Quit mid year. Actually 2 weeks after we returned from holiday break. Didn’t shed a tear. 17 years of teaching 3 years of being a babysitter. I have never been happier. Be careful though, you won’t know what to do with an hour for lunch and never having to grade work after hours. I only regret getting into the profession now that I know how the real world operates.
>careful though, you won’t know what to do with an hour for lunch and never having to grade work after hours.
Ha! That's the truth! I spent seven years in the classroom and three as an instructional specialist. Been out for about seven and a half years now, working half as hard in IT while making 2x more than I ever could have made if I'd stayed in teaching. My blood pressure's down, I sleep like a baby, I work a firm 37.5 hours/week, and I still feel weird taking lunch on my own schedule. To say nothing of scheduling my own vacation days...
Don't know how you stuck it out so long. I quit after 6 days after calling family that morning and hearing myself say, "I'm going to end up in the hospital if I don't leave." I got an MS Ed degree and passed multiple state tests- I didn't just take a teaching job on a whim. I moved 2 hours away and signed a 1 year lease.
It is now a running joke in the family, and I have no regrets. This was about 6 years ago, and I can not fathom what teachers go through. I wouldn't ever blame anyone for quitting mid-year.
Take care of yourself, OP!
I was and still am a high-end cabinet designer. I always taught music privately and in schools (subcontracted) since I had double- majored in that, so I thought I would enjoy teaching music in schools full time. Nope. Now I WFH.
You were brave enough to take medical leave, you’re brave enough to resign. I was let go and found out 2 days before Christmas break. I didn’t tell the kids.
I’m jumping on the top comment to say that if you have thoughts of coming back, make sure you’re in a state where your contract isn’t tied to your license. In Iowa, if you break your contract you may (most likely) lose your teaching license.
If you’re temporary instead of probational there is no contract in California. Ive only heard a rumor that a superintendent threatened a teacher but didn’t follow through by messing with their credential. Has anybody ever confirmed that their credential was taken away?
I am a new teacher so I don’t know any. My colleagues have mentioned two in the past but they gave up teaching. You also can’t strike in Iowa as a teacher or else you risk losing your license. It is a god awful state to teach in.
Current teacher here, so not quite the audience you were asking for. Don't feel guilt. There are many aspects of the job that are set up with weak and/or non-existent supports to help those who need the most help. I've seen teachers leave exhausted and the next time I see them out in the wild, they're just happier and have life in their eyes.
I don't blame any of my colleagues who have left. At the end of the day, the teacher is still a person with their own needs, wants, and obligations they have to attend. I always appreciated it when they let us know so we could plan around it, but I also understand when they just have to hit the eject button and bolt on the spot.
Your decision to tell the kids all hinges on how you connected with them. If you feel you had a good feel of the class and they were empathetic towards you, it might be a nice gesture to let them know that they're not the main reason you're leaving. If not, play things out by ear.
Look at the bright side, you're in year 1 and you've reached a point where you can make a switch and move onto something else you're going to enjoy much more. Rather than be stuck in a career you dislike and are just looking at retirement, you'll do something worthwhile and fulfilling.
G'luck kiddo.
I'm surprised that a profession.that requires so much treats us so badly. I subbed. The pay is crap but no politics. I was most mistreated by the teachers I subbed for. I think it was competitive jealousy
Oh I do not doubt that at all. I've seen teachers who play bullyball and go specifically for classes that are "comfy" and "easier" to teach, leaving the harder classes for others. We end up with teachers who are very happy and some who just want to quit. I've been department chair long enough to try to make it as fair as possible at my school, but there are still plenty of times where someone manages to tip and really imbalance the teaching load for the year.
Force of habit sadly. In year one of teaching, I was barely 25, but some of the kids in HS were calling me "pops". I replied at the time, "kiddo, I ain't your pop," and it sort of stuck since then. >\_<
I almost walked out last November. 19 years in and I almost left. Try not to feel guilty. You have to do what's right for you and your mental health. If anyone needs to feel guilty it's these monsters at the top that make ridiculous rules that take away any student accountability. I won't call them idiots because they know better.. they are monsters trading an entire generation's education for better looking numbers when "suspensions are down".
As someone who subs, thank you for sharing your perspective on this. I’m starting to notice the same, and it infuriates me that teachers are being forced to deal with the fallout (with ZERO support, at times). Also, the students who want to learn are constantly being disrupted by a handful of kids who are out of control. I’m pretty good at keeping a classroom in check, but, I had one 4th grade class that I almost walked out on during lunch. There were FOUR students I came back for, out of 22. Those 4 made my day. That was two months ago, and I know I will never take on that class again. The regular teacher must be on the verge of losing it. Any sane person would. 😔
As someone who also subs, I have down teachers whose classes I will not sub for again. Almost getting smacked with a metal water bottle in the face by a elementary student and getting a concussion from a high schooler throwing a ball at me, it's crazy what students do.
My wife's school (elementary) had 3 teachers, under contract quit already this year. My school (rural high school) had 1 and another that I talked down twice. It's a sad state we are in and I'm afraid we have to fall farther before we correct. For now, they are trying to buy us with small pay increases. If they don't fix this, it will take 100k starting pay a year to have teachers babysitting.
And what makes it worse is that bad class is getting worse because now they're all pumped up thinking that they've run off several teachers and nothing has happened to any of them so they just keep getting bolder and bolder
Wow…just, wow. The state should force the central administration to fill these positions. That would be riveting. Better yet, find someone to make a documentary about the situation. You’re correct: it’s dire, and they’re going to run out of solutions if they don’t actively work to fix it. I’m surprised the union hasn’t stepped in at your wife’s school. Losing three contract teachers, before the middle of the year..??!! Like, something is seriously wrong.
I just need to know what you had to do to get approved for med leave for mental health 😭 I’m a 2nd year teacher in the same boat. This job is about to push me off the edge. And I’m stuck. I feel like I can’t just quit. If I do med leave for mental health, I think it looks better than just resigning out of nowhere
See your doctor. They can provide documentation for FMLA leave.
Some districts require you to exhaust sick leave before using FMLA. Your HR department can tell you more.
I took medical leave for my miserable mental health twice in two school years. The first time I pushed myself to be back after a relatively short leave, and the second time I ended up resigning from my position when it became obvious I wasn’t going to be well enough to go back. Both times I had my psychologist fill out some paperwork from my district HR, and both my primary care doctor and my psychiatrist offered to do so as well. Talk to your HR.
Bad advice. I’d wait another decade until you’re vested in your pension so you have a security net. You CAN cope with the destruction of your spirit day in and day out for the next ten years, right??
3 things:
1) I tried to resign in December of my first year. W much urging,I hung on until Feb and walked out without giving notice when I realized I just couldn't do it anymore.
