Why I Quit Teaching After 18 Years - Some Advice for Teachers

This is my story about quitting after 18 years of teaching and why it was one of the best decisions of my life. I also offer a bit of advice for other teachers out there.
This is probably my 20th time trying to do this video. I'm not sure if I'll ever find the right words, so I'm just going to post this one.
My point is that if you do decide to quit, I think opportunities exist for you.
The article detailing my situation: splc.org/2021/02/nebraska-hig...
This is the article referenced in the story: westsidewired.net/47721/opini...
Want to support me? I appreciate it! www.buymeacoffee.com/jerredz
Email me: [e-mail]
My website: www.jerredz.com
-----
This video was produced by Jerred Z (That's me!). Becoming a photographer and photography teacher has been a transformative and positive aspect of my life, and I truly want more people to experience the world in the way I’ve learned to.
Every day is more beautiful, no matter where I am, because of photography.
I’d love for you to join me on my journey, so subscribe to my channel here and visit me on my website: jerredz.com/
Many of the photos you see me use are edited with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. I sometimes use my own custom presets, skies and textures in them, and I give some of my best away in my Newsletter! To sign up and get the free stuff, go here: jerredz.com/newsletter/
Thanks for stopping by!
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Twitter: / jerredz

[@jMC1233]

As one of your previous students, i can confirm they suffered a loss when you walked out man, good for you though! Glad you freed yourself 🙏🏿

[@JerredZ]

As always, thank you - you are and always will be family, my man!

[@teacheraprilrogers]

As a teacher myself seeing a former student say this tells the whole story. This country is suffering with the loss of great teachers.

[@mashajohns7810]

@@teacheraprilrogers I so agree. Part of the reason why I don’t to teach. 😭😭😭

[@barbarakilman271]

Every single one of these videos makes me sad. Great teachers. Administration has made it like HMOS

[@augustusdavis7908]

Jerred I’m a former full time teacher and have questions. Do you respond better to messages on KZbin or by email?

[@LLS710]

"Society expects teachers to just stay there and take it", words so true.

[@catzenhouse]

Societies' punching bag.

[@themacocko6311]

The school system is just as guilty with it.

[@user-vb2bo3ts2h]

@@catzenhouseyep, punching bag and no say in anything

[@ToWnHeAdAARON123]

Not as bad as nurses

[@youtubesucks1499]

So quit. No one will blame you.

[@therealronniej]

There is no teacher shortage. There’s a shortage of respect and proper compensation for teachers. Mad respect for you 🙏

[@madridista6862]

@@mezy432 Last thing we need pal. What we need izbetter pay, support and a better education system for the teachers.

[@kevinfernandes1882]

All those things are added to you when Christ is the centre of the community. Time off,respect from the students, a sense of calm and peace, health benefits etc. these things are there when God is there when we push him out of our lives our schools our families and workplace we lose all those benefits.

[@madridista6862]

@@kevinfernandes1882 fuck off with that nonsense. You think our 5 day workweek suddenly came into existence because the striking workers started praying? You think child labour was abolished because the kids called on Jesus while in the mines? I'm religious as well but morons like you make every religious figure, from Jesus to the Prophet Mohamed to Buddha shake their faces in disbelief.

[@Jack-kz4nb]

@@mezy432 yeah, I guess that’s important but not like the main problems that these teachers have

[@Bogancharisma]

Respect starts at the top, of which there is none. People that bear a pronounceable surname such as Watson, Jones or Collins, are often elected as preferential senior policy makers based on their surname. I don't think any person with an unpronounceable surname will ever receive due respect. Australia is historically a racist country, founded by racist limeys. Respect? Nope.

[@queenofwater8783]

I also was a high-school teacher for 20 years, Theatre and English. I was going to stay until I was 65; however, the post-Covid year was so horrifying I chose to retire early. I had never been treated so badly by so many students and parents in my entire career. The bad behavior was beyond disrespectful, but included a great deal of criminality as well. In the first semester back from online school, there was 60,000 dollars of vandalism. It was impossible to teach due to the feral behavior. I watched 17 year old bodies throw 2 year old tantrums when simply asked to comply with normal classroom structure and behavior. I reached a point that I came to believe that I was not the best person for them. I was too nice; they needed a drill sergeant.

[@matsumoku1]

Queenofwater. I had the same exact experience as you

[@tablescissors67]

Don’t forget, it was the Teacher’s Union, under the Biden Administration who enforced all that “at home” learning. Many say it was unjustified for many reasons.

[@queenofwater8783]

@@matsumoku1 Ugh! Did you quit or retire, too?

[@dmitryivanov9026]

The last two sentences are very well said.

[@user-dm2wz6np3v]

It's everywhere... I'm Turkish and living in Turkey. I started doing freelance online tutoring back in 2019. I had 2 students from a university's academic staff (teachers) and they were the only 2 of my students I was so glad I started doing this job. After that was a disaster... Adults in 20's 30's with zero respect and have communication issues. Many did not inform me before that they couldn't come to tomorrow's class for example. This happened so many times I had to put on my post a set of rules before accepting any new student. And if they break these rules more than 2 times, they will be dismissed from booking more classes. I learned how to create discipline rules and communication tactics (I was ghosted a lot, and I had to learn never to reply to this behavior) where I was expecting to study and create better content for them. All of my passion is drained. I'm 39 years old and I wasn't expecting people a couple years just younger than me to behave in odd ways. I wish I recorded all of my journey and made it into a mini document just for people who have no idea what it is like.

[@calicatus7556]

I don't want more pay nor more technology, I want students who want to learn and work, who want to get along with others, and parents who believe I am not their enemy.

[@acezenfu3293]

You want to be able to control people like a king, got it.

[@reb3llo]

@@acezenfu3293 absolutely yes. I imagine a system where teachers have expulsion power from their own class rooms. The only way that teachers can get the respect they deserve is if they are empowered in their own classrooms. Without the power to control the learning environment, a teacher's focus moves from education to glorified babysitting. Teachers SHOULD be absolute dictators within the confines of their classrooms.

[@williamwilson5886]

I retired from a career in law enforcement at 48, and started teaching criminal justice classes in a high school 5 years ago. I can say with 100% honesty, teaching is much harder, and more stressful than being a cop was (and I was involved in a few shootings). The level of disrespect for my and coworkers by students, parents, and administration (mostly board level) is crazy bad. I'm getting through this year and I'm out.

[@ZainabaSow]

I can totally agree I was in the military n worked n psych wards n chaotic situations but I work in an public school for 1 year n the level of disrespect n negativity n just students n everyone not caring abt education at all it was too much 😢

[@yellowmellow4753]

Oh wow!

[@leinad5243]

Most Admin hide in the office and during covid ..the office was like the Ward's office of a prison...really sad...

[@DIAMONDGIRL57]

I am out after this year after 25 years. Just came back from the doctor and my blood pressure was such the doctor advised me to go to the emergency room. I will walk out and not pack up my classroom! The career is making me ill.

[@user-im6ox5vf3k]

​​@@leinad5243when I got hired (masks just got lifted) was sat in a hallway and given a clipboard. People walking by as I'm giving HR lady personal information. Completely rushed. Never even saw HR office. Like on lockdown. Took photo for my badge in vestibule waiting area, came out horrible. To this day kids look at my badge pic and ask if that's my grandmother cuz she looks so old. Looking back I feel naive for not complaining or being more assertive about a lot of things. But it's a job, right?.....

[@mrs.bdaycare5530]

I was a preschool teacher for 16 years!! So stressful, Director hovering over you, do jobs that’s not my job and getting paid very little. After I had my second child, I quit and now have a home daycare for the pass 6 years. I love it, never going back!! I’m not stressing, I get off work early, paid vacations, and make 3 times what I made as a teacher. With only 6 kids.

[@BarryBrandon-mz7gb]

Then your teacher salary was awfully low. But it sounds like it's been a great transition.

[@Werewolf.with.Internet.Access]

@@BarryBrandon-mz7gb “Then your teacher salary was awfully low” Yeah, dude. Like the vast majority are.

[@danzbutrfly]

and teachers are expected to pay out of pocket for counselors day, principal day, secretary day, nurses week, decorate outside of classroom, etc...etc... out of their own money @@Werewolf.with.Internet.Access

[@thomasbenner9621]

@@Werewolf.with.Internet.Access. I’ve heard about government school teachers making $100,000.00 plus benefits annually. That’s an excellent salary for a part time job.

[@thomasbenner9621]

When I was growing up, parents were the preschool teachers.

[@JeffreySmith84]

I graduated high school in 2003. I went to public school at an all-white school in a working class exurb of a major city. They were just teaching us the test back then and I know from friends who are teachers today that it's only gotten worse. We've given up on teaching basic math and reading comprehension skills to young people. We've given up on asking parents to do their part to raise decent young adults with values and respect. I don't know how we have any teachers left when you factor in the gangs and general sociopathic tendencies of young people these days. When they're not content to brutalize one another, they're attacking teachers with zero repercussions.

[@tablescissors67]

I went to a school where there were literally 6 white kids in the whole school. It was not any different and likely worse.

[@nicolasr7706]

I was teaching in Santa Clarita (a 50/50 white and hispanic suburb west of LA) the teenagers there were civil, can give a little attitude but not be downright disrespectful, they were raised right. Then I got asked to work in Long Beach. I’m teaching at a majority black school and these seniors can barely read at a 7th grade level, they’re loud, disrespectful and do not give a rats ass about their education. America needs a new education system that’s strict and effective like other countries. We give way too much freedom to these kids.

[@laur131306]

​@nicolasr7706 this has shocked me because I graduated in 2006 and it was starting to get bad but was completely bearable. However, my son is 6 and I was reintroduced to the public school system with hum starting kindergarten in 2022. I was shocked because one day I saw he had lost 5 behavior points for not keeping his hands to himself. I immediately messaged his teacher asking what happened. She told me and all I said was ill be there during lunch to take care of him. I'm so sorry and it'll never happen again. I went up there and asked to see my son for a few minutes because his dad and I don't tolerate nonsense and he was in trouble. After school that day, his teacher called on the brink of tears saying thank you so much over and over because that was not her experience with parents and that they usually blame and attack her. That's when I fully realized it had gotten REALLY bad.

[@cynthiagermaine1799]

I taught from 1988-2018. Yes, admin gaslit me into thinking students’ lack of motivation is my fault. Parents are down right brutal and do their share of gaslighting.

[@terrymeadows1827]

I can remember one memo in my mailbox blaming me concerning one particular student: "Failure to provide an environment conducive to learning." The kid had never shown up for school-all year long. Never laid eyes on him. Typical.

