everything to everyone anymore.

[@robhutchins2721]

I agree with saying we value one thing but we want another. Education has shifted to edutainment. As soon as a task is no longer entertaining or fun or easy students shut down and quit.

[@genxx2724]

That is not appropriate. Life, jobs, and responsibilities are not entertaining. This isn’t doing them any favors.

[@chubbymoth5810]

The fun and entertainment should be complementary to your teaching. Kids that have fun will be motivated to learn, you can then easily increase complexity for those capable to do so and spend some extra attention to those who struggle by finding a way to interest them and encourage them to overcome their inabilities. Those inabilities are often more inspired by their lackluster previous results and the idea they just are not up to it. Life, jobs and responsibilities should be fun as well in general, for what is the point otherwise? I work to live, not the other way around, which is one of the big fallacies of US culture. If you measure success by doing the things you like doing rather than the size of a car or the amount of bling in your life, you can be successful as a busker and make your mother proud with your success.

[@rorscach1]

@@genxx2724 Kids are not adults. Kids like to have fun and play. They are kids, not adults. Play and fun are important to their childhood, their growth, learning and wellbeing. All mammalian offspring play. It stimulates and engages the mind. What kid wants to learn in a boring, restrictive environment?

[@genxx2724]

@@rorscach1 We all had to learn to sit still in our seats and pay attention. Certainly children should not be in straitjackets all day, but they must learn structure and discipline.

[@3qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq10]

@@genxx2724 I don't expect the teachers or admins of a school to prepare my kids for a 9 to 5 job in any way shape or form. They are there for the sole purpose of attempting to teach reading, writing, math, science and history to student age children.

[@AngelaWoolsey]

I’m a homeschooling mom and I have the same feeling about test and data. Learning is so much fun when you’re not trying to reach certain goals at a certain time. Life is your classroom. My high school son and I have great conversations about history, art, politics (we don’t always agree) and do great projects together. I wish there were more teachers like you!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

YES! I've found the best learning happens when a student has genuine interest in a topic and there's no pressure to perform for an artificial assessment. That was the inspiration for 20Time, my all-time favorite project. Also, I know there are actually A LOT of teachers like me out there in the world who love kids and love learning. The problem is that our joy gets buried under the weight of data, testing, meetings, emails, politics, etc. Let's build a new system so students and teachers alike can thrive! Yes, I'm a dreamer. :)

[@ninam5959]

Hello, I am a math teacher in France, and it's so surprising to hear that even in US, teachers go through the same problems ! Our salary, the consideration, the way the pupils are with us😔!!

[@SpeedyCorky]

usa and france, both super liberal countries. teaching is still very much a respected position in more conservative countries. heck, even in conservative areas of the usa, it is still a high regarded profession

[@mamachicken1548]

Went to college, got a degree in education and ended up just homeschooling my 2 kids the whole way through and I am so happy I did!!! We had so much freedom in their learning!! Joined homeschool groups for social experiences and my kids attended many homeschool independent classes in the community such as art, music, museum, zoo, and science center. We did countless field trips!! My kids got to focus on learning things in depth not just to pass a test. They had strengths and weaknesses in different subjects just like everyone, but there was never any attention to "grades". My kids knew how many answers they got correct and how many they got wrong. No A B C or D's!! Now they are 2 grown working adults and it doesn't matter they never had a grade their whole life. So, you could imagine what "other" things in the "system" doesn't matter?

[@elleyj1754]

This is amazing. I wish I had the courage to make the decision and do it. I just don't know where to start. It feels like you have to have a lot of money to be able to homeschool, to afford the programs and materials... and how do you know you are choosing the right curriculum? I've looked at so many and after 10 minutes in I have a headache from overwhelm. Also I can't stop working to homeschool so I have no idea how I would juggle both.

[@valeriefife4099]

​@@elleyj1754 I want to encourage you to take a deeper look into homeschooling your own children. It is only hard if you make it so in your mind-which I totally do. The ability to Relax and trust you and your kids ability to learn is the best gift and all u need. So much is free online nowadays and there are many programs that pay for Curriculum. Here we have TechTrep Academy, OvertureLearning and Harmony (not my fav). Just reading books from the library would be a huge aspect. I homeschooled with serious health problems ect. You learn thru experience just like a school teacher does. Also since I’ve divorced I’ve found plenty of others who are single, working, homeschoolers. I was shocked! But it can be done and as the above MarkPorter indicated learning happens far differently than public school environments allow. I agree with much of what he said. And really what is the point of all those hours in school if they are not learning and becoming who they should be. Find some homeschool support groups and just read the comments. I think I’m going to try Sarah Janisse Browns FunSchooling journals method next. (Lots of KZbin videos on it) It’s all about “interest led” learning. I still feel like a failure as a HS mom (even after 8 years), most likely because I was raised in the public education system a.k.a. conveyor belt/manufacturing era system and so I compare my kids knowledge to those kids), but reading this post gives me the courage to at least continue to HS my youngest (7-8) next year per her desire (which I’m sure will change many times complete with moaning/or a tantrum or two). Us HS parents get very little credit too sometimes😆. It’s worth it though to keep all the “crap” (re-making of history/stressful testing/bullying, ect.) out of their lives, and to have time as a family. Like she said, that’s what’s IMPORTANT in life.