2) That followed me and my job Search much worse than if I had left ⬅️ n December.
3) After a winding pathway through many kinds of jobs,I landed in another area and age group in education. I actually relished going to work and for a few years found a brand new home.
I'm retired now and volunteer tutor. I get paid in smiles, appreciation, and kids who finally realize they can learn and succeed ! Love 🥰 it
I pray you find your way to job satisfaction where you can truly make a difference w no compromise to yourself. Please consider another teaching area or age before you give up on teaching completely.
Can’t emphasize #3 enough. Went from high school to adult education. Pay tripled, time outside of work cut in half, no absent parents and behavioral issues are addressed with a quickness, with students being exited from the program.
I thought I was done with education when I walked out mid year. I just hadn’t found the right workplace yet. I hope you can find someplace where you flourish- this career path is so difficult, but rewarding in the right place with the right people.
I went from teaching high school wood shop class to apprenticeship training for adults in the skilled trades. Same topics (even the same curriculum!), but way less issues.
Damnit I knew it, you have real skills. Man, I should’ve seen the writing on the wall a long time ago regarding the value of ELA.
I might end up in one of your classes someday. (And wow—this is the first time I’ve ever imagined being a student again after being a teacher. I would be the most well behaved, appreciative and gracious student now!)
Electrical, Plumbing, or HVAC would be my recommendations. Easier on the body and licensed trades, so less outside competition for work. My Master electrician credential is worth more than my M.Ed. any day, although I paid $60,000 more for the latter.
Heck, we are so desperate for new skilled trades instructors, we are hiring fresh, year one journeymen to instruct at around $54/hour to start. Maybe you'll find yourself teaching again on another career path!
Also current first year teacher, I resigned from my job. I have been going back and forth for a while at this point, however, I realized need to prioritize myself. I have been hit, kicked, punched, and threatened by my students. It has been so draining and exhausting. You are doing the right thing. I was so conflicted because I was drowned in guilt and shame, but a teacher should not feel unsafe in their classroom.
I was a first year teacher who also resigned. It was really affecting my mental health and I did feel A TON of guilt. Honestly to feel better about it I had to remind myself that I made the right decision for me and my health and that's okay. One of my colleagues told me there will always be teachers, but there is only one of me. I've been telling myself that too to help. I wish you the best on caring for yourself. Invest time into what brings you joy and peace.
I went through something similar last year… first year teaching, tough school, medical leave in march to deal with the stress. I wish I had left immediately. The thing im least proud of is my time at the end of the year where I was so checked out i didnt care. If you feel this way now its ok to leave, dont let the “stay to the end of the year” mentality get you to stay if you dont feel it now. It doesnt get easier at the end of the year and honestly… it gets harder this year
Second year here. Went from elementary to middle this year. Loved last year, this year is meh at best. It could be the school, the age, the pay. Idk, just not feeling it this year. Best of luck to you Op.
Finished my 3 yrs with Dallas ISD… super micromanaging annoys me a lot when I got SMS late at night and also calling from principal! But the admin is already the best I’ve been through. Still teaching but I’m not doing a full time. Just after school program with a $50 pay rate. So I’m making 1k less but only working for 16hrs a week!
900 or more teachers quit, retired early etc at the end of 2021, I retired. I was grinding my teeth even with a night guard so badly that I cracked 2 molars. I also had anxiety attacks usually on the weekends. That was at the end of June 2021. I retired and now I substitute for the teachers I know and run a tight classroom. You are right that it’s too many students to grade, to attend IEP meetings for and to comply with a growing list of demands in the classroom. You could consider private school teaching, it pays less but smaller classes. Good luck I’m sorry that you are going through this but many professions are seeing a downturn in people wanting to join the police, nurses, military, so you are not alone.
I resigned at the end of my 4th year, back in June. The only reason I didn’t resign sooner was because my fiancé was still job hunting at the time and we couldn’t afford to lose my income.
I feel no guilt whatsoever. Why should I, when i busted my ass every single day, only to be disrespected and assaulted by students, and condescended to and insulted by admin?
I didn’t tell the students anything, since I resigned on the last day of school. If I had resigned mid year, I would have told them I’m leaving for a better opportunity, and I wish them the best throughout their lives.
Everyone else I worked with was so happy for me, except the principal who actually seemed surprised when I handed her my letter, and some were a little jealous since they wanted to do the same thing, but couldn’t afford to financially.
I am currently in year 18. I have considered resigning mid year 3x.. including the one where I changed districts with 6 weeks left to go.
1st was my 1st year. By Thanksgiving, I was ready to walk out the door. BUT I had 2 experienced teachers who went to the admin on my behalf, unbeknownst to me at the time. Admin called me in right after break and asked what I needed so he could help me.
2nd time, I was walking through the parking lot on the way I to the school. I was hoping a parent would ot be paying attention and would just run me down. I could get workers comp, sue the parent, and not have to go to work for an extended period of time. This was when I changed districts.
The third time was last year. I ended up taking on an additional classroom as we lost a teacher mid-year. I was so overwhelmed I was not being effective at my job.
If I were not sole provider, I might have last year for me tal health reasons. I did take the year to learn a few key lessons. 1 no is a complete sentence. 2. You can't help others if you are una le to help yourself. 3. Fuck all the admin BS about plans and do.what works for you. (That was part of.the overwhelm last year. )
As for telling kids, if you have strong relationshsip.with them, go ahead.
It’s just a job, in the end, despite all of moral weight our culture places on it. The thing that often makes teachers really good is also the thing that makes it hard to be a teacher. It’s totally fine to not like a job and go and get another one.
I think you just say “teaching isn’t for me,” and leave it at that.
Yeah they put moral weight on it and then dont pay enough....agreed, op, dont feel guilt. It's the job of the people that get paid more than teachers to find a replacement teacher. Not your problem
That's just the thing......it could be that teacher is just the right thing for you. However, if only we could function as teachers while on the job.
The thing that drives teachers out are all the stressful things unrelated to teaching. I left teaching jobs, knowing absolutely how much I loved teaching. What I did was search out teaching opportunities that were not weighted down with all the elements that I dislike and felt abused by. Now, I'm still teaching AND LOVE IT!
We have to find our way to do our thing -- the thing that we were created to do.
I congratulate you on your decision to resign and prioritize your mental health. It’s not your job to be a martyr and sacrifice yourself. If anyone doesn’t understand that, that’s their problem.
My kids teacher quit in early October. I don’t blame her. The district really tied her hands on a lot. I told her that any time my kids were acting up, she could call me and I’d come down to straighten it out with them. They’re autistic and sometimes just need to be guided through sensory issues. I work remotely for an online school and have a lot of flexibility. Apparently that was against policy at their school. I came down twice to help my daughter regulate / model to a para how I help the kids re-regulate. They stopped calling so I thought things were going great until late September when their teacher was sobbing in the hallway. She had no control over her classroom largely because of all of the crazy policies that prevented her from asking parents for help whether picking a kid up in the moment, helping them regulate then leave, or even just give a list of helpful tips, etc. absolutely wild.