[@annatevesbanzon1359]

Dang gaslighting yes it should be on most people's resume. I'm Excellent at gaslighting 😆

[@willp.8120]

@@fjbfuckjoebiden8548 As a conservative, I realize that a lot of fellow conservatives have this skewed idea about public schools and teachers. They believe that the exceptions make the rule, or extreme cases that gain national or local news somehow is reflective of the profession as a whole. You can see this when they want to blame the unions for everything, even in states where they have no unions

[@kathyschreiber9947]

I taught HS for only 2 years in the early 80s after graduating from college. The first year was miserable and I thought it was just me so I'll give it another year. I quickly figured out it's the administration. Principal and VP. Not supportive at all. They did nothing to help a young teacher succeed. Disruptive students were my problem not theirs. They need to crack the whip on problem students not ignore them and dump them on the teacher. 98% of the students are good kids and there to learn, but it's the 2% that need to be removed from the classroom environment because they are sucking the air out of the room and denying everyone else an education. Fortunately I was young enough to brave law school and I've been a lawyer ever since. When my own kids went to public school. I recognized the superior administration there. If the kid misbehaved, the administration backed up the teachers. They did not pass the buck. There was no second guessing what the teacher said. Did the kids like it? No they thought it was unfair, but I always told them, it's not a democracy in school. You're there to do what they say.

[@ironrose888]

Yes! It’s was always my fault if their teen didn’t succeed. The girl had been in every middle school and reform school in Austin Texas! I had never seen or heard so much anger in a parent. No wonder her daughter was such a mess!

[@victoriabiel5861]

I survived 30 years of teaching and retired with a full pension. I don't think there is a single teacher out there who hasn't dealt with some form of abuse from this profession. Retiring for me was like coming out of prison. I don't miss teaching at all, and knowing what I know about this job I would never do it again.

[@media4401]

Damn

[@honeydate]

This is exactly how I feel…imprisoned! I pray everyday to come in to a windfall so I can afford to quit…but reality is a beast!

[@JuneGem80]

My exact sentiments. Praying and preparing for a transition.

[@linyarin]

I know exactly what you mean. I spent 34 years teaching before taking early retirement but, unfortunately for me, lost 20% of my pension for retiring early. Even so, it was the best thing I ever did and wished I had done it earlier.

[@homerfj1100]

My God you need 40 years in the UK for a full pension. Try to imagine it......65 in the classroom.

[@tommykinikin9335]

Over twenty years ago I met a lady who had just quit her teaching job. She told me that it was impossible to teach a classroom full of fifth graders that you're not allowed to discipline. If she had that issue twenty years ago, I can't imagine what the teachers must be enduring now. I grew up in the 60's and 70's, and teachers had complete control to discipline unruly students. I feel like I got a great education.

[@econhelp583]

Yeah, I’m your age. I went through an excellent public school system. I don’t recall ever hearing a single word of profanity spoken in the presence of a teacher. The classrooms were orderly and the kids learned. Rowdy behaviour got you sent to the principal’s office or expelled from school. Everyone was fine with this, being at school was a privilege that you had to respect. I grew up in liberal Massachusetts and these were liberals teaching and running the schools I attended.

[@albertrodriguez4190]

I'm 59 a minority and the system kicked me out for acting a fool. 2nd semester 10th grade I got it together. They didn't tolerate unrulyness I learned the hard way. Today there is no way. Teacher's are burnt-out. Give a kid a phone and they think they don't need anything else.

[@Ann64]

​@@albertrodriguez4190 good on you!❤

[@elonever.2.071]

I went to school in the 50s & 60s and got a great education. The biggest thing I learned was how to learn. Even to this day I am an avid non fiction reader.

[@eriannad6965]

You remind me of one of my favorite teachers whom quite literally saved my life. I am now 26 years old, among the oldest of "generation Z", I sit here weeping. I weep because I know I'm one of the lucky ones. the kids in school now? I weep because I don't see hope for the kids today. Thank you for serving this industry for 18 years. I'm sorry the world has become this way. If you read this, thank you for your time, and speaking out about this difficult topic.

[@malachipearson6060]

I'm also a Gen Z (2002), I can't tell you how much I feel blessed to have been able to complete highschool with all this stuff going on. My brother said it has gotten worse since I graduated. He graduated this year and I was happy to see my old teachers again, but noticed that a lot were gone. I was fortunate to meet my automotive teacher at a swap meet this February. He pretty much reaffirmed the same stories. Kids have no respect anymore to their elders nor themselves. Might have to homeschool if I ever have children.

[@user-wh5ir4fo4r]

I'm GenX and I'm tired of everyone maligning your generation. Are there some bad apples? Yes, in every generation. But overall I have hope for y'all. You are doing the best you can with the world that's been left to you. Maybe it's because I live in Wisconsin and it's the culture, but most of the teens and young twentysomethings I run into are "good kids". Not perfect, but growing and striving. Just know that your big brothers and sisters in the forgotten generation are pulling for you guys. They say we don't care about anything, but that's not true. We just keep it on the downlow, to use one of our phrases. Love to y'all. Keep going. Don't give up. We're gonna need you to take care of us when we're really old. 😅🥰

[@eriannad6965]

My Geometry teacher was supposed to teach me the difference between "whom" and "who"?! Just when I thought I was one of the lucky ones.. Thanks. My whole life is ruined now.

[@Lucky-sh1dm]

@@eriannad6965oh my god this is so true I’m a ‘99 baby. Early Gen Z. I feel as though all the kids born ‘96-‘02 have a special connection because we grew up in a world that still had some semblance of sense in it… sure the world was diving off a cliff in regards to terrorism and this whole “globalism” fiasco but social media hadn’t gripped the populace yet… the poor kids currently coming up in this mentally draining maw of negativity and malevolence I just cannot imagine how empty their hope is. Shame on us for letting this happen.

[@jjmah7]

Why don’t you see hope for kids today?? That’s insane

[@donaldmorrill1636]

You have to be a teacher to know how this guy feels. I pulled the plug after 23 and a half years and retired.

[@cultureofcurrency]

I am a teacher of 14 years and this last year I almost walked away. I hope this year is better for me but who knows. I started a youtube channel to help out the world (as teaching has) so that I know my main object to do good can be met. I love the students and they are why I have stayed...Education I think has rushed to making the "most productive" version of students rather than the "best" version of students. We have lost the ability to inspire the best character and moral standards. Students should be asked hard questions and find what standard they measure their moral centers. They should have answers to deep questions and the aim should be about what life is like at 90, not at 19. College is not the end of the road and school education aims to just pass the torch.

[@williamyoung9401]

There's a reason I switched majors from teaching during mid-undergrad twenty (20) years ago. I could see the writing on the wall. No money. No support from anyone; the parents, the teachers, the administration, the school levies that fail. I could just see that I would have to deal with that nonsense, and I've sadly been proven correct. And I couldn't even predict the political censorship that has infiltrated our schools!

[@johnnykeys1978]

I'm a teacher and the only feel I'm getting is perhaps he should have grown some balls and run his own teaching business, instead of complaining about working for the state whilst the state WILLINGLY ENFORCES THE STATE MONOPOLY. Beyond pathetic.

[@patbelcher6738]

​@@johnnykeys1978easier said than done

[@lauraesperanza812]

Iam a teacher of 18 but I feel Iam dying every Day, too much work, responsabilities, is exhausting😢 and ungrateful

[@darthbiden8675]

I’m 18 and just graduated high school, I will definitely agree, my generation is so rude and arrogant that it’s not even funny, half of them don’t even know basic us history.

[@agomodern]

Maybe they should stop teaching US history. Full of lies anyway. Would be more beneficial teaching relevant information that will actually help students with real life. Been the problem with public school for decades.

[@dawnstonerock4253]

You will be the exception!

[@ReluctantPost]

Spot-on...I think that is a good reflection on a bit of the bias in this video. "The students are great" _can_ be true in some places, and a good part of the time when someone is teaching somewhere like Nebraska or Iowa as this teacher was because the majority of the families there still have something left of the old Midwestern sensibility and identity of general respect and service and humility. The difference between the average school somewhere in Nebraska, though, and the city schools in most urban areas, and even outside of urban areas in much of the rest of the nation, is a very different story. You hit that nail on the head. The fantastic battle that most quality teachers face at this point is what in the world to do with student behavior and failure / refusal to learn based on those "changes in society" and the parenting (lack of it) that they are getting at home as a result.

[@TommyElijahCabelloReal]

Definitely not all of us, but there are some real asshats among us, I know that

[@user-ku6tr4vd6z]

That's not something new. When I was a high school student over 30 years ago, well over half of my fellow students didn't know basic history, geography, government---and were proud of it. Their whole attitude, which I heard from peers all through out school was: "I don't need to know that stuff to get a job." Now here we are, decades later, and those proudly ignorant kids are running this country.

[@michellelindsay3751]

I’m a preschool teacher and your story really spoke to me. I’ve worked in early childhood for over 20 years and I am tired of all the expectations that surround me everyday

[@NVS3992]

I'm a student right now, and I like to watch teacher content and see what you guys and gals have to go through. All I'll say directly to you is: You deserve it. You deserve better. Anyways, I always try to be the good kid, I know the sh** these teachers are going through, and I feel you. I FEEL YOU. Just know, there will always be one kid that will feel you.

[@CarolFremel-my4hs]

My brother took a teaching degree which he enjoyed - his first weeks employment in an actual classroom made him immediately change careers

[@janetbrodesser236]

I taught for 32 years. I was so stressed the whole time. I thought sure every day was the day I would be fired or some awful thing would happen to me. But, in every class, there really was, or were, that one or maybe two, even three kids who hungered to learn. Sometimes it was the smart kid. Sometimes it was a disgusting, rude, hopeless kid. I never knew who it might be. I would see a face in the crowd. I would teach to that hungry mind with everything I had, and teaching that day became my heaven, worth all the pain. That's how I, as a teacher, got through it. I would look for that kid's face, or couple of kids' faces. The faces were always there somewhere. I just needed to find them and not let them down. But friends, I do not think I could do it now. Not with today's harmful fundamentalist politics, the cruelty towards students who are different, and school boards and parents who want to preserve their childrens' innocence by not helping them answer their questions, by keeping them as ignorant as possible of the realities they already know about, have, already seen on the internet or on TV or in movies, or things they have experienced themselves. I could not stand to be threatened daily into censoring my students like that in order to keep my job--to pretend to students I had no ears to hear them, no eyes to see them. Unbelievable! It was hard enough to teach in normal times.