[@OneAdam12Adam]

Your comparison of the teachers with 18 students versus 35 students is spot on! I called it out over and over year after year and the administration did nothing. Lesson learned. Time to leave the classroom.

[@sbcouv]

Holy. Cow. You summarized exactly what I’ve been thinking and feeling about teaching for the last 6 months. I left the classroom to accept another position that ultimately didn’t work out, and now I’m jobless and debating going back to the classroom. I LOVED my students and I feel exactly the same way that you do about wanting to just *teach* and help students grow. The problem with teaching is that it’s so broken that it is impossible for any one person to change by themselves. We absolutely need a new model for education. You’ve inspired me to take the leap into blogging, marketing, and content design. Thank you for sharing your all of your emotions! ❤️

[@kevinfogarty5081]

I feel empathy for you. I can tell you got taken advantage of because you’re a good person. Glad you can open up now and get this stuff off your chest. God Bless.

[@suehunt6362]

God I hear you so loudly! I went back to school older. My Mom had early onset Alzheimer's and was showing symptoms when she was younger than me. The ladies in my family don't tend to live past their 60s, and I'm 57 this year, so I get where you're coming from. Thank you so much for sharing! I'm so glad I'm not the only one who feels like this.

[@gwenhutson]

Retired - quit after 13 years as a school counselor. Just as bad as teaching without the joy of the classroom kids. Admin, demands on time, stress… I didn’t have time to be a counselor, I was the person who did everything “extra”, testing, babysitting a class, “social lessons” to a classroom that don’t work, special ed testing, 504 testing, meetings, meetings, meetings. The kids were left out with all the busy work the admin gave.

[@lougracee]

This was so reassuring to hear. I left after my student teaching year that became combined with a long term subbing job. It just isn’t for me. I value my own happiness over any passion I once had for teaching.

[@MasterMalrubius]

A very good video. I would state that I graduated in 1982 and our classes in private schools for both elementary and high school were around 30 students. We did not have a lot of the amenities that public schools had. The difference was that the parents worked with the school and teachers to make sure their children listened and did not cause issues.

[@vivianasantana6655]

This right here is why I left the public school system and went to a private online school where I teach students one to one. IT IS AMAZING. Best of luck to you!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Good to know, Viviana. This thought has crossed my mind...

[@t.terrell7037]

Viviana how is it compared to public school? Benefits, hours, etc? What’s company are you working for? Thank you

[@vivianasantana6655]

The hours are great! I work about 30 hours a week and make about the same I was making working over 40 in the public school system. I’m considered a full time employee so I can opt to receive medical benefits. I work for Fusion Global Academy which is the online branch of Fusion Academy. I LOVE IT. I teach 6-12 math.

[@arleensalazar-zepeda6558]

Gosh, I can’t believe you’re no longer teaching. You have been an absolute inspiration.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

I can't believe it, either, Arleen. It's weird. But I must admit, Sunday nights are much calmer these days. :)

[@beautyandpositivity1343]

Congratulations, Laura. You’re taking the road less traveled - the unpredicted, but well-deserved option to respond to the needs of your mind, body, and soul. I’m 18 years in, and I know all too well the conversations we have with ourselves...the ones where it’s easier to choose the kids & the passion over ourselves (no matter the truth & treatment we receive along the way). I’ll be wishing you well as you relish what it means & what it feels like to put yourself first in this way. It’s a tough call that can only be made by ones who know exactly what it’s like to love teaching completely...but find you have to stop loving it more than you love yourself. And yep, it takes about 20 years to get there. Be well 💝 I’ll still be listening to everything you say 😉 “Quitting” in this way is “beginning” in other ways. Here’s to new beginnings and ALL you gave for twenty years. Salute🥂

[@laurarandazzo1158]

@@beautyandpositivity1343 What a beautiful frame for this new picture I'm painting! Well said.

[@LadybeetleMaddox]

Agreed. I teach secondary SCIENCE and I am inspired by you. Thanks for all you do.

[@acajudi100]

You do not have to be in a school to teach. I started teaching at 7, and I am still teaching online at 79!