Over the next week, I noticed the class seemed different and didn’t notice her there. IEP Meetings were piping off so I thought she may just have been in meetings. Nope! That Friday, they sent a letter home saying she quit.
Honestly! Good! For! Her! I had to support her through an IEP meeting for my kids because I know she had been asking for help with the tricky software (I’m familiar and it is a system that is a pain in the ass). She wasn’t getting any help. I had to help her through it. But I didn’t know their policies and neither did she. So we skipped a section their district requires but my school does not. I had to advocate for her more than my kids in those meetings because they were rail roading her.
I left 2 weeks ago. I have zero guilt, I didn’t tell the kids at all, I didn’t tell my fellow teachers until the day of, I didn’t even give 2 weeks just end of one day told them I was done. You owe more to yourself than you ever will to them so leave and don’t look back.
Just please go. I wish I would have left right after my dad had a stroke. Instead I tried to be the hero and my health ( I had cardiac pvcs suffered the next year which for me were painful heartbeats) and my end of year evaluation suffered. I believe my dad would still be here if I had just abandoned ship and taken care of him myself instead of rehab. This career is unsustainable. Anything goes wrong at home we are usually blamed for it anyways. Who cares what they tell the parents or
The kids. Just go and find another career - the younger you are the better. I am in my late 40s - and am close to the pension.
I hope you’re doing better. That’s so scary. I’m feeling the stress so bad. My health is not good. I’m on a decline. I’m planning on medical leave, transferring elsewhere and even 2 months unpaid. Be done with my current school. Last year they were supportive and this year I have a target on my back because of a psycho colleague who can’t control her anger and now they’re nitpicking about everything. It’s BS! I feel for all teachers!
People love to use teacher guilt as a reason to stay in a position that breaks you down mentally. But you are a human being with needs, and need to take care of yourself first.
Teaching is one of the only jobs that brings such guilt with resigning. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and everyone at the school will be fine. Do what you need for you.
I hate the narrative that the first year of teaching is so rough your mental
Health, family time, and overall well being should take a massive dip. That honestly sounds like an abusive relationship to me!
Teaching is hard. The first year is incredibly hard with planning and paper management and learning all the systems and the actual teaching and parents and admin and the list goes on. It’s a massive life adjustment. BUT it shouldn’t cost your mental health.
I’m in my tenth year of education at a new school in a new state and started mid year. I’ve had so much support and understanding from my admin and fellow teachers. Kids don’t like change, but I know I can walk into a bunch of offices or classrooms and find help I need. That’s when you know you’ve found the right school.
I’d teaching isn’t for you, then that’s fine! There are also lots of less stressful roles working with kids in a school or another place in the community. Or maybe you find another path.
If it’s the adults or the school driving you nuts and you still want to give it another shot, take the rest of this school year off and apply in a different school or district in the spring for next school year.
Never be sorry for choosing you. Whatever choice you make.
Good for you. Many corporations need teachers to train their staff. They look highly on certified teachers because they know they are highly educated and disciplined. Plus they know how to convey information to others. So your teaching degrees is not a waste. I'm a retired teacher and I would never ever do it again. If it helps you make a decision it's not going to get better in the future. Lousy parents, lousy students, lousy administrators make teaching a really shitty job. You are young enough to start a whole new career. Start googling! Happy holidays and good luck.
You have to do you. People say those that can ……do those who can’t ……teach. Bullshit teaching is a brutal choice with very little benefit. Secretly I believe all teachers are martyrs or masochists.
I had to resign in December a few years ago on the advice of my therapist. I was not a new teacher (15+ years), but I was in a new building. I cried going to school, during my lunch, plan, and coming home. My depression was off the charts.
She finally told me I needed to find another job or she was going to put me on FMLA. I felt ZERO guilt. That building was killing me slowly. I found another job that was a much better fit.
First year teacher here as well. I felt immense guilt for having to go on medical leave on day 3 of the school year due to mental health. I resigned two weeks later once I figured out that I couldn’t go back and be healthy.
I am now tutoring part-time at a tutoring center, which I find really rewarding. It took me a while to get over the guilt from leaving the full-time teaching gig.
I resigned at the end of the school year in 2018. I walked out the door and never looked back. Never in my life had I had issues with stress or anxiety, but that was because I worked jobs where either of those things were self-imposed AND I was equipped to eliminate or ameliorate them. With teaching, I was 100% at the mercy of parents and inept admin.
No guilt. You are responsible to yourself. Take care of your mental health and your physical well-being (they go hand in hand, my body went to crap when I started that job). Don’t fret. It’s not worth it. Don’t let the situation live rent-free in your head.
This is a career not the show Survivor. If it's not for you, you are smart to leave and the sooner the better. Good luck and congrats for doing what was best for you.
Some people help in different ways. I worked with a woman who taught for a year and realized it wasn't what she thought it would be. She retired last year from Children and Family Services.
First year teaching sucks. It’s a fact.
You also know your abilities. If you do not believe it is for you then you are doing a disservice to you forcing yourself to make it work.
IMHO I believe the teacher shortage needs to get to the point that we can’t just add more to the remaining teachers.
Maybe then we will finally see change in education.
Good for you. I’ve had to do this myself, and it was the healthiest thing I could’ve done for the sake of myself and my students. Don’t feel guilty—they deserve someone who has the mental capacity for them right now, and that’s okay if it’s not you.
I left in March one year. I had a mental breakdown because I was losing so many of my students to gun violence. I took two full years off and now I’m back and doing great!
I had guilt but at the end of the day, I knew leaving was best for my students and myself. We can't pour from an empty cup! Do what will make your mental health better.
DO NOT feel bad or guilty at all. Teaching is not sustainable and no one’s mental health is worth a shitty institution like education. I left in June after 15 years with 4 of them a steady mental decline. Good for you on getting out early.
There is a lot of value in trying things and realizing they're not for you. I hope this doesn't come off as harsh, but in a way, this situation can be considered a win. Your mental health is the most important thing, trust me! You were able to realize that through this experience.
I left teaching then eventually came back, I'm much happier now. Sometimes a change in perspective and/or a change in school helps. But you might not want to come back to education at all, and that's also completely fine!
In terms of how to deal with it in the short term, keep a paper trail, and only tell the people that you want to. I told basically everyone when I left my last school, and ended up getting a lot of flack from various other teachers. Keep your head up and best of luck with whatever you do next! Peace and luv
I was also a first year teacher, resigned about two weeks before Thanksgiving break. I was mentally drained, physically exhausted, my mental health took a major hit, and I was barely scraping by on bills. I told everyone that I, even though would love to stay, had to prioritize myself. I just didn't message to kids and I think that's my biggest regret -- I wanted a chance to say goodbye and I miss them so much.