[@jangofett9083]

my english teacher left my school because of how bad today's highschoolers are and honestly I cant blame him for it@@CarolFremel-my4hs

[@Musikmaker658]

Listen kid, if the kids need to watch out for the adults then there is plenty wrong with the adults here. People need to realise what a volatile and stressful environment school really is for both parties and stop putting just about anyone into teacher roles. The people who lead the world should educate children. People who have seen the world, seen different government and ways of living, people who have actually lived a life. Not some random joe. We need actual fucking soldiers that don’t crumble under stress and lead strong lives so the children have something to look up to. I am telling you, if you can’t get a band of children under control you have no business leading them into the future with your science clouded head and overload of unnecessary information. And that also means if you can’t tell a parent that they are fucked up in the way they bring up a child and stand your ground and live by that that you shouldn’t be a teacher at all. The whole problem is that the group of people that is most likely to enter the school system are conformists anyway. So you will inevitably never see the kind of revolutionary spirit in schools that we are required to learn about in history class. It is no wonder that protesting and voicing of unorthodox opinions always only starts in universities. It is because we have silenced the kids so much they are not allowed to speak up until they come of age and then they explode due to the stuck up trauma that built up for over ten years. Everyone is only fixated on themselves. How about you teachers start thinking about what you are actually sweating for. You are not sweating so one student at least gets to learn something. Or a paycheck or your nice evening at home or the next holiday. You are sweating because you have a responsibility to lead the next generation into a lane that will shape the way our country goes and you decide to crumble under stress and the prospect of resistance on all sides. I have seen teachers that went into their 60s with the same vigor as if they were 20. And ruling with an iron fist without a single bad word or threat spoken. The kids will notice if you are a trooper or not. And if you are anything less than a trooper you shouldn’t be a teacher. You are not their substitute parents you are their potential mentors. A real mentor does not care for the wellbeing of their students, he has a message to share and anyone who is willing to learn can stay or leave if he is unwilling. Make the students want to be like you, make them want to idolise you. And realise that your responsibility as an icon runs deep. But you guys neither have the drive, passion nor fighting spirit to take it that seriously. I know that already. Only a handful of teachers were like that. I was their worst student but learned the most from them because they were concerned with everything but my math problems. They were concerned for my working conditions, the way I present myself to others, the way I treat others and the way I think for myself among other things. Now you must be thinking "well we are only human, let’s have you try being a saint all the time" I am sorry, but from now on being a saint should stand in the job description of being a teacher. We cannot have easily stressed and anxiety prone people, people that still have demons they need to fight with, sow the seed of hatred that has been growing into a forest over the years and now covers the whole planet, into the heads of our children yet again. Realise that the world that unfolds in a school is like a war zone. And now realise that you are not made for that war zone. The fact that you don’t see it that way proves that you can’t take it as seriously when it is really that serious. The best thing would be to see that schools should be led by people who made a craft that required a school. There should be a math school, a music school, a history school but no general school anymore, anything in the internet with the help of ai can make up for the lack of education in the other schools. And everyone is free to leave a school and enter another one at any given point in time without bureaucratic trouble. Even on a childish whim switching schools and entering cooking school for example does not pose a problem. That way even the creative people have a reliable source of income because there is now a high demand of teachers required. And the best thing? They were not schooled in pedagogy. You would say that this would just be education by randoms Joe's then but in reality the expertise is what is asked for not the censorship of the teachers thoughts. The man can be the nastiest right winger in history, if he throws a solid pitch he is to educate the people on how to throw a solid pitch. It is just that easy, start treating people as equals again. So that next to having become an expert on their field they actually have a heart and soul. You are the pillars of this country PILLAR. You don’t have the luxury to cry about the weight on your shoulders you idiots! You have to carry on or the house falls down.

[@cassandraelliot7878]

When my principal asked me why I was retiring, I responded, "If I don't, I'll be dead by the end of the year." That slipped out of my mouth. I never had that thought before that moment. Lies where told about me and how I treated the children by colleagues and parents. Some of whom had never been in my classroom. Meanwhile, I was always years ahead of the district in implementing advanced teaching practices. That made many of them angry with me. It was sad. I am alive!

[@phoenixrising4995]

I grew up during the early 00s and I can say that the teachers and special educators had it tough. I knew if I was to be a teacher I would do so as I private tutor (limit the student pool to make it more cohesive, have individualised attention actually applicable, keep my passion of teaching because Im not drained by teaching 30 pupils at once plus the behaviours of the mob mentality taking over, giving the parents the feeling like their kid is getting something special, so on..... so on. Plus, why spend all that time and money in Uni. when your walking into a bear trap. I learned from a Martial Arts Instructor the golden ratio is 7 or 8 pupils to 1 teacher. Damn! He was a smart cookie.

[@cassandraelliot7878]

@@phoenixrising4995 - When I taught 5th grade, there were 38 students in my class. I did 20 minute rotation cycles just so I could have direct contact with each student every day. I was called a "dumb ass bitch" and other things by my students. I went back to primary. 24 student seemed like a breeze.

[@trees915]

*were

[@trees915]

@@cassandraelliot7878 *students

[@cassandraelliot7878]

@@trees915 LAUSD

[@gcwhiteside98]

The issue isn't enough pay, insurance, whatever... (im a teacher); its the horrible parents who won't discipline their kids or teach them the importance of respect and hard work.

[@lydiapawlak8564]

So true!! But teachers please stop saying you don't teach for the money.... They know you love it, so they feel then you won't be affected by anything. Companies are like slave drivers, The more you hate your job, and or more the stress and high pressure they pay you more. PROBLEM: Corporation programming in school teachers don't add up. Corporations have this hang up that teachers lean back and just teach and are so relaxed artist gig, not a worthy high paying profession. Why? Because it is creative in a lot of ways. Creativity doesn't pay in America unless you are on top!

[@garygeorge9648]

Not only the parents, but the administration who wants to give them snicker bars instead of consequences.

[@johnnykeys1978]

Perhaps your problem wasn't the parents, but the fact that you were participating in a market that was a STATE FORCED MONOPOLY. Would you complain if one brand of drinking water was mandated, regardless of what was in it? edit: grammar correction

[@LLS710]

I agree. WHY are parents so utterly irresponsible these days?

[@LiterallyVee]

My parents always thought the teacher's word was GOLD. They practically worshipped their professors in their home country. It shocked me to see how parents treat, challenge and discredit teachers in this generation, in this country. Im not a teacher but I respect them. I wish more people did.

[@cathyjones7590]

Just found this and as a former elementary teacher, i understand completely. Cant imagine teaching high school kids. Your comment about the summers off made me laugh b/c people are ignorant of the fact that the normal teaching contract is only 10 months and the summer "off" is NOT PAID. So, some teachers have to save some of their monthly pay to for the summer months, if they're not working elsewhere. GOOD FOR YOU FOR TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF AND LEAVING😊

[@aardvark121212]

Good for you. I taught for one year. It was all the stupity which I could take so I became an architect. I never really "worked" after teaching. My time as an architect was fun and the time just flew by. I'm now retired and I certainly do not regret that change.

[@susanmorgan4151]

17 year veteran here. I walked away as well. My stress level was in the stratosphere. I walked away 3 days before the beginning of the school year , when I was told I would be teaching "how to do math for testing purposes" ( I'm an art teacher) . Along with absolutely no back up from administration , best choice I ever made!

[@johnyang1420]

What is wrong with teaching math so they can do better on a test?

[@kathym6603]

​@@johnyang1420 It may not be so wrong if you first have expanded the awareness of the students with the real concepts of math and a reasonable ability to use math in their lives. But a whole course on "passing a test" ? (and you should see how difficult the systems are making the lives of the students with the Common Core C**p) All this is part of an agenda to control their bodies and minds. I suppose, if you could also teach them how they are being used as pawns and then run them through the "test" mill, to show them how they are being gamed you could have some fun!

[@bullard73]

@@johnyang1420 Probably because he is an Art teacher.

[@virginiaoflaherty2983]

Ohhh that is so funny. I was an art teacher too for 18 years. I thought I would be teaching art. But, I was teaching reading, a dumb you got to go to college program devised by the College Board (ka-ching they write and sell the book, sell the PSAT and SAT, honors, AP and GT programs, and Baccalaureate Programs to schools) and the taught how to pass math state testing (physics concepts to mentally retarded middle school students), I was involves in an ART SMART program integrating math, science, reading with art in elementary school - that was actually fun but not really useful. Even started my teaching career as a pre-K Teaching Language and Literacy through Art. What classroom teachers were failing to teach was put on special area teachers, taking away our discipline. The real truth is students don't value learning what schools are teaching. Neither do their parents. We live in a culture that devalues education. A society that believes teachers don't deserve a living wage or should have any protection from a union. A toxic business structured system, top down, punitive, cruel, and abusive. Thanks Bill Gates, boy genius. What's no to love?

[@virginiaoflaherty2983]

@@johnyang1420 Mr. Yang, I don't know what you do for a living, but look at it this way. You are a Pediatrician and you are called upon to administer Anesthesia because there is a vacancy in that position at the hospital. Are you trained to do that? No. Does your license to practice include Anesthesia? No. Same with teaching.

[@sammi988]

I just cleaned out my classroom yesterday after quitting teaching last month, and boy, did I need this reminder after that emotional turbulence. “The kids will be alright.” Thank you.

[@JerredZ]

YAY! I'm happy for you, and I'm happy for your mindset. I LOVE the kids. I miss them - but they WILL be alright!!

[@tomdsilva4014]

best wishes in your new start in life! kat

[@circe...]

I've been thinking of doing this exact thing. Been teaching 13 years. But i switched over to itinerant sped teaching this year so I feel more relaxed. What are your future career plans?

[@kitsune303]

Good luck. Teaching in today's world is such a sh1t job. I left in 2014 and it has been hard, but I'd never go back. Feral kids, helicopter moms, bulldozer dads, micromanaging admins, it just sucks.

[@connordrake5713]

@@kitsune303 You are right. I've entered college last 2016 and I study Education because I want to teach and I love the academics too. :-) I'm so innocent that time and I never knew how horrible the education system is. The moment I become a student-teacher in 2019 is the exact moment I realize how toxic and brutal it is and I've heard a lot of older teachers why we choose education.🤔🤔🤔(This really stuck my head and confused me a lot) We're still young and we shouldn't stress ourselves. After I graduated, Covid-19 happened and it is really the discernment of my life. 😔😔😔 I've think a lot and a lot and I decided to change my career path. 😌 My stress and anxieties are gone and I'm too happy I will never go back to the $hthole again.

[@gabrielahuallanca]

This will be my last year teaching. I have loved your video and I have high hopes for myself as I believe I will be able to exploit my creative side. Congratulations for making this decision that is changing your life. 🎉

[@CEWIII9873]

Will this be your "last year teaching" because they discovered your OF page?

[@gabrielahuallanca]

@@CEWIII9873 Not sure what that stands for... I will stop teaching in public schools because they don't pay enough for the amount of work that we do.

[@shawngoldman3762]

I am 15 years in, and am thinking of quiting. I have been assaulted physically and am always almost always stressed out. There are fewer and fewer reasons to stay in the job. Good for you man.

