Top 10 Reasons Why Teachers Everywhere are Leaving the Classroom (And Why You Should Stay)

[@Augfordpdoggie]

After 24 years, i quit...and never been happier. It is an abusive job, on all sides. The Principal gas lights you, the kids don't want to learn, if this was a love relationship would you stay? No. it has been a difficult time finding other work in other fields, but I am sooooo glad I am not in the classroom.

[@theclassroommanagementguy]

After 24 years that must have been a hard decision to make. That had to take a lot of courage. I am sure the the dream job is just around the corner. Thank you for sharing

[@Catfluff521]

I quit last week; was making 23,000 at a Catholic school, so working for minimum wage; class of 24 with almost all having serious behavioral, psychological and/or academic issues; plenty of disrespect from fifth graders; it was a narcissistic, lying parent that sent me packing. Also, building falling apart, taught all last winter with no heat in room, (for real); no AC either. Different principal each year. Two lockdowns because of situations in the neighborhood. Unbelievable amount of stress! But I’m the bad guy for walking out.

[@theclassroommanagementguy]

I am so sorry to hear about your situation. Teaching is so hard to begin with but when you have a parent that adds fuel to the fire it makes it 10 times worst. No matter what anybody says you are not the bad guy.

[@pistoffpussycat5778]

I totally get you. I taught in Catholic school two years, two different schools. No better than public schools, just half the pay

[@fremontpathfinder8463]

You can't afford to work at a Catholic school. If you are credentialed, try to get a job at a public school or look for programs that streamline a credential. Are you in a blue or red state? Pay in blue states is much higher

[@Catfluff521]

@@fremontpathfinder8463 I completed teacher ed. program, but am not certified hence my taking position at Catholic school. I live in PA (swing state with dem. gov.) I would have to be certified to get hired at public school; those jobs are few and far between as teachers are unionized here, so pay is good.

[@TraciGirl313]

Waiting it out for a new principal isn’t always worth your mental health.

[@theclassroommanagementguy]

That is true. I have had times where I thought it was not worth it but I hung in there for the long haul and I am glad I did.

[@ronlugbill1400]

Right. I refuse to be bullied by vice-principal or anyone. It is like staying in an abusive relationship.

[@julieduncan4075]

I’m happy for you that you can look on the bright side. After 22 years, however, I am completely jaded and can’t wait to retire. This year has been the most demoralizing yet, and I don’t see it changing for the better. 😢

[@theclassroommanagementguy]

I totally understand. 22 years is no walk in the park. These have been some rough times. I wish you all the best.

[@monabiehl6213]

Teachers where I am make a minimum of 50K. That is not low pay. I have a college degree and I've never made more than 35K. About half of the places I apply to won't hire me because of my college degree.

[@fremontpathfinder8463]

I'm staying because I recently got an easier job with my district after 18 years and have been in this job for 3 years. I am staying because we just got a big raise and it will help my retirement and I don't have to think about teaching 24/7 anymore. If I had not gotten that job, I would have retired early and gotten another job. And yes, our "Cesar" lasted about 2 and a half years. Pay really depends on whether you teach in a blue or red state. I also teach credit recovery and work summer school. Time off? Nope. I used to work 2 hours at home nightly and 8 hours every weekend. I also work in CA. I feel very fortunate due to pay and benefits.

[@theclassroommanagementguy]

I often wonder about the difference in teaching experience from state to state. I am also in California and I agree we probably have it better than some other states. I am glad the new position is working out for you.

[@christchild1711]

IAM NOT CONVINCED

[@theclassroommanagementguy]

I tried my best.

[@mysadlife1771]

It’s been seven years with the principal at my school and it’s been getting worse every year. I’m burned out.

[@theclassroommanagementguy]

I am so sorry to hear that. It is hard weathering the storm when you can’t see the shore.

[@mlmj1994]

Reason #2 reminded me that yesterday one of my students said she was going to call my mom because I took away her paper ‘cellphone’ and because I call her mom “all the time” 😂

[@theclassroommanagementguy]

That is a funny story. I always think teaching is like herding cats. It is a never ending job of crazy.

[@kfalzgraf]

Growing up I never had a class with less than 36 children K-12 We never had these issues like today. Why? Our parents taught us how to behave, show respect, deal with conflict and discipline. We were expected to behave, excell, and if we didn't there were consequences. You didn't want a call to your parents for acting up. Our teachers were great. School was structured, discipline was imposed, expectations were very high. We also had PE everyday, music classes, choir, band, orchestra and art classes. We were too busy to act stupid. Very short breaks between classes, homework even in elementary school. We had to have our own school supplies and take care of them. We were taught how to win and lose. We had a strict dress code. High school graduation was expected and we had to work for it and pass an exit exam. It all started with our parents and the school did not tolerate nonsense. 99% of my class graduated, over 50% went on to college or trade school and 22% went in the military, for training and to save up so they could go to college and be debt free once completed. Why and how? Parent involvement.

[@theclassroommanagementguy]

Thank you for taking the time to write such a brilliant comment. I hate to say it because I feel old saying it but I agree it all starts with parent involvement. The times have changed and there is a lot of great things but it is hard for me not to say, “In my day…”

[@J.S.3259]

Being a teacher is the best type of birth control. It’s reinforced my desire to never have children, as I don’t want them to be around functionally illiterate peers who are addicted to their phones. I would have to homeschool them. Standards are embarrassingly low; students are passing classes with final grades of 40%!

[@theclassroommanagementguy]

I feel your pain and I agree our standards are to low. However what keeps me going is when I see moments of greatness and kindness in this generation.

[@fremontpathfinder8463]

Bingo. Especially true in urban districts.

[@clonedyots]

So glad I'm no longer a teacher life doesn't seem like a jail sentence anymore

[@theclassroommanagementguy]

It is a very tough job.

[@theagarcia8997]

I love how positive you are! I love my students and I think I have the best job in the world. I teach 10th grade English.

[@theclassroommanagementguy]

Thank you for those kind words and I think it is awesome to find people that really enjoy their jobs. You and I are a dying breed. Keep up the great work.