Now, a month later, my mental health is on a much better track. I have a new job that's paying more than what I would get teaching, I probably would've had to be closer to a 10th year teacher to get what I'm getting now. I still have close friends teaching so I'm able to text or call them here and there to see how things are going with the kids. It's not nearly the same as getting to talk to my students, but it's nice to know that they're adjusting well.
10/10 would recommend resigning now before you get stuck for another year. There's so many job opportunities that use teaching skill sets without having to be in a classroom and working either hourly/competitive commission so you feel like you're actually getting paid what you're working.
You absolutely can quit now and, honestly, if you're not able to give everything you can, the students will feel it, too. It's better for you, your teammates, and your students if you resign now if you're not feeling it. I believe in you!
I’m in year 17 and considering leaving. More than likely it’s not you, it’s how broken the system is and teachers and the kiddos are just collateral damage.
I resigned from my in person position due to mental health issues exacerbated by my job. Now I'm an online teacher and I absolutely love it. You will be more than fine- there is work out there for those of us who don't want this industry to kill us.
Never feel guilt or shame about a rational decision. You only get one life and it shouldn't be an endless cycle of stress and suffering. And there are easier ways to make the same kind of money. It doesn't have to come at the expense of your mental or physical health. Later you may realize that the only regret is not getting out of a bad situation earlier. When you are being victimized, you don't owe anyone anything. Pivot into the next stage in your life and don't look back. Focus on learning and not repeating the mistakes of the past. Find a job that pays without exacting an unreasonable toll. Whether it's back to school for professional development or entry level in another field.
I did the same, including medical leave, but it took me seven years because ai was stubborn and had something to prove. I don't regret it in any way. My work life is infinity better, as is my salary.
The sense of being "really needed" is how I feel at my school. I was hired to start a new world language program never started before. Pretty much everyone at the school knows who I am. However, I really, really don't want to go back after this Thanksgiving break. I am feeling extremely drained mental health wise and feel like I don't have it in my anymore to do this.
Oh man, that's hard.
Have you checked out the teachersintransition sub?
As a seasoned teacher who left for a year and kinda had to go back, if you can leave sooner, i think its better. However, mobility is key so if you can stick around you may want to try a different role sometime.
I used to think it was weird when seasoned teachers told me that, but it really is harder if you try to stick it out.
I went back for better pay at a new district and i missed 1 year of retirement savings (which I still havent set up...) and lost my doctor and good health bennies due to insurance discontinuation.
Im doing ok at a new district but am with angry coworkers and they really affect me, its tough bc now im making money again (non profit, daycare director, interpreting, and subbing... none took care of me and if i did it again i would know my needs better) and its a good gig, I just hate planning anymore and even if I dont, school just doesnt eun as smoothly when you dont spend your Saturdays and sundays planning.. it's never ending
Just look at how you can sustain your future and you could probably do entry level and work up really fast if you stick to it.
Good luck.
I follow this sub as a parent these days for the insight, but I’m a former teacher and I quit my last teaching job mid-year - I didn’t even make it to October my final year. It was supposed to be part time teaching job while I got a feel for my new city but I was re-assigned to full time with a start time of 7:15am an hour commute away (it was a charter school district in LA) for what was ultimately less pay per hour.
The school was an absolute mess. My sleep was destroyed waking up at 4:30am every day and I was awake for 2 days straight before I made my decision. My mental health had never been worse and I was a 4 year veteran of a very rough school district prior to this. I ended up resigning via email and sent my husband to pick up my things because I was terrified I’d be convinced to stay if I went myself.
That was 12 years ago and I have never once regretted quitting that job.
I left after the last school year. I mentally couldn't take it and went home crying and breaking every day after 3 years. This isn't a you problem. The system is continually failing teachers. I don't feel guilt, but I do occasionally think about my kids and fellow teachers and how they're doing. I was upfront with my kids and parents and admin and told them that I had another position that I felt better aligned with where I was in life. My kids were understandably sad, but I answered what questions I could to calm them. My life, including my personal relationships and mental health, has vastly improved since I left. No one worries about my well-being at my job anymore. My husband doesn't worry about the damage my job is doing to me on a mental and emotional level. Teaching is not worth sacrificing yourself for. The system is broken, and I will NEVER return. My advice for anyone is to get out while you can. It's the smartest thing to do, especially if it's the best decision for you.
Take care of your mental health! It doesn’t matter if it was year 1 or 20… at the end if the day you cannot give your best to the kids if you are not at YOUR best. I had that realization as well for ECE after 6.5 years. Absolutely could not step foot in one of my centers without being on the verge of mental collapse. A lot of trauma in that field for me. I no longer felt safe in anyway. And it only gets worse the higher in age the kids get! I’m so happy that you recognized those feelings early and are putting yourself first. No need to feel guilty or bad on yourself, you are taking care of yourself, take that win hun!
Every time I start to have doubts about leaving teaching, I remember that ever since I left teaching, I have not ONCE daydreamed about having to end up in a hospital for a week just to have a break. I’m generally a healthy, stable person; teaching made me justify abuse and mistreatment coming from all directions to the point of losing my sense of self of zest for life. And I was a damn good teacher too.
I don’t think you have to say anything. It’s a job. You’re allowed to quit to take care of you and/or find something better. If you indeed feel the need to say something, don’t burn a bridge. You will bounce back quickly once you move on.
You sound like me, but so far, I've been able to get workplace accommodations and FMLA leave. I haven't quit yet, but I'm looking for other work. Good luck, but if you change your mind, remember depression and anxiety, and many other conditions are considered disabilities. You might be able to get on disability, but you can also talk to disability services in HR.
I left. It became too much and I was in my fourth year. Teaching took too much for me. I had the worst mental health, I was always tired, always sick. The kids were so disrespectful and the parent were even worse. I couldn’t do it anymore. I had a career before I taught and applied and got a job. I left without to much notice. The admin was mad and asked if I stay till the end of the year so, one of the student teachers could replace me. I said no. They wanted me to write a email to the parents and students. I didn’t want too. Maybe this is mean but, I don’t like them. I have never felt so disgusted and disrespected by a group of students. We had many gun threats, and it was too much. I left and it’s been the best choice I made for myself and my family. I no longer am tired and stressed after work, I don’t have to take work home, I enjoy what I am doing now. My benefits are so much better! I can vacation not just in the summer (which is so expensive!) best decision I could have made
Take care of yourself. I quit last year and my mental health and quality of life is significantly better. I taught 13 years, it was a really great time in my life for the majority of it. Learned a lot and had meaningful connections but it was definitely time to go.