[@Diegoromero2006]

My girlfriend is a teacher and the stories and stuff she has to deal with is just heartbreaking. Ive been deployed just over 4 years combined afghanistan, iraq and some other places and I tell her I would go back on deployment before I took her place. She thinks i'm joking but the amount of stress she deals with and how the kids and their parents are I'm saying I wasn't that stressed. Before anyone makes any snarky comments, i've been bombed, rocketed, rpg's flying over my head and several times I wasn't sure i was going to make it home for christmas. Teachers are our guides to the future and society is failing them

[@AmandaVieiraMamaesouCult]

I believe you. Several teachers end up with PTSD

[@danzbutrfly]

teaching is the worst job

[@sandrafreeman515]

Amen! If I had known what teaching was really going to be like, then I would never have pursued a degree in it. I foolishly thought I could make a difference for the kids, but I couldn't, at least, not anything significant due to the bureaucracy in education today. It's just impossible to really make a difference in the lives of students, especially for the ones who need it the most. :(

[@ruganzureggie385]

Appreciate your service sir

[@markberryhill2715]

I have said it many times - the last two jobs on the face of this earth I would do are be a cop or a school teacher. Not enough money in the world. I would clean toilets or drive a septic tank truck first. (If you do either don't get mad - I've done both)

[@cadamsm11]

I wish you all the best. I did my 30 years, and like lots of others, stayed in for the kids-and also that magical retirement check! The day after school ended 5 years ago now, I went to the principal with a reasonable request. I had been teaching the AP history classes, but started my day with the ‘special Ed’ history class. I told the principal I was getting a bit too old to handle all the challenges that come with SPED, and felt a younger, more energetic teacher might be what those kids need. They refused this minor request from a successful veteran teacher, so I stood up and said this is my resignation…I will go and write it up formally. The looks in their eyes was priceless, like I wasn’t allowed to quit. Probably the best thing I ever did!

[@vanessab3391]

Wow! If you did 30 consecutive years of full time teaching, then you definitely deserve retirement, enjoying the beaches, or whatever it is people with lots of money like to enjoy.

[@cadamsm11]

@@vanessab3391 Lots of money, I wish! All retirement did was allow me to try different jobs and not have to work a full time schedule. My retirement pay is about 2/3 of what my old salary was……still working, but more free time.

[@valeriethomas4168]

Chris and Matt, as a retired Special Ed teacher I completely understand why you requested to be replaced with a younger more energetic teacher. Dealing with those students takes a tremendous amount of energy. Good for you for standing up for yourself. Your mental health is more important than anything.

[@Flurgh]

@@middleagemoto That’s not how it is spelled in American English.

[@Marchoupi]

Hahaha !That was awesome , When you've reached your limit. Good for you friend.

[@nathanieldrake6658]

This is heartbreaking - this man is probably on the top of many a student’s list of favorite teachers -take inspiration and give love to teachers everywhere

[@markjodonohue]

Hey Jerred, thanks for making this video. I'm a teacher in my 6th year but don't have any plans on quitting anytime soon. I'm in a very fortunate position (Australia, good region, good support at the school level) where I'm not copping the same crap a lot of teachers cop. I completely empathise with your position though, I know plenty of other teachers who are suffering, and who are not receiving the support they desperately need and deserve. You're 100% right when you say that these teachers need to give themselves permission to leave. No doubt they will feel guilty, no doubt they will struggle to pull the trigger, but I'm certain that they will find a similar peace to what you've felt. Teaching years are like dog years. 18 years in the business of teaching is a lifetime in any other business. I'm doing my best to follow in the footsteps of amazing teachers like you, and to continue helping and supporting the kids while I can. From one teacher to another, thank you for your lifetime of service, and I'm so glad to hear that you've come out the other side and enjoying it.

[@kevindoyle6769]

As a teacher of over twenty years, I can say this with total confidence. Someone who has not done the job does not have a clue what it's like.

[@jillbowers7367]

You are so right. I'm in year 33.

[@Meegwun]

I've been a teacher for over 30 yrs, and I can say with 100% confidence, you are entirely correct. I left my home country over 20 yrs ago to live abroad; a big part of the reason for that was watching education be continually underfunded while teachers were being scapegoated for societal ills.

[@haroldconner2645]

Exactly. I retired after 34 years.

[@RatatRatR]

It's very frustrating when people run their mouths about "teachers only work 9 months a year" etc. It's like, just shut up. If you haven't done the job, just shut up.

[@aldoloya9672]

@@Meegwun 0

[@jppalm3944]

My father a retired teacher and coach, now deceased, predicted this in the late 60s. He taught in a wealthy conservative school. The change was in the parents.

[@annabrahamson4320]

I agree, my sister was alot older than me, her kids were just 3 years behind me in school. My parents and other kids parents my age thought teachers word was gold, for good or bad. Youbgot detention after school for a number of things and it didn't matter if you missed the bus and had no way home. Pur parents would add onto that punishment for inconviniencing anyone who had to pick you up. My sister on the other hand always took her kids side over teachers, me as her summer daycare person (I quit) and she begged me back. And it only got worse. I believe because my parents never ever questioned what teachers said, some not great teachers did things that were questionable in their behavior (innocent kids got detention and had 5 miles to walk home). This led the next generation to overreact and compensate for the unfairness they perceived they experienced. And there were incompetent and bad teachers in my day, some treated the poor kids really badly, refusing to see the whole incident and all involved. I had a physical Ed teacher who when a girl got I to my locker and put a raw egg in it so when I pit my foot in it broke! The girl got in zero trouble I did, my only pair of shoes for the year were ruined and I had to wear them all day after! And the rest of the year! She also stole $10 from me for a lock! Teachers were not always great and those kids turned into parents still stinging from narcesistic teachers. Not an excuse for rudeness but an explanation. I also had lazy teachers in the 1970s who sat with his feet up on the desk, he would hand out reading assignments, tests and quizzes and ignore us. The class was put of hand with people leaving and clowns making everyone laugh while he did nothing at all.

[@jppalm3944]

@annabrahamson4320 as I child of a teacher I still had very bad teachers that almost destroyed my life.

[@LandonStrauss-hc1sc]

Conservatives ruined the modern public schools, libraries, calling teachers groomers, Republican religion and politics are to blame this ISN'T the 60's we have advances in medicine, not lead based paint.

[@Poodle_Gun]

I'm sure free market utopianism lent a helping hand

[@robertherrera100]

I grew up in Northern California in a conservative area. In 1994, we were mostly all good students. We were on time and showed tremendous respect for our teachers, football and Track&field coaches. But we showed respect always. I was a bit a class clown at times but still managed to graduate with my class with a 3.5 GPA. Good luck, teachers out there. Don't give up!

[@DrakeBrunette]

Teenagers are getting so much worse and it’s scary… Teachers can’t do anything to properly discipline these kids. Many Parents are overprotective or inattentive and don’t want to take responsibility for their “little precious angels”. And the Superintendents/Principals are more concerned with liability issues & lawsuits than they are to making the morally rights decisions for these kids proper development… we’re fostering a generation of far too many rude, entitled and delusional young people. And it’s looking like it’s going to get worse before it gets any better.

[@connor_flanigan]

I left government high school 30 years ago. kids were already getting wild in the 80s and early 90s. I can't imagine what a zoo it is now.

[@LibertyFascism]

In the 80s and 90s, things were getting wild even though teachers could still punish students. That was taken off the table this century. School discipline is gone.

[@erikmorales1004]

Itsssss sooo bad now lol

[@adequatequality]

As the son of a former teacher and ESL instructor, it baffles me how much people are unaware of the constant stress and burnout teachers experience. I remember one time, my mom came home bawling her eyes out because she was harassed and embarrassed by a kid's parents just for doing her job. Only in teaching could you receive such awful public treatment and still be regarded as the bad guy in some people's eyes. Luckily, she ended up quitting teaching and transitioned to marketing and she's never been happier since.

[@callmeangie867]

“Teachers don’t usually quit because of the kids. They quit because of the adults who make their jobs harder than it needs to be.”

[@miketexas4549]

Hopefully she enjoys marketing during the months of June, July, and August.

[@helenakurcewiczowna6695]

Nursing is much worse

[@georgevavoulis4758]

In Canada public school system teachers have it so good and my teachers were all CRAP all in it for the money and time off get way over paid and CANNOT TEACH . Worst is they are all very bad role models for kids . They don't get fired unless molest or murder a kid . This is been a problem in Canadian school system since I was a kid back in 1970s

[@twistedinnocence8617]

99% of the time the problem isn't the kid, it's their parents. Bad parenting makes bad kids.

[@summonerarts4276]

Mr. Z! It's me, Contessa! You were my homeroom teacher. My favorite memory there was when you gave me that big box of Magic: The Gathering cards. I still have that box to this day full of those cards. It was one of the best days I've had. It was pretty difficult for me in high school and that Christmas gift was something very special to me and no teacher has done something like that for me before. I will never forget. Thank you.

[@JerredZ]

Oh my gosh!!!!! Hello! How are you???? Your words are so welcome and I can't thank you enough. You were always such a joy, and I remember those cards! I'm here for you if you need me!!!!!

[@summonerarts4276]

Will do, Mr. Z! ^w^

[@LuvinLyfe052]

Sorry to be nosey, but would you mind sharing about the box of cards. I am a school counselor and I'm intrigued to hear more!

[@LuvinLyfe052]

Sorry to be nosey, but would you mind sharing about the box of cards. I am a school counselor and I'm intrigued to hear more!

[@summonerarts4276]

@@LuvinLyfe052 Mr. Z gave me the box of Magic: The Gathering cards as a late christmas gift. I believe he over heard me talking about Magic: The Gathering and was getting into the card game and so he gave me the box.

[@nancywelsh4309]

I retired after 36 yrs (high school). Honestly, the kids had more problems at home than any teacher, counselor, admin could deal with. It's no wonder they acted out in school. I could give horror stories, and I did teach 4 murderers, but I also taught kids who made it in life.

[@Jane5720]

I’ve also thought that some of those kids are just one step away from incarceration

[@byeteaching]

Great video! As a former teacher myself, I can totally relate to these mistakes. It's so important for educators transitioning into new careers to be aware of these pitfalls. Thanks for sharing!

[@mariacastillo5625]

My heart breaks for the “good” kids that have to put up with the troubled ones. 😢I never cleared my credential because I had my own kids, whom I homeschooled. I was feeling guilty for letting my career fall through the cracks. I came across this video, and reading the comments just realized that I did the right thing for my family. My children don’t deserve to sit in a rotting school system.

[@kathym6603]

Kudos and glad for you.

[@Non-religiou]

Maybe something will be done eventually, the line has to be drawn at some point.

[@TwoDollarGararge]

The good kids make it through and figure it out Yes some good teachers help but they figure it out

[@Non-religiou]

@@TwoDollarGararge Bad ones on the other hand never make it thru life. They may prevail a little while but eventually they'll fall even reflect themselves on what really happened.

[@user-yn6th4xl4p]

Same. Was full time, stayed home, Raised my kids, used to substitute teach bf covid. I won’t go back. Things changed drastically in the 10 years I had stayed home. I feel sorry for the kids who really want to learn and have to deal with disruptive classmates.

[@retrococonut6437]

Former HS English and Intervention Specialist - I quit after 25 years. I was so sick of the admin telling me to “pass” seniors who don’t do any work , and I was through with parents being as disrespectful as their kids. I agree whole heartedly! Teachers deserve better!

[@AJQuestVideos]

I was an intervention specialist for 3 years. That was a tough job. Luckily a new position opened up and I went into that - media. So much less stressful!

[@BaritoneMonkey]

Brand new teacher here. Our system is so, so broken. Things NEED to change. Or America, along with our children, are screwed.

[@GenerationX1984]

Somebody should go after the parents for not forcing their kid to do homework.