[@conniefoss9382]

Thank you for your heartfelt confession! You spoke what my experience has been for years. I retired - or thought I would retire - in 2020. But I was offered a job at what I thought was an ideal school, so I said yes. NOT. The same thing happened there. "Teaching is an art, not a science." So true! I am an artist, and my students get that. But the administration does not value teachers like us. At the end of this COVID year, after giving my 200% and losing a year of my life due to hyper-stress, I have decided it really is time to stop teaching in schools with (as you so aptly put it) the Industrial Revolution paradigm. I don't care about tests or grades because that's not how kids learn, and I can no longer make myself do that. Oh - I started out home educating my own children, so I do know what works. But institutional schooling doesn't care.

[@marcelvaillancourt7776]

The school system modelled on the factory is designed to produce compliant clerks for multinational corporations. The evaluation system is based on the mnaufacturing model as if kids are widgets. Smart enough to operate the systems and machines, but ignorant enough not to realize they are being screwed. Since trickle down economics took over in the 80s, people have not seen a real increase in wages (in other words a real increase in their purchasing power) yet the real estate market has quintupled and inflation has still gone on. People have compensated by getting into heavy debt due to cheap credit.

[@Madi4321]

@@marcelvaillancourt7776 😑 what to do

[@cc1k435]

@@Madi4321 Raise wages by law and push back at corporate influence in our government.

[@marcmeinzer8859]

Teaching has always been a crappy job. Just for a joke one teaching couple I used to work with had posted “rules for teachers” from the nineteenth century which featured asinine restrictions such as male teachers not being permitted to get shaved in a barber shop! And educational reformers have always had to go off to found their own schools. My approach was to become first, a merchant seaman so I could travel while still getting four months vacation, then attending barber college so I could be self employed and read during breaks since I’d be the owner and so could do as I pleased. I can’t even imagine putting up with teaching anymore although I’m too old now anyway.

[@jessical2158]

You nailed it, even in the best of times. I gaslight myself into going another year, thinking if I just work harder, reinvent, etc, it will get better. It has taken a huge toll on my mental and physical health. This will be my last year after 16 years in K-12.

[@isabellaflorentina7574]

My happiness increased by 10,000 percent since retiring. It is not even quantifiable. Teaching was my calling... my purpose. I was created to help students. The system whipped it all out of me. Teachers are used and abused from every single angle and it is detrimental to our mental health. To anyone going through a difficult time teaching, please know that you are worth far more than they let you know. They dont want you to know how valuable you are. Take care of yourself. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@bluemesa9529]

Ive taught for 23 years.... and am so ready to be done! My administrator harassed me for years... And even though ( after a year investigation) my claims were proven true... he was placed back at our school!!! The system is BROKEN!!! I am exhausted....

[@awoods1039]

I’m so sorry that happened to you. That’s sick.

[@VYVEVideography]

A narcissist administrator, principals too...

[@activitiesandideaslelek1111]

In our district, when an admin doesn’t do well in a building due to major failures in some parts of the job, they’ve been known to either move up in the district (?!) or end up in another building. It really doesn’t make sense!

[@flowerlass]

@@VYVEVideography So many administrators are either coaches or have been the worst teachers in the classroom.

[@ChristineWilliglcrazyblue1018]

I'm a first year teacher, transitioned out of the military went back to school to pursue my passion of helping others and lifting others. However, Ive now gone from crying everyday to a few times a week. I didn't realize the burnout would set in so early. I'm struggling with whether or not I can handle next year. I really enjoyed your video and it put things into perspective. You're so sincere and caring. I can see how much you love building those relationships and its the ONLY reason I haven't quit. I love my students and seeing their lightbulb moments lol.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Thank you for your service, Christine. It speaks volumes that the stress eats us up like this. Take care of yourself. Please! You have earned more peace and happiness than this.

[@jmonka4919]

Yes, you should leave. If you're feeling like this already, the students are the ones who will lose out. Nothing worse then having to attend class with an unmotivated, depressed teacher. Moral is like a disease, if you're the leader it will just spread quicker.

[@MrGsWorkshop]

Just seeing this now a year late. Thank you for sharing. I have just finished my 17th year teaching Auto and Metal shop. The only reason I Stay is because of the flexibility in the workshop. My class is pure creativity. I think I would find it very difficult to teach a state curriculum. I think it's more important to apply what the students have learned. Another words making something (a project) and failing is better than just memorizing and copying.

[@marcmeinzer8859]

Exactly. The only thing I would be willing to teach is barbering. Being a secondary social studies teacher was ridiculous. There were virtually no jobs so I ended up teaching things like parochial self contained 7th grade; GED at Job Corps; court ordered reading in public high school in the ghetto where one fourth of the kids were on probation and one-third cut every day.