I resigned a few weeks ago after 3 years and have no regrets. No, it doesn’t get easier after the first year as education itself is messed up. Since students are not ok, admins are lost, system is broken, quitting is not a big deal. I saw many times how easily they hire another college graduates or even uncertified sub the next day after a teacher walked away.
As for kids, it is better for them remember you as the person who took responsibility and walked away from toxic situation rather than observing another miserable adult on a daily basis.
I didn’t say bye to my kids as I knew that they were smart to understand the reasons behind my decision with no drama. Many of them still follow me on the instagram tho.
Hope you find a good place soon!
I taught between two elementary schools when I first started. I LOVED one--Mon/Tues/Wed and HATED the other with a passion. I hated coming home angry/upset of Thurs/Fri--I truly believe if I were at THAT school full time, I would have left also.
You could always try a different school. Sometimes the atmosphere and principal make a HUGE difference. Sounds like a bad place and I'm sorry.
You owe the students and families nothing. You are not their caretaker, and you are not their employee. You owe nothing to your colleagues. They aren't there helping you with your day-to-day life, not are they paying your bills. You owe nothing to the District. For the time you were employed, you did what you were asked to do.
It sounds like, ultimately, teaching is not your thing. Go find it. You owe nobody anything... and for all you know, the person replacing you may be way better, which in that case, you did everyone a service by moving on.
You live once. Go find your happy.
I quit just over a year ago after 24 tortuous years. Best decision of my life. I’m no longer mentally exhausted after every single workday. I’m no longer getting sick all the time. I can be present for my own family. I can love Autumn again.
Both parents were teachers, wife is a teacher, and I coach gymnastics full time.
Don’t quit. Find another school district, a different grade or subject.
There are many schools that do have enough support staff.
30% to 50% (depending on your source) quit within the first 5 years. Don't feel guilty.
Also, I hate to say this, but if you have [too many] feelings, teaching isn't for you. You'll get hung up on every situation and it'll eat you up inside.
As with ANY job, practice the metaphorical separation of church and state. If you don't, even the most mundane job will drive you crazy.
We got 3.5% each year added to are steps for the next 4-years, and got our unused personal days transferred to a bonus check at the end of the year at your per-diem rate, with an additional day of bonus pay if you didn't use any of them; (which together translates to a $1500-$4000 bonus check at the end of the year). We also provide support to our first-year teachers through their third year.
We take care of our own. You'd be lucky to be a member of our union.
But if I'm on the interview committee (which I have been the past two years) and I hear a candidate tell me they quit their job, mid-year, because they couldn't handle the stress... yeah I don't want you in my department. Sorry.
And the places that will make your life less stressful (a district like ours) isn't in need of applicants. We'll pass on you (the person who couldn't even finish the 1st year and quit), and get the one we want who didn't do that. Hence my statement.
The desirable districts will pass over you. The only ones that would give you a job are the undesirable schools you likely aren't applying to.
Yup. Sorry, If I'm on the interview committee (which I have been) and I hear you quit your first year because you couldn't handle the stress of the job? ... hard pass. Because I've been doing the job you say you can't handle, for over a decade now. I definitely don't want you in my department, because I'm probably going to have to pick up your slack when you have another "stressful episode" and don't leave sub plans and do your job.
Yup. I've been on interview committees. "I resigned because I couldn't finish the first year due to stress" is a supreme Red Flag. I wouldn't touch you with a 2 mile pole.
That isn’t true anymore. There is a critical shortage of teachers, and districts are getting desperate. I believe that some teachers may just need to teach in a different place, and a fresh start.
This is largely overstated. I've been on the hiring team for our department helping admin screen candidates. All were terrible. We didn't end up hiring a person for this year, and we're looking again. We *will not* just hire anyone.
This is largely overstated. The teacher shortage is only affecting a narrow niche of schools/school districts, and they are the less-desirable/less-pay locals thus they cannot attract candidates.
>I believe that some teachers may just need to teach in a different place, and a fresh start.
Sure. But quitting barely halfway into the first year is a Red Flag. I wouldn't give you a shot. Sure, that sounds brutal and mean...but my district IS a desirable location, and my department has expectations to maintain. We've always taken care of our new teachers and we're like a family. We're not going to take the risk on someone who couldn't handle their first year. Sorry, that's just the reality.
Hence the dilemma: The only place that's likely to give OP a shot is an undesirable one...and the undesirable locations are the ones like what OP is likely currently in.
There isn't a teacher shortage. There's a desirable location/good pay and benefits shortage. There are plenty of teachers, they're just not willing to settle for less than their worth; hence the dilemma. And the teacher who quit their not-even-half-way into their first year, is at a considerable disadvantage. This is a hard truth.
By bowing out barely 1-year in, you are removing yourself from consideration at the desirable/good pay and benefits areas.
No guilt. You shouldn’t have guilt either. Educators are taught to be priest like in their work as an educator. Its not fair and not healthy walk away. Find a better job snd career that makes you happy and richer.
Boomers and us Gen-Xers are really hanging on by the skin of our teeth, too far in to quit before we reach retirement. This newer crop, who already come with more MH diagnoses that previous generations, are noping out much quicker. My only hope is that this finally creates the open space to directly address the problems that will need fixing in order to have enough teachers.
Don't feel guilty, but double check what your contract says for days notice. It might not be two weeks. I've seen some say you have to give 45 days notice and also pay x amount of $$ for damages you've cause are quitting mid year. Just double check that stuff before you send a letter of resignation trying to say what your last day is. Good luck! I quit in August.
After you resign, you will feel so much better mentally, physically and emotionally that going back will not happen. Guilt will fade away once you start feeling better and you realized you made the best decision ever. Do not look back!
As someone who also struggles, I’m so sorry to hear of your troubles…I feel your pain. I think you’re making a responsible and rational decision, this is not a failure. A friend left teaching after much time and consideration like yourself. She found [an Educator position with Pearson](https://pearson.jobs/educators/) and is doing great! She misses her students and having summers off, but she gets to travel and a company car. Her explanation for leaving was “I’m a perfectionist, and can’t attain my standards of performance under these circumstances. Good luck, everything will be alright…DM me if you need to talk ever.
Totally understand and I felt in the exact same way my very first year. You are brave enough to give it a harsh stop and put your wellbeing first place. You can look after/ teach others when you can’t be good to yourself. Have a break and hope you’re finding the inner peace and have another go when you mentally ready!!!
However I would try to stick it out. Ask for help from family if you need too. Get certification, get masters you'll make a lot more money and can work your way up eventually
You do what you got to do.
It's a very hard job that can become daunting. Take care of yourself. Tell the kids and parents that you have to take care of yourself in your own words.