[@DropoutJerome]

As someone who barley passed HS due to not caring because I knew 99% of the material taught is completely useless outside of the academia bubble I think is ridiculous that you were pissed because you had to pass seniors who slacked. I graduated 7 years ago and I work a tech job making good money and everything I use on a daily basis I learned in junior high and I research the internet if I need to learn something. Too many HS Teachers and college professors have their heads up their asses and think what they teach is actually useful when the vast majority of it especially during the last years of HS is again, completely useless. I think this fact is why Teachers are paid so little imo. Leadership knows the material is useless and 99% of school is babysitting and busy work that isn't actually constructive.

[@GenerationX1984]

@@DropoutJerome My aunt is Korean and she used to ground my cousin for a month or more if he ever got anything less than a B in any subject. Asians take education seriously to the point of abusing their underachieving kids.

[@Shinybadguy]

Good on you, Jerred! Teachers and Nurses seem to be experiencing similar pressures and they are walking away at an alarming rate. Self preservation is a perfectly good reason to go.

[@kaytee7607]

18 years is nothing to scoff at! I wish you the best moving forward in life!

[@julianmarsh8384]

My advice to all American teachers--if possible, apply overseas at international schools. While some of them are not good, most are. My own experience--6 years in China and 2 years in Mauritania, were fantastic....I actually had A) a wonderful curriculum...B) more than adequate resources....C) administrators who worked with me and not against me....D) students who were there to learn (in 8 years, I sent a total of 3 students to the office)...decent pay, housing paid for, most utilities covered, living allowances, and air fare to and from the school, all paid for...to be fair, China was the better experience as I had mostly non-American parents to deal with and those parents were 100% on my side....you are treated with respect and You Get To Spend Your Time Teaching and not baby-sitting...check out QSI....teach and see the world and kiss America goodbye! Note: I NEVER met an expat teacher from America who ever wanted to go back and teach in America again...that says a lot.

[@crowmedicine3890]

I can attest to the fact that families from other countries have so much respect for teachers. It's not at all the case with American families. There is a HUGE divide. I wonder why that is?

[@julianmarsh8384]

@@crowmedicine3890 Respect began to drop after teachers unionized and demanded more pay...Americans respect teachers that don't cost much...

[@vilesyn]

Asian countries are almost all like this. Both Korea and Thailand are exactly the same way. Actually in Thailand, you’ll actually see teachers celebrated on TV, as they are seen as high-class citizens for teaching and shaping the children of the country.

[@katrags3603]

@@julianmarsh8384 Um no. Americans have never respected education.

[@julianmarsh8384]

@@katrags3603 I think that is going a step too far. The early Puritans were big on education and quite a few immigrant groups came over and were grateful for the opportunity America's free public schools afforded to their children...German-Americans ran their own schools until the First World War and of course the trogs in America had them shut down...certainly the G.I. Bill saw many former enlisted personnel take advantage of tuition free education...something went wrong beginning in the 1970s and continues to spiral downward....

[@monie7293]

Mom taught for 40 years. The horrible stories she told and the horror I witnessed made me steer clear of the profession. Running across your channel made me glad I "listened"!!! I have education in my blood and HIGHLY think teachers are disrespected!!!!!!!!!!

[@jeSuisbar]

Test Administrator was super good. There were ton of retired teachers. I cancelled exams for tardiness or disruptive behavior. You don’t put up with bullshit.

[@blingbling574]

My mom taught in the public system for five years then switch over to the private system. She enjoyed the smaller class sizes and freedom. She fully retired from teaching after 25 years. She was a great mother and teacher to me.

[@rsmithp51]

Thank you for your story in the teaching profession. I also taught for 18 years in Florida teaching US history world history, psychology, sociology, geography, US government at the high school level. Discipline was usually a challenge but the biggest challenge was administration especially from the school board. I found most parents to be respectful but some of them can be quite brutal. In 2020 I had to quit because of stress caused by the Covid situation. They expected us to teach online and face-to-face at the same time. My brain went into fighter flight causing me to not be able to sleep for six months. I did not know I was in fighter flight but I decided to quit because it wasn’t worth my health. I noticed your store with all the Fujifilm stuff and you’ve given me an idea about posting my own story and doing something similar. I also love photography.

[@ashively1]

You sir are awesome! I am sure your impact was huge in ways you can't imagine. I left after 17 years. I still get teary eyed as I watch your video. I gave it my best. My principal upon my letter of resignation said at lease there are fewer this year than last year. That was it! It still stings.

[@createone100]

Absolutely, utterly, right on! As a retired teacher I know all about classrooms being hijacked by disruptive, rude, obnoxious students, with no support from the office.

[@ForTheOmnissiah]

^this. The fact that no one in the building is willing to do anything about the bad behavior leaves teachers alone and completely incapable of doing their job. It's not like teachers are allowed, in any capacity, to punish/discipline students in any reasonable capacity to actually make a change in student behavior.

[@amyntas97jones29]

School management has become a disgrace. I essentially said, "f... off!" and walked away.

[@gnnascarfan2410]

As a student who was lucky to go into a *well off public school* I had several classes like that. When I complained to my friends about it they talk me to take AP classes (requires a lot more effort, I took one of them my senior year) or put up with it.

[@aronzimas5660]

Urban youths

[@legolus]

As a student I hate those kids. So annoying.

[@ironrose888]

I quit teaching after 5 years. I just couldn’t take it anymore. I was so stressed out and sick so much of the time. I had never been treated with so much disrespect by parents, kids and administrators! I moved to another state and started teaching adults and I loved it. I’m so glad that you made the great escape too.

[@TheAlgerianNomad]

What do you work right now?

[@AdultThirdCultureKid1971]

It's not so much the students as it is their parents who are difficult to deal with, right? Good for you for making the change to teaching adults and loving it. 🤜🤛

[@connordrake5713]

@@AdultThirdCultureKid1971 you are exactly 100% right. I'm a student-teacher last 2019 and I've heard a story of a teacher there that was threatened by a parent to cancel her license just because she discipline the bad behavior of some of her students and the parents are mad at it of course. The parents never discipline their child and it is also not right for teachers to discipline the student too. 😔😔 That is really a wake up call for me and I changed my career path afterwards. I'm glad I'd see kind of situations to early.

[@aninnymoose720]

Lmao too bad those rude kids will grow up still being rude ... And unfortunately u may cross paths again..

[@Mr.Goodkat]

@@connordrake5713 The parent should be mad, how would you honestly take to being shoved into a place you don't want to be and forced to do work, every single day you don't want to do and get zero pay for it? that's the definition of slavery and is just child labour, stress, stress and more stress is not good for a developing brain (or any brain) on top of that someone is lording over you as if they need to "discipline" or "punish" you if you don't conform to their idea's? it sounds so arrogant and entitled and douchey of them, humans are the only species on the planet who we will put in an unnatural and harmful for them environment and then hurt them for "acting out" in response to it as if they're the issue and need to change, an animal needs to have it's envrnoment tailored to it's needs not hurt to conform to an envirnoment it's not designed for.

[@thebirdclan]

I'm glad you had multiple job offers but every single teacher I know had a difficult time finding a job. It's been 4 years for me and I had to start my own business. It's the same as in the classroom, the corporate world does not see our skills as useful to them. If you're a middle aged woman, it's even more difficult. If you are over 40 and changing it will be hard. Be ready to sacrifice BIG TIME. Be ready to go out on your own. Leaving teaching taught me how to live off on near nothing, less than before, sell my skills in projects and start my own business. He's making it seem easy. It's not.

[@dawnturitto8442]

Amen!!!! When you are 48 and have 25 years of classroom experience, the question you get at an interview for an entry-level, lower paying job, "So, why aren't you teaching any more?" My response was..."How much time do you have?"

[@horselover40]

​I played the game.told them I felt like there ​was no roomfor growth( true) And that I was excited to work, thatI jad always eondered about the client facing field I am in now and how teaching is essentially the ultimate client facing field since everyone is the client lols.some other similar bs showing how teaching skills transfer and voila. I absolitely lovedthe new job too, especially at first. I only coppwd to how much 0f a disaster teaching is once ai was firmly settled in the new role@@dawnturitto8442

[@byeteaching]

One important tip when updating your resume for a career transition is to tailor it to the specific job you're applying for. Research the desired skills and qualifications for the new role and emphasize how your previous teaching experience aligns with them. You've got this!

[@fortyoneshades]

Good for you! I quit after 18 years also. Best decision ever!! Most kids today behave terribly, they feel entitled, parents aren't involved in their kids education, but they do enjoy blaming everyone but themselves. Teacher shortage is real! Those parents are going to have fun teaching their own little darlings when there are no more teachers to bash!

[@zoidberg444]

Probably not the worst thing to be honest.

[@TheWharbleHarble]

lmfao so do you want to beat kids so they step in line or?

[@waterotter3625]

Nah. Those kinds of parents will let their kids roam around as "free range". Then, they'll blame the cops for dealing with the fallout of parental neglect.

[@Alicenwndrlnd]

If the parents aren't involved with their childrens lifes ot makes sense they will blame everyone else lol and i am saying this not to defend the parents but to point out that something in our society is majorly flawed...we live in a world where parents are not parenting their kids because they need to work 24/7 to make a living, we let the T.V and tik tok and hollywood parent our kids by letting them sucked in to this social media bubble, children of young age are exposed to things that they shouldnt! Like all the trans and LGBQT community. Since when 7 yo kids need to be concerened about sexuality and gay couples? The world has gone mad.

[@virginiashepard3232]

Teachers are blamed for the parents’ lack of parenting.

[@MrAschiff]

It's important for principals to support their teachers. And parents need to hold their kids accountable if they are not doing well.

[@marlenespotts2282]

Yes agree 👍

[@annamariemiller3877]

Exactly! I retired after 32 years because the principal was horrific and I just couldn’t take her one more day.

[@someotherdude]

You sound well meaning, but that won't do it. It's so much deeper. Education in the USA is headed for collapse. That's the truth.

[@culverp1138]

I’m currently in my 3rd year of teaching and am already planning on quitting once I fulfill my scholarship requirement of 4 years in this profession. You mentioned that mental load of constantly worrying about something and that is exactly how I feel. I also agree that no one who has never taught has any idea what it’s really like. I have no idea yet what I will do once I can quit but I just know this isn’t for me

[@suramity4778]

I found your story incredibly compelling and influential. I recently got into teaching special education 5 months ago and have found that it has drastically changed my life than when I was just an instructional aid. I often find that when I get home I am always exhausted both physically and mentally, and because I take my work home, I work between 12-14 hour shifts. I have had quitting on the mind for a little bit now but am scared about opportunities that await outside of teaching since I am in SPED. I love working with my kiddos (elementary school) but if I quit I'm also 20k in debt because of my teaching grant if I do not work in a title 1 school for 4 years. While I'm scared, I am heavily gonna research what other opportunities there are and use this video as inspiration. You have put in many years into education and how complex it is beneath the surface. Hearing how much creative you have been since you left tells me that you've wanted to do many things, but the job often required adjusting priorities. Thank you for the inspiration, I'll watch this video again when I'm feeling down and need some light to pursue. All the best.