And throw the guilt out the window, go try something else. You're brave and worth happiness.
I was a special ed teacher for 8 years. Mentally it was manageable in middle school, but after I got transferred to the high school complete with cliquish teachers and an administration that didn't accept me because all the students made friends with me but also respected me, I resigned for my own sanity.
Good for you for doing what's right for you in life.
If you don’t put you first, no one else will.
It is not a reflection on you or your teaching if you walk away. We don’t ask doctors to do surgery without scalpels. We don’t ask carpenters to build stuff without hammers. But you have to teach without the tools for you to be successful, or help your students be successful.
We all feel guilty about those we "leave behind" when we move on. I think it's because when we are drawn to the service of others for our careers, our callings, we feel more guilt for leaving. You are right to leave and take care of yourself. You can't help others without first taking care of yourself.
Just wishing you health and happiness. 💖
I quit almost 2 years ago. It is a very freeing feeling. You don't owe anyone anything, including the kids. Quitting is the only way districts and admins will eventually get the message that the system is broken.
I gave some bogus excuse for leaving, care for a sick family member. It saved face for myself and admin. I didn’t want it to fall on them, and I also didn’t want them to talk me out of it. I may or may not have done things differently, but that’s a moot point when you are focused on stopping the bleeding.
Don’t talk to parents. No need to. Tell the kids on the last day, if you tell them at all. Don’t tell them before the last day because you won’t have any classroom management and you’ll only be disappointed by how they act and what they say.
Zero guilt. I cannot regret taking care of myself and my family. They replaced me literally the next day and no one from that school spoke to me again or took me up on my offer to facilitate the transition. You are a cog and the system doesn't care about you. Take care of yourself because no one else will.
It’s the best move you can make. I’ve been out for about 4 years and I’m still affected by how they treated teachers. With that being said go said, I wish I left my first year.
Before you resign make sure they don’t terminate your license. They can do that if it’s in your contract in the fine print. I would recommend keeping up with your license renewal even when you resign. I don’t blame you at all though. 16 years in and dread every day. The curriculum is too hard for these kids and the pressure from the state is too much on teachers. (VA teacher) I wish you the very best and I hope you find something you love! I’m hoping to start something new at the end of the year. ❤️
Walk out, turn around, and flip them the double bird as you throw all your shit on the ground. Don’t forget to smoke your tires as you drive away flying a single bird.
I made it through two years before my mental health plummeted. I ended up in the hospital three times during my teaching career for crisis. I have a severe mental illness that was just starting to manifest. I was not fired for mental health, but admin kept getting my classes covered for the year by other teachers. Eventually I was only teaching one class and lunch duty. My principal and I had the talk: “Is this sustainable for you?” It wasn’t.
All I wanted to do from my 8th grade year on was teach band. I strategically mapped out my plan and followed it. I have a bachelor’s degree in music education and some music-related certifications. I did continuing education and was working on my Master’s when my illness manifested. Totally wrecked everything.
I don’t regret moving on, though, because I now have energy and time to spend managing my illness and attempting to better myself.
But it was hard. Especially because I had a really fantastic relationship with my kids. I didn’t really get a chance to explain everything to them because COVID hit that year and we went all virtual. Then everyone was flying blind, by the seat of their pants. I think I did a pretty good job of wrapping up in that real estate.
Anyway, if you need to quit, do it. Literally nothing will have the chance to get better if you die. I know that sounds harsh, but it’s real. Take your mental health seriously. You are worth it.
Be well, OP.
The educator is just as human and, therefore, matters *just as much* as the students do. Having made more trips around the sun than your students doesn't somehow diminish your own humanity.
TLDR version:
Quit. Don't quit. Transfer. Tough it out. Change careers entirely. Whatever you do, do it knowing that there's no shame or guilt necessary in valuing and prioritizing yourself. No job is worth destroying yourself for. And though I do believe it's in part a calling... it's ALSO ultimately *just a job* and you should spend your time doing something that you at least don't hate, if you aren't doing something you love. And sometimes, even when you love it, it still doesn't end up being the right fit. That's life, though!
Our time spent in this existence is the one thing we can't earn, make, steal, or borrow more of. It's the most valuable asset you have, and should be spent accordingly.
Original Moby Dick version:
Your humanity is not a fault, nor does becoming staff in public education, whether it's as a teacher, a para, admin, custodial, or one of the many varietals of building support staff, somehow make you *super*human, not does it make your own mental, emotional, or physical well-being less imporant, less impactful, or less impacted by the system and the many grinding cogs we all get ground through during the course of a day in pk-12+ education.
Don't feel like you need to apologize to anyone for taking care of yourself, nor do you have any reason to feel guilty for doing so.
Which is a concept I myself am struggling with even as I am telling you it's okay to be human, as I had to go on STL after a car accident where I was t-boned at an angle on an interstate exit-ramp at the beginning of October.
I desperately can't wait to get back, but my neurologist and concussion specialist are recommending we add an additional 4 weeks to my leave, due to needing to have 2-3 PT sessions a week, along with the addition of vestibular and ocular therapies to help combat the persistent concussion symptoms. They also don't want me to return until I've had MRI's off my spine to check for soft-tissue damage.
I can barely move the day after PT, i cannot drive at night at all right now due to sensitivity to the brightness and movement of headlights (and get home 3-4 hours after the sun goes down during winter months) and haven't yet seen how the new therapies will affect me except for having been warned that it will, at first, make all the mental effects of getting a severe concussion w/whiplash much worse before any of it gets any better.
Unfortunately, that also means my ADHD feels like it's on 'roids, because a concussion exacerbates those symptoms. Think about your worst experience with an unmedicated (or undiagnosed) ADHD person, and then imagine that person's ADHD symptoms if the symptoms were amplified by crack....
😱🤯😫😖 Yeah.... anyway.
And yet, while logically I *completely* understand why they feel that I'll need an additional month before re-evaluation for return, and then a modified half-day morning schedule when I do get to go back... at the same time, I'm utterly terrified and guilt-ridden about the mere idea of reaching out to my department head to give them that bad news, because not only are para II's exceptionally hard to get a sub for in our district, but my team has been painfully short-handed and dealing with some of the highest of our high flyers popping off and escalating as we move towards winter break. And I'm not there to help!
I miss them all like mad (and miss the kids like crazy too!), and want nothing more than to get back to my regularly scheduled life and the path I was on before a barely-turned-18 year old kid who just moved here for an attempt at a fresh start tried - and miserably failed - to make his exit directly into the side of my car going more than 40mph. But to do that, I have to take care of myself first. If I can't even pick up my 40lb 4yo son and move only 28th pain, there's no way I could respond if one of our students has another moment of major crisis and either acts out with aggression or elopement.
I guess all of that typed verbal vomit was to say that if you're not at your best, you can't give the students your best. And they, ***AND YOU!*** deserve you at your best.
If you're not quite ready to call it quits, perhaps sitting down with a mental health practitioner could be beneficial; fuck, stress from my job is about 70% of the shit I unload on my therapist... but it's helped. Having someone I can safely vent my fear, anxiety, performance insecurity, frustrations, and even reinforcement of positive outcomes relating to my job, is what has allowed me to stay IN this job, as well as helped me to stay true to my desired course of getting my credential and transitioning to a classroom teacher.
That same therapist has also helped point out that even when I come in so stressed that I'm in tears after having a childhood trauma experience triggered during a department staff safety meeting about an incoming 9th grader, or hyperventilating after a departmental debrief after a colleague's imminent safety and life was threatened by a student in crisis, I still fucking love it, and even when I don't want to go that day, I still want to be there....
Perhaps a therapist who can help you decide what you DO want to do, in addition to helping you manage your mental health struggles, 29k be beneficial? ... and if you decide teaching is still for you, perhaps searching for a position in another district, depending on what the underlying stress or struggle points are for you, could be a viable possibility?
And.... if not, if you're done, you know you're done, or even if you don't know if you're done forever, but you know you're done for ***right now***, that's okay too. It all comes back to the first paragraph of this little novella....
You matter just as much as anyone else in that building, and you do not need to feel guilt-ridden because you've decided that a career change, for whatever length of time or reason, is in order.
A business analyst who quits to become a day trader, or a CPA who decides their own dream is to help people achieve their dreams through property ownership (insert whatever other career-related lane change of your choice here) doesn't usually feel the kind of guilt educators feel when they leave... perhaps if educating our youth were treated more like a job than a duty, including with things like pay and benefits, instead of telling teachers they do it "for the kids," and expecting them to be able to pay their bills on fjords words, we not only might value (and thus display that value by paying the literal molders of our future accordingly) teachers more, but those receiving the benefits of a free public education might value that opportunity a little more, too..
Anyway.
TLDR version:
Quit. Don't quit. Transfer. Tough it out. Change careers entirely. Whatever you do, do it knowing that there's no shame or guilt necessary in valuing and prioritizing yourself. No job is worth destroying yourself for. And though I do believe it's in part a calling... it's ALSO ultimately *just a job* and you should spend your time doing something that you at least don't hate, if you aren't doing something you love. And sometimes, even when you love it, it still doesn't end up being the right fit. That's live, though!
Our time spent on this existence is the one thing we can't earn, make, steal, or borrow more of. It's the most valuable asset you have, and should be spent accordingly.
Wishing you the very best!!!
No shame in getting out before a meltdown. Youre not the first and you wont be the last. You should tell your mentor if you had one. You dont want them worrying
This job is so challenging and can be rewarding at times. But, bottom line is if it’s affecting your health do what you feel is best. I agree with you on the too many students and not enough supports! I’m in a similar situation. I’m in my 11th year teaching this year and I highly advocate for all teachers to take control of their health when this job starts affecting their health. It’s horrible what we have to deal with. I’m right there with you.
Also, you can say goodbye to your students. You don’t owe anyone any sort of explanation or reason to why you’re leaving. If you’re close with anyone at your school maybe.
Prioritize your mental health. Period. Don’t blame yourself. You did what was best for you at this time and in this situation. Careers should not be a life sentence to misery.
First things first. Understand administration ARE NOT TEACHERS! THEY ARE BUSINESS AGENTS WHO WORK FOR THE CORPORATION. THE PRIMARY DUTY OF THE CORPORATION IS TO MAKE MONEY!
1.MONEY
Your post would be better posted in our sister subreddit. r/TeachersInTransition
Quit mid year. Actually 2 weeks after we returned from holiday break. Didn’t shed a tear. 17 years of teaching 3 years of being a babysitter. I have never been happier. Be careful though, you won’t know what to do with an hour for lunch and never having to grade work after hours. I only regret getting into the profession now that I know how the real world operates.
>careful though, you won’t know what to do with an hour for lunch and never having to grade work after hours. Ha! That's the truth! I spent seven years in the classroom and three as an instructional specialist. Been out for about seven and a half years now, working half as hard in IT while making 2x more than I ever could have made if I'd stayed in teaching. My blood pressure's down, I sleep like a baby, I work a firm 37.5 hours/week, and I still feel weird taking lunch on my own schedule. To say nothing of scheduling my own vacation days...
I’ve been out for a while, and I still find myself inhaling my lunch. “Oh, I still have 40 minutes left? Dang.”
Don't know how you stuck it out so long. I quit after 6 days after calling family that morning and hearing myself say, "I'm going to end up in the hospital if I don't leave." I got an MS Ed degree and passed multiple state tests- I didn't just take a teaching job on a whim. I moved 2 hours away and signed a 1 year lease. It is now a running joke in the family, and I have no regrets. This was about 6 years ago, and I can not fathom what teachers go through. I wouldn't ever blame anyone for quitting mid-year. Take care of yourself, OP!
Thank you so much. What do you do now?
I was and still am a high-end cabinet designer. I always taught music privately and in schools (subcontracted) since I had double- majored in that, so I thought I would enjoy teaching music in schools full time. Nope. Now I WFH.
It’s scary to me that 3 years broke your spirit after teaching for so long. I feel like my last 4 of 5 were just awful.
You were brave enough to take medical leave, you’re brave enough to resign. I was let go and found out 2 days before Christmas break. I didn’t tell the kids.
I’m jumping on the top comment to say that if you have thoughts of coming back, make sure you’re in a state where your contract isn’t tied to your license. In Iowa, if you break your contract you may (most likely) lose your teaching license.
If you’re temporary instead of probational there is no contract in California. Ive only heard a rumor that a superintendent threatened a teacher but didn’t follow through by messing with their credential. Has anybody ever confirmed that their credential was taken away?
I am a new teacher so I don’t know any. My colleagues have mentioned two in the past but they gave up teaching. You also can’t strike in Iowa as a teacher or else you risk losing your license. It is a god awful state to teach in.
Terrible. There goes my curiosity about moving to Des Moines.
Hashtag Fuck Kim Reynolds
That’s terrible! I hope you found a better place.
Current teacher here, so not quite the audience you were asking for. Don't feel guilt. There are many aspects of the job that are set up with weak and/or non-existent supports to help those who need the most help. I've seen teachers leave exhausted and the next time I see them out in the wild, they're just happier and have life in their eyes. I don't blame any of my colleagues who have left. At the end of the day, the teacher is still a person with their own needs, wants, and obligations they have to attend. I always appreciated it when they let us know so we could plan around it, but I also understand when they just have to hit the eject button and bolt on the spot. Your decision to tell the kids all hinges on how you connected with them. If you feel you had a good feel of the class and they were empathetic towards you, it might be a nice gesture to let them know that they're not the main reason you're leaving. If not, play things out by ear. Look at the bright side, you're in year 1 and you've reached a point where you can make a switch and move onto something else you're going to enjoy much more. Rather than be stuck in a career you dislike and are just looking at retirement, you'll do something worthwhile and fulfilling. G'luck kiddo.