[@starlight7499]

" You can realize the level of a society by measuring how much respect they give to their teachers . "

[@pathader4839]

When I went to school teachers demanded respect, and it wasn't just one teacher it was all the teachers the entire School. If you did anything wrong you were expelled. The classroom was pin drop quiet no disruptions of any kind. Somewhere along the line they relax the rules to where it's complete chaos now. The students also knew how they were supposed to behave and what was expected of them and the consequences if they didn't. The teachers and principal ruled the roost.

[@pathader4839]

@John S. I went to school from 64 to 68 and then the Vietnam war started really ramping up, all the drugs and hippies started up, and everything went upside down immediately after that. The pill was introduced, and everything changed. The Beatles, men with long hair, anti-establishment. The summer of 68 was a lot of rioting riots in the colleges in the schools and was just riots all over. Protests over Vietnam war. Prior to that life was nice and calm, people behave nicely they dress nicely they had manners. The high school that I went to was brand new and strict.

[@kimberlycockram1894]

I’m feeling this way about nursing

[@TheOneRioji]

@@pathader4839 I mean, you can thank America for dragging us all into a needless war. That we lost. And then treated the vets like absolute garbage. Tough to blame the hippies for that one.

[@Clone-up2ge]

@@pathader4839 "life was nice and calm" "then the Vietnam war started really ramping up", yeah uh.... maybe pick one?

[@kristahutchinson907]

We never know how much stress we’re under until we’re not. It’s the same with illness- we never know how bad we felt until we feel better.

[@nowayjosedaniel]

No one teaches people rudimentary mental health practices, like always being aware of your stress and its origin, coping, etc. It is shocking how little awareness most Americans seem to have about their own mental health, but with the high cost of Healthcare, the macho culture stigma, and the horrible publc education, we have the reason why these life skills arent taught. Certainly wont learn those vital life lessons in public school. Nor other vital lessons like driving, finances, or even how to properly use a microwave! Not anymore in most schools, anyway.

[@julesybethmedlini]

Excellent comment. I had zero idea how much stress and survival mode I was in until I wasn’t. Never go back.

[@britneynicole8903]

The amazing thing is that we do not always know we are stressed until it is too late!

[@kteacher5662]

21 years teaching middle school. Everything this guy says is the "truth." I am also considering quitting the profession and moving on. The public school system is completely broken. The golden age of teaching is long dead. I feel bad for all the new teachers that are still excited to influence the future, but the current system will let them down very quickly. So sad for our kids and new teachers. Hopefully, the pendulum will swing the other way and public education will have the prestige that it once had not too long ago...

[@mikealvord55]

Go to the high school. It’s not a cure all but Jr. High is a ZOO!

[@user-wr2cd1wy3b]

It was beautiful being a student in the 90's, but the behavior of kids today... They need to bring back the spanking or something severe. It's needed desperately. The admin thinks bringing in a bunch of migrants is going to solve the cultural crisis brewing with these kids. Like putting a band-aid on a dam that is going to progressively begin bursting as the years roll on.

[@greywitchwanderer9608]

I think a lot of parents who care about their kids learning are going to opt for homeschooling.

[@skillsmachine9164]

I agree. The kids were always great and the easier part for me and teaching the actual lessons. But all the meetings, planing outI agree. The kids were always great and the easier part for me. But all the meetings, planing outside of hours, marking, parents, back stabbing from other staff, no support from "leadership" and just the dynamics on the whole is terrible. side of hours, marking, parents, back stabbing from other staff, no support from "leadership" and just the dynamics on the whole is terrible.

[@wendysbrian1]

God Bless you. One of my patients left teaching and it sent me on a rabbit hole of teachers leaving the profession. I'm not surprised at all to see high quality teachers leaving the profession in today's environment. You're no longer appreviated. You did the right thing. God speed to you. Enjoy your new freedom!

[@amyashlyn2999]

After hearing “F you!” And worse for almost 20 years in an elementary school my final straw came when I asked a girl to get in line where she was supposed to be. I embarrassed her in front of all her friends! She then went to lunch recess and conjured up a story (with 3 of her friends) about how I had physically abused her. Then they all paraded into the principals office and told her story. Thank God she is stupid. The principal knew she was lying. However her mother called the police and I was standing in a conference room after school having my Miranda rights read to me. Thank God I had at least 2 adult witnesses there the whole time!

[@JerredZ]

Thanks for sharing, Amy. Stories like that are so scary!

[@alexmendez3681]

What's the cause of the issue? Are American parents simply not disciplining their own kids in the correct manner?

[@kathaiti]

WOW! I am sorry that happened to you.

[@rewdskwid]

@@alexmendez3681 A lot of it has to do with the fact a lot of families are a single parent household or both parents are working so much they don't have time to parent their kids. The internet is raising the future generations because we keep shoving tablets and phones into literal infants' hands just so they stop crying. Helicopter parents are a whole other problem. I don't think this is a Parent vs. Teacher issue, it's so much bigger than that.

[@joycewright5386]

And did the little brat at least get suspended for that?

[@262mommy]

Hi Jerred, I'm a second-career teacher (parent of an autistic daughter) and I thought I could handle public education... until I realized that 95% of the job was dealing with students who had ZERO ability to self-regulate and ZERO respect for authority. Parents could blame me for literally everything and I was gaslighted into thinking that their lack of motivation was caused by me. I've made it 6 years and I don't regret any of it because being around the energy of those kids (when it was positive) gave me a new lease on life, but I have had to make a choice due to my health deteriorating from stress. Next year, I'll be moving into a technology career and already it feels like a weight lifted off my shoulders.

[@Tes7000]

Until campus discipline is restored in public schools, the crisis in public education will continue to get worse. Principals have to get back in control of schools, and they have to backup the teachers. My late mother taught for over 30 years and retired in 2004. By the time she retired, she had grown to despise teaching. And mind you, she was a woman who prided herself on her ability to hold order in class. I hear that cell phones have made teaching even more difficult, so I can only imagine what teaching is like now.

[@JerredZ]

Thanks for commenting, and I'm so sorry that you had this experience. I'm SO happy that you are moving on the a new career and the stress of a toxic situation is off your shoulders. Good luck in all you do!

[@Nan-59]

@@Tes7000. It's HORRIBLE! My daughter is a special ed teacher in middle school and it is horrible! But for the student loans she has, she would not be teaching. How hard that must of been for your mother. It's UNBELIEVABLE how students are, and sometimes their parents are horrible, too.

[@Tes7000]

@@Nan-59 I have to salute your daughter for taking on a truly special path in education. If the toxic environment in education continues, it will run off needed professionals like your daughter. My mother and all of her longtime teacher friends were completely over it by the early 2000s. My mother passed 12 years ago, but there is no way she would be teaching today if she were still alive.

[@Nan-59]

@@Tes7000 Thanks! She hoped to make a difference. She graduated high school in 2000, just when your mother & her friends were getting out! Just today, I saw a news article talking about teachers being beaten up by students, etc. It's the first article I believe I've seen about what's happening inside US public schools. It's about time someone is talking about it. The NEA magazine that just came out had an article about it, too. I worry about my daughter and all teacher's mental health. Many of them are hanging on my a thread. You shouldn't experience PTSD from teaching a classroom of students. It's very scary. Thanks for chatting.

[@MrLinkedUp]

Hey just wanted to say, your story resonates with me 100%. I've been in education for about 10 years with classroom teaching on and off. I quit finally because of low pay (I'm in AZ so yeah...), toxic work environments, horrible administration, kids who didn't want to learn, etc. I had sleepless nights, depression, anxiety you name it, I was a mental and physical wreck! I'm currently substitute teaching but I'm now leaving that and going into business for myself. I wish I had never got into teaching/education but I take all I've learned and gone through and it made me stronger. I'm glad I quit and to any future aspiring teachers here...think long and hard about being a teacher. God bless bro. 🙌 😊

[@michaelduggan1890]

Big respect for this man . Good luck in your life !

[@lindseysturkie2205]

I empathize with the plight of teachers. I am a nurse over 30 years. Our profession echos perfectly with practically everything you are saying.

[@peachybuttercrunch4409]

I was a teach, many family members of mine are nurses...how well we understand each other.!

[@sunny1433]

As a retired Nurse I agree 100%. They way Nursing safe is treated by the administration is deplorable. I’ve been out since 2015 & never missed it at all.

[@TheWharbleHarble]

I know, doesn't it suck when professions where you don't have to specialize or learn much more than you were already forced to learn as a kid pay as much as they should be paying?

[@xxluaxx6]

Same here as a social worker ❤️

[@islandgirl6576]

The highest percentage of public servants in my country in our mental institution are nurses and teachers. Sad, just sad!

[@MsCassie272]

So glad that you acknowledged all of the good skills teachers possess.

[@user-eq5vj3qt1u]

Bless you sir, I will always remember my teachers as the best people I had ever met. I'm 55

[@thealethiaco]

People just don’t get how exhausting it is to be a teacher. We work far more than 8 hours. We are mentally and physically drained daily.

[@williamyoung9401]

9,000 subscribers, 6,000 comments. ;-)

[@jeffkaczmarek3577]

Boo hoo, if you don't like it, you are free to quit, forfeit your taxpayer funded paychecks and benefits and go find a real job at any time.

[@eramos8916]

​@@jeffkaczmarek3577 you clearly have no idea and ignorant. Being a teacher in this is tough, with the way students treat others and teachers. It's easy for you to say such, but if you were to teach you too would be stressed.

[@JohnDoe-uw9nq]

​​@@jeffkaczmarek3577nd what do you do for society? Let us know about your "real job".

[@jeffkaczmarek3577]

@@JohnDoe-uw9nq I'm a carpenter. If it weren't for tax cattle like us who are forced to fork over close to 50% of the fruits of our labors to fund the paychecks and pensions of these parasties, public schools would cease to exist due to lack of funding. You and these socialist sponges should be thanking us for our service.

[@dellalyn9918]

My son taught for 1yr and 6 months, chemistry and science(Freshman & Sophomore)high school level. His first day(a sub at first), he came in, introduced himself, and started to talk the subject. Two students, a boy and a girl, were conversing with each other, and basically ignored what he was saying. He stated, 'I'm going to say this once', and told them to pay attention. They scoffed at him, started to talk crap, he said, so he walked over, told them to gather their things and get out of his class room...they resisted, so he went and opened the door, and told them, I don't care at this point where you go, just go! He said they were shocked, but they left. Then the principal and counselor knocked on the door a few minutes later, because the two were wandering the halls. They asked my son to step out in the hall. My son started first that he wouldn't tolerate any student that disrupted his class. The Principal said, not a problem, but if you kick a student out of class, you have to tell them where to report. They were back in class the next morning, mouths shut and attentive. Many students went to him for help in math, and most said he was their favorite teacher. He lasted a year and 6 months. Too many parents not teaching their kids to respect authority...it always rolls over to the classroom, and it's a fight to gain control when a few students want to cause chaos.

[@skoolie_life3261]

In my county, we are not allowed to kick kids out of class. If they are belligerent or violent, we can call a Dean to come get them, but they will be back the next day.

[@dellalyn9918]

@@skoolie_life3261 The U.S. is basically the same. Students nowadays, are taught to fight conservative studies such as Math/English/Science/History/Geography, etc..They are instead taught the perversions and agendas of the leftists democrats, so we now have some of the DUMBEST, RUDEST, MOST VIOLENT, kids in the world...not caring to contribute to a civil society, only to take, and cause chaos.

[@willp.8120]

For a student to misbehave like that, you know in general they have to be terrible parents.

[@SangNguyen-wj5ch]

Oh my goodness I did and said the same thing like your son. LOL. Few minutes later the principal came over and told me the same thing. Lol.

[@katcre22]

I’ve often wished that we had campus security that we could call to ‘escort’ students straight to detention. This would solve many problems

[@Jiggysaw]

Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts, this is a great story and I believe that you deserve to be happy!!

[@jls4184]

I have just started my teacher training because I worked as a teaching assistant last year, and I genuinely enjoy the teaching job. However, I am aware that the pay is low in the UK, and many newly qualified teachers leave within 5 years. I am planning to do the same. I have worked in a really tough school and served as a TA, and I burst into tears because it is too tough. So, I share what you have experienced.

[@Jane5720]

As a teaching assistant, you already know how bad it is why are you going into teaching?

[@sunflowerdodo8440]

I, too, am a veteran teacher, who returned from taking care of a sick husband, the pandemic, and came back to endure seven weeks of torture. I did not recognize the current reality of the public school system. I quit and heard angels singing. Sir, I commend you.

[@JerredZ]

Thank you for this. I'm so glad that you heard the angels singing too! :) Take care of yourself and enjoy the sanity!

[@justice77justice39]

Lol..."angels singing ".

[@Lunchladydoyle]

As a student who LOVED learning I too feel your pain. Every single class was held back to the level of whatever juvenile delinquent controlled the room. My 3 best classes were with the same teacher who was sassy as hell and took no crap from miscreants. I’m glad for your students you hung in there and thrilled you respect yourself enough to go. God speed on your future plans and thank you for doing one of the toughest jobs there is.

[@sebby324]

Same I mess up lots of work because of scum in my class being horrid to the teacher

[@bungiecrimes7247]

Sad yes, but good lord the class clowns got me through the horrible environment. The only time I had a smile on my face and the only laughs I got out were when those heros interrupted the class. At home was dead silence. Nothing to find funny there.

[@mrusername3438]

You probably reminded the teacher of the homework they forgot to pass out.

[@sebby324]

@@mrusername3438 no I hate when people do that lol

[@beavermcdoogles]

its always a black kid holding the class back

[@reinaldotorres27]

I just found this video. All I can say is Kudos to you for taking your life back!! I have never taught school, but, my grandmother was an educator for 44 years in the Miami Dade County Public School system so I have heard the good, the bad, and the ugly from a veteran educator! I am grateful she retired when there was still respect for teachers, because now it is totally lost! As you stated, “society expects you to sit there and take it!” More teachers would do well to follow your example!

[@robolgatree5815]

#Amazing - I did the same thing and a close friend of mine did as well when a student brought a gun to school (rural Georgia) and nothing was done to the student. She just walked away, she didn't even say anything to anyone. I had been a traffic engineer in Miami after college but retired to soon and came back home to Tennessee and with a degrees I started teaching. I was actually working with others who weren't fit to teach, that's why I walked away. Thanks for talking about it,

[@toneverzosa5822]

As a stylist, i’ve witnessed many an emotional breakdown in my chair from educators whom shared with me the disrespect they received while doing their best in front of a class,.....I get it! Try dealing with teenagers and their parents in a salon,....If I wrote a book on this matter it would read like a fictional Novel.

[@SkySpiral8]

Thank you for being there!

[@fjbfuckjoebiden8548]

They are all groomers

[@TheWharbleHarble]

Educators: Teaching your kids and having mental breakdowns in hair salons. This perfectly summarizes why teachers don't make more.

[@getmeouttatennessee4473]

@@TheWharbleHarble awww, useless manchild says what?

[@tmak3503]

16 years as a teacher and I'm barely hanging on. This video really hit home. Thanks for sharing your experience and perspective.

[@miketexas4549]

Have you mastered the art of only working your contract hours? It truly is the key to thriving in this profession.

[@Wellwtfallthenamesaretooken]

You better teach those kids.

[@teacherhelp1374]

Did you stick with it or get out?

[@Hitmonscorner_ko]

Came home from a long day at work. Been thinking about leaving the field and you have no idea how much I needed to hear all this. Thank you

[@Catmandude]

I am not a teacher myself, but I have friends who are. The one I talked to most makes me fear for our future. Not because this person does not have a lot of experience, but they have experienced a lot of what you must have been exposed to, to make you quit this noble profession. What it basically boils down to is the kids these days have a drop of respect opposed to the gallon of respect that I had for my teachers growing up. Not every teacher: but every teacher that I have known that has left an indelible mark on my soul and my mind. They probably have left this earth by now. But I just hope the better ones that I loved and respected, knew that everyone they touched has a special place in their heart, their minds, and their souls. I'm very happy for the teacher that made this video. You so deserve it. live long and prosper brother.

[@csm92459]

When I first heard about parents being able to sue teachers my immediate reaction was that teachers should be able to sue parents for students that were unprepared, undisciplined, and disruptive. There is also no reason why teachers should expend their money for supplies--that is BS, Thank you to all the teachers.

[@TheWharbleHarble]

This is great. I'm personally very happy we can sue teachers. I send my kid in with a recording device and camera and go over everything everyday just hoping for that teacher to slip up and make an inappropriate joke. That pensions is mine. If you teachers don't like it straighten up your acts you adult children, paid to regurgitate onto other children.

[@TheWharbleHarble]

@@malissaorr7796 did they?

[@Carol120454]

I guess that's the answer. You have nothing better to do with your time.

[@TheWharbleHarble]

@@Carol120454 Pot calling the kettle black

[@zacharyhonachi2166]

I honestly believe teachers should sue the bullies parents.

[@rickkaylor8554]

I considered becoming a teacher until I started hanging out with a slightly older friend who was a 5th grade teacher and saw what she was going through. Her experience totally convinced me to not pursue this path as a career. Teachers have a lot of skills and can usually find a much better less stressful job. Life is too short to be miserable in your job.

[@TalkWithJoce]

What are some examples of jobs you think people with teaching skills can do instead that's better?

[@rickkaylor8554]

@@TalkWithJoce There are a lot of corporate training positions. H.R., customer support, software and so on. People with teaching skills can also do well in customer service and technical support positions as well as technical writing. College and trade school instructors are a good option. It is a pity that being a elementary or high school teacher is so difficult. I had many teachers that impacted me when I was young.

[@stefancassar4695]

I can feel you so much! Thanks for sharing. You put the right words!

[@MrsPTarleton]

After 15 years I am wondering if I can make it to retirement. The kids are great but unfortunately, it is all the other stuff that makes the job so difficult. If only we were treated like professionals and allowed to actually teach. I like the advice you were given early on, it may be what will get me through at this point. Glad you found something you enjoy.

[@JerredZ]

The kids are amazing - so I agree! And I’m glad you found a bit of advice from my video that might help out!

[@mehmey]

i’ve taught for 17 years and i feel like i’m at a cross roads: do i stay or go? it’s so hard. the truth is that i cannot see myself teaching this new generation of kids in the next 5-10 years. the system has let me down so many times i’m constantly watching these types of videos on youtube for advice. It’s heartbreaking because i love what i do but there’s no support. there are no rules or consequences anymore. it’s so hard to teach in this type of culture anymore. and on top of all that we have that constant fear of students bringing guns. it keeps piling up and salary increases won’t help.

[@MrsPTarleton]

@mehmey things have definitely changed over the last 15 years. Hopefully you determine your next big plans.

[@sshaw4429]

I am retired military. 30 years. Teacher: 2.5 years. Worst experience of my life.

[@josephfromtheatl9113]

Thank you for your military service.

[@chemicalimbalance7030]

I was a full time teacher for 5 years. I changed careers when I saw how little money I was making, how little impact I was able to have, how awful my life was becoming, and how hopeless our future is. This society is done.

[@Corwin1141]

If you're going into teaching, you're _not_ doing it for the money. I don't know how many of my old teachers tell me of this.

[@spring6906]

Hey! May I ask what your new career is and how you did the transition? Thanks

[@chemicalimbalance7030]

@@spring6906 no career. Just miserable low paying gig after miserable low paying gig.

[@nad3506]

@@chemicalimbalance7030 I'm in the same plight as you, i also quit today. I was totally and utterly drained. Today was really my last straw. I am so glad people relate. I felt so lonely today, and thought every teacher got it right but me then i stumbled on this video, it felt like a sign. Hope you find a job that is stable. Best of luck to you!!

[@javi7602]

@@Corwin1141 facts!

[@lranieri1]

Good for you for putting yourself first! I have no idea what goes on in schools day to day since I don't have kids. I was in the military so respect was always given and received! . I also love that you talked about your letters students and parents gave you, thats so special. Wishing you all the best with your new career!

[@Ssg-he6qg]

Congrats on making this decision for yourself. I have a lot of respect for teachers and my teacher friends constantly tell me how hard things have been lately. I'm happy for you choosing the best for you and your family.

[@stronger7995]

I feel you, this is only my 2nd year teaching and I am so overwhelmed and exhausted. The behaviors in the classroom are killing me and the parents are raising the most entitled kids ever.... When I was a kid, teachers were respected. Now, I feel like they can walk all over us, and admin does nothing... There is no way I can stay in this industry if it continues like this.

[@JerredZ]

I'm so sorry, Carrie. I was really lucky - the students in my classroom was amazing, but I had some insane encounters with kids outside of my classroom. One recent encounter was witnessed by security and had a student screaming obscenities at me, as loud as possible, and threatening me in the commons area because I asked him not to yell "bitch" to a female student from across the room. Administration did nothing - not one thing - telling me that he had lost too many days of school already for other problems. Imagine if I were a younger teacher - the feeling of helplessness would have crushed me. I'm so sorry this is happening to you, and I wish you the best.

[@nwatson2773]

Get out!!!!!

[@ChristopherTaurusTarotOracle]

@@JerredZ Admin Failure! Shame on them. They are setting these kids up for failure.

[@happycook6737]

Get out NOW (end of the school year) while you are young enough to be hired in another profession. It becomes much harder to find a job as you get older.

[@pots2306]

Here’s some more reality for you, Carrie. Administrators CAN’T do anything to help you. They are working under the threat of law suits, unfair publicity, and a school board that also fears lawsuits. The people who work in schools - educators - have the least amount of control over what happens there when it comes to parental complaints. Believe me, Carrie, there are jobs out there that don’t leave you overwhelmed and exhausted and that allow you to sleep at night. But they’re not in education.

[@DP-cr1rg]

I used to be a high school English teacher a little while ago(I can’t remember how many years). Going into that industry was one of the worst decisions of my life, it wasn’t for me. I decided to use the money I made, and it wasn’t much, to pay for law school. Now I make 5x my teaching salary and work a job I enjoy much much more. So for all teachers out there trying to get out, don’t give up hope!

[@TheWharbleHarble]

Imagine that 9_9 a profession that actually objectively can be proven to contribute to society gets paid more than a profession in acadamia. Academia, which a majority of American's drop out at before completing. less than 40% of people have degrees. Teaching cannot be proven to actually bring up society no matter how much you spout as some of the most competent people in the world often didn't attend or even socialize in public schools.

[@thewizardssleeve119]

@@TheWharbleHarble How do you think lawyers contribute more to society than teachers? Imagine there were no schools for the kids - at the very least they function as daycare. Now imagine parents actually did their job and sent in well-parented kids hungry to learn. Imagine what those teachers could do for the kids, instead of having to be part police, nurse, counsellor and a tiny bit teacher.

[@saltymonkey8874]

@@thewizardssleeve119 Now imagine the parents didn't have to work their fingers to the bone and had the time to help their kids.

[@DW-nb2zc]

@@saltymonkey8874 They put themselves in that situation.Then their problems become society's problem

[@BarryBrandon-mz7gb]

I feel that most parents do have time. Most young parents learned they could keep the kids quiet and continue to be in their own world if they just put an iPad or a phone in their child's hands.@@saltymonkey8874

[@byeteaching]

Your video provides valuable guidance and encouragement. Keep up the excellent work!

[@JimBo-sk7pk]

Thank you brother! I needed this inspiration and confirmation that enough is enough after 28 GRUELING years. My prayers are with you in all of your future endeavors. 🙏🏾🤝🏾👏🏾👊🏾🙏🏾

[@skn3098]

I'm planning on leaving teaching too. The kids are great, it's the adults that are the problem. Extremely toxic work environment, a lot of he said, she said bullshit. They literally make you feel like absolute garbage. I wouldn't wish being a teacher on my worst enemy.

[@thalesnemo2841]

Hell YES!

[@wheatstonebridge]

The kids are great?? Really?

[@willsrlutz6842]

​@@wheatstonebridge yes! Would you please stop blaming the damn kids for this trend?

[@willsrlutz6842]

​@@wheatstonebridge it's the damn system that makes education and the school environment suck for these children. My neighbors' offspring are not scapegoats!

[@wheatstonebridge]

@willsrlutz6842 maybe some kids but they have to know accountability too

[@tharplife5451]

I’m out after this year (26 more days…and yes, I am counting!) and couldn’t be happier with my decision. This is year 34 of being a media specialist, and it boggles my mind to think of how the education system in the US has gone straight downhill during my tenure. Your words hit home with me when you said, “they want to call us professionals but they don’t treat us like professionals.” And in the last week (with one month left of the school year), I personally know three career teachers (15+ years) who have resigned to take positions outside of education. This would have been completely unheard of just a few years ago! It is very indicative of the broken system in place now. I worry for the future of education.

[@JerredZ]

Thank you for sharing. And 26 days... not too bad! I'm smiling with you. I say all of this too and I'm a bit conflicted. I don't WANT teachers to leave -I want a great education system for our youth. I worry about the future as well, but I'm struggling to see hope in many situations like mine where the system obviously failed the students! I'm friends with many teachers, and more than ever are leaving this year. Two of them are doing like I did too: just getting out without a plan!

[@jesuisdenis5739]

It's time to recognize and accept NCLB is a failure.

[@SBretiredteacher]

@@JerredZ I want to thank you and other teachers on KZbin for speaking out so well, so eloquently. I am sorry that teaching has become such a nightmarish impossibility. It seems the powers-that-be are dead set on destroying public education, and are about 80 per cent there. Add the pandemic, and the obscene concentration of wealth in a few hands world-wide, there is little interest in the democratic values that spawned public education as an institution created to offer a "hand up" to every citizen, regardless of race, creed, gender or class. THAT was the never-truly-realized original goal of public education. Critical thinking and cooperative learning are out the window. Democracy is dying. We are truly headed into an Orwell or Huxley envisioned world of one party authoritarianism, headed by a handful of billionaires who never really worked for a living. Yes, they wield inherited power, born of the criminal behavior of their ancestors, they call all the shots and take the biggest portions for themselves and leave the rest of us to fight with each other for mere crumbs. How do you teach this reality to the newest generation? I could not do it.

[@tammyh6735]

@Tharp Life... Blessings to you as you retire. We need Reformation in our land. I can't even imagine what Educators go through on a day to day basis. There was a day that Educators were respected by both student and parent. I'm 55 and totally remember that level of respect. I can't imagine what it is like now along with an unsupportive administration in many cases. You all deserve a medal! GOD BLESS YOU on your retirement ❤️🙏🇺🇲🌎❤️

[@danzbutrfly]

what other jobs are there.....i want out too

[@pepvaldez]

Just left teaching after 6 years and what you said about the clarity and seeing the world differently is so true. Thanks for the video!

[@caroldraper5017]

I was a new teacher right out of college from 1967 -1969. I started full of enthusiasm, but by the end of the second year, I was completely burned out. I was much younger than most of the other teachers. But instead of helping me and encouraging me, they simply ignored me, or started to criticize me in the teachers room. The principal could show up in my room just about any time and summon me out into the hall to criticize what has been going on in my class. By the end of the second year I was a mental and emotional wreck and had to quit a month before school was over. Years later I was married and had children of my own. I home/unschooled them after sending the older two to school for a few years. Now my youngest son runs a learning center for children ages 5 to 18 where the kids follow their own interests and spend their days being free to do what they want. There are very few behavior problems and talented staff oversee things and help kids with learning when needed.

[@PathfinderHistoryTravel]

“If you want to see the poor remain poor, generation after generation, just keep the standards low in their schools and make excuses for their academic shortcomings and personal misbehavior. But please don't congratulate yourself on your compassion.” ~Thomas Sowell

[@amberbennett4247]

Powerful and such a ring of truth ! ❤️

[@miaumiau679]

Lmao thomas sowell

[@NightSide1349]

@@miaumiau679 Why are you laughing?

[@jannyjt2034]

Its all Marxism. To demoralize our culture.

[@gavinrebtoy3375]

You just don’t get it. This is happening at all schools rich and poor. wake up. This is not a left, right, rich, poor issue.

[@MsGrimstock]

I was a teacher for 6 years. I had 5 different principals in the the first 4 years. 3 of them were horrible. The day I quit was one of the happiest of my life. I still celebrate every year.

[@TranquilWanderer]

I’ve managed a 5th grade class while answering a 911 phone call. Student thought it was funny to call the cops 👮‍♀️

[@vd3364]

The "revolving door" of principals is just a way for people to boost their retirement bottom line. They move in, fire a few folks, and move on.

[@queenaqueen7269]

Good move

[@CarolinePearsall]

So agree with everything you said and yes it’s so crazy how all creativity comes flooding back when one stops teaching and stops spending all our creative on solving other peoples problems!! Best of luck with your next chapter!

[@HOMEWORK4.0]

Thank you for sharing. As a current middle teacher, I approve this message. God bless you and your family. I don't think I'm far off from doing the same.

[@danailmarinov7299]

As a teacher who only lasted 5 months or just the first semester I learned the hard way - if the students feel like you're not exuding enough authority and intimidation they will ruin you mentally. Witnessed my fifth graders throw shoes at each other during one of my classes. 9th grade high schoolers threw paper balls at me. 11th graders screamed at each other during class like a bunch of rabbid animals. And then finally I had a mental breakdown in front of the vice principal after losing control over 32 screaming 5th graders (vice principal pulled me from class upon seeing the chaotic scene, she was nice). Never again! I don't want to teach children ever again! High schoolers included who I found out do not grow up at all.

[@nad3506]

I feel your pain. I also am in the middle of changing careers. I am so lost i wish someone told me that way back when i went to college so i don't get a degree for teaching. Now i have to study again to have another job :/ i feel like i wasted my years.

[@danailmarinov7299]

@@nad3506 I actually changed careers since 2017. Turns out call centers are significantly better even if not perfect.

[@javi7602]

@@nad3506 After teaching for 10 years I decided to change career paths. No regrets. Follow you're heart. Oddly , enough it knows what's meant for you and what's not

[@nad3506]

@@javi7602 thank you so much 🖤

[@isharvie]

If I may.. I am in the same boat as you. First year high school teacher. Feeling dread and overwhelmed. I've been gaslighted by admin. Majority of students don't want to do the work. I'm really feeling it.

[@Tbot2020]

Truth is it was my teachers that helped me when I was a kid in school. I was a bad ass kid, coming from a broken home. Had it not been for my teachers, I might have ended up in some bad places. Come to find out I was never really a bad kid…just a kid who needed love guidance and I got that from teachers. They saw in me what I didn’t see in myself. I was a knucklehead but my teachers accepted me and shaped me up to get through high school something that wouldn’t have happened if they didn’t care about me. You guys deserve so much more.

[@JerredZ]

Thank you, Tyler! You are awesome. I LOVED so many aspects of teaching. Being there for them was my primary role - giving them a place to feel welcome and where they could be themselves was the most important part of my job. That's why leaving was so crushing. I have life-long friends now who were former students. My family and theirs have dinners together and we keep in contact. It's been AWESOME. I think I'm happy that I was able to have a really successful career and yet walk away on my own terms. The situation sucked - but at least I was able to make a choice and leave. Thank you, Tyler!

[@rustyshackleford7334]

That's a beautiful story man teachers today are to worried about pushing a weird agenda

[@rustyshackleford7334]

They ran all the good teachers off and started hiring pink haired weirdos

[@phoenixrising4995]

@@rustyshackleford7334 I don't know about that at least the more conservative good ones are worried.

[@hellzbelle229]

Congratulations! You put in your time and I'm glad you stopped listening to the guilt trips and chose you. Best wishes!

[@toddplager8676]

I can't even Imagine the pressure and stress! Kudos to you for making a tough decision!! The kids will miss you that is tough.... I can tell your passionate about it!!! Good Luck My friend!

[@GeorgiaEnglish88]

Teacher stress is unlike anything else I’ve experienced. After i left public schools I became an emergency department nurse and the stress of literal life and death pales in comparison to the weight of teacher stress.

[@bellyfulochelly4222]

😐 Wow! What a statement.

[@connordrake5713]

@@bellyfulochelly4222 because teachers are always been demoralize each day by students, parents, and even their own colleagues.

[@paxonearth]

During my first few years as a teacher (high shool Spanish), a fellow Spanish teacher told me how her construction worker husband, who no doubt had a taxing job, just couldn't understand how she was so tired, and he wouldn't give her credit for working as hard as he did. Having previously worked 50+ hours a week, week after week, month after grueling month, as a mail carrier in snow, ice, and Oklahoma summer heat, I told her that I came home every afternoon just as exhausted, or more so, from teaching as I ever did from carrying mail. She was so relieved to hear that and couldn't wait to go tell her husband.

[@morkmello5367]

@@connordrake5713 Not all teachers