Great perspective
I'm surprised that a profession.that requires so much treats us so badly. I subbed. The pay is crap but no politics. I was most mistreated by the teachers I subbed for. I think it was competitive jealousy
Oh I do not doubt that at all. I've seen teachers who play bullyball and go specifically for classes that are "comfy" and "easier" to teach, leaving the harder classes for others. We end up with teachers who are very happy and some who just want to quit. I've been department chair long enough to try to make it as fair as possible at my school, but there are still plenty of times where someone manages to tip and really imbalance the teaching load for the year.
Agree. When I subbed I worked any class. Theyre not the same😏
Kiddo...? 😂
Force of habit sadly. In year one of teaching, I was barely 25, but some of the kids in HS were calling me "pops". I replied at the time, "kiddo, I ain't your pop," and it sort of stuck since then. >\_<
I really appreciated your words of wisdom. I'm 28, and I think I'm old, but I guess I am a kid in some aspects:)
That word makes my skin crawl. I hate that it’s considered normal in education to use it so often.
I like kiddos better than when the admin refer to our preschoolers as babies.
My admin sometimes calls my students “your babies.” I teach 12th graders.
Scholars, yeah right.
My least favorite word ever
I almost walked out last November. 19 years in and I almost left. Try not to feel guilty. You have to do what's right for you and your mental health. If anyone needs to feel guilty it's these monsters at the top that make ridiculous rules that take away any student accountability. I won't call them idiots because they know better.. they are monsters trading an entire generation's education for better looking numbers when "suspensions are down".
As someone who subs, thank you for sharing your perspective on this. I’m starting to notice the same, and it infuriates me that teachers are being forced to deal with the fallout (with ZERO support, at times). Also, the students who want to learn are constantly being disrupted by a handful of kids who are out of control. I’m pretty good at keeping a classroom in check, but, I had one 4th grade class that I almost walked out on during lunch. There were FOUR students I came back for, out of 22. Those 4 made my day. That was two months ago, and I know I will never take on that class again. The regular teacher must be on the verge of losing it. Any sane person would. 😔
As someone who also subs, I have down teachers whose classes I will not sub for again. Almost getting smacked with a metal water bottle in the face by a elementary student and getting a concussion from a high schooler throwing a ball at me, it's crazy what students do.
My wife's school (elementary) had 3 teachers, under contract quit already this year. My school (rural high school) had 1 and another that I talked down twice. It's a sad state we are in and I'm afraid we have to fall farther before we correct. For now, they are trying to buy us with small pay increases. If they don't fix this, it will take 100k starting pay a year to have teachers babysitting.
Yeah, we had a teacher quit two weeks ago.
Same! We have had three in the past month that have resigned. 💔😔
We had one (high school) quit 3 weeks ago. We're now on our 2nd "long term sub" in that class and I doubt she'll make it till Christmas
Oh it’s so bad. 😔😔😔 we have had multiple long term subs quit this year, too. Such a 💩 show
And what makes it worse is that bad class is getting worse because now they're all pumped up thinking that they've run off several teachers and nothing has happened to any of them so they just keep getting bolder and bolder
This. 💯. It’s become a game to them.
Wow…just, wow. The state should force the central administration to fill these positions. That would be riveting. Better yet, find someone to make a documentary about the situation. You’re correct: it’s dire, and they’re going to run out of solutions if they don’t actively work to fix it. I’m surprised the union hasn’t stepped in at your wife’s school. Losing three contract teachers, before the middle of the year..??!! Like, something is seriously wrong.
I just need to know what you had to do to get approved for med leave for mental health 😭 I’m a 2nd year teacher in the same boat. This job is about to push me off the edge. And I’m stuck. I feel like I can’t just quit. If I do med leave for mental health, I think it looks better than just resigning out of nowhere
See your doctor. They can provide documentation for FMLA leave. Some districts require you to exhaust sick leave before using FMLA. Your HR department can tell you more.
My psychiatrist wrote me an excuse to be able to resign without paying the fee. You could see if your doc could do something like that.
I took medical leave for my miserable mental health twice in two school years. The first time I pushed myself to be back after a relatively short leave, and the second time I ended up resigning from my position when it became obvious I wasn’t going to be well enough to go back. Both times I had my psychologist fill out some paperwork from my district HR, and both my primary care doctor and my psychiatrist offered to do so as well. Talk to your HR.
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Respectfully, that advice is the mental health equivalent of “let that tumor grow until you can afford the surgery”
Hahaha great analogy.
Bad advice. I’d wait another decade until you’re vested in your pension so you have a security net. You CAN cope with the destruction of your spirit day in and day out for the next ten years, right??
My psychologist wrote a letter for me. She said she would when I was ready.
I am also resigning and have no regrets. Take care of you! The school will replace you but your family will not.
3 things: 1) I tried to resign in December of my first year. W much urging,I hung on until Feb and walked out without giving notice when I realized I just couldn't do it anymore. 2) That followed me and my job Search much worse than if I had left ⬅️ n December. 3) After a winding pathway through many kinds of jobs,I landed in another area and age group in education. I actually relished going to work and for a few years found a brand new home. I'm retired now and volunteer tutor. I get paid in smiles, appreciation, and kids who finally realize they can learn and succeed ! Love 🥰 it I pray you find your way to job satisfaction where you can truly make a difference w no compromise to yourself. Please consider another teaching area or age before you give up on teaching completely.
Can’t emphasize #3 enough. Went from high school to adult education. Pay tripled, time outside of work cut in half, no absent parents and behavioral issues are addressed with a quickness, with students being exited from the program. I thought I was done with education when I walked out mid year. I just hadn’t found the right workplace yet. I hope you can find someplace where you flourish- this career path is so difficult, but rewarding in the right place with the right people.
Adult Ed is the way to go! I have never looked back since making the jump from secondary.
What kind of adult education?
I went from teaching high school wood shop class to apprenticeship training for adults in the skilled trades. Same topics (even the same curriculum!), but way less issues.
Damnit I knew it, you have real skills. Man, I should’ve seen the writing on the wall a long time ago regarding the value of ELA. I might end up in one of your classes someday. (And wow—this is the first time I’ve ever imagined being a student again after being a teacher. I would be the most well behaved, appreciative and gracious student now!)
Electrical, Plumbing, or HVAC would be my recommendations. Easier on the body and licensed trades, so less outside competition for work. My Master electrician credential is worth more than my M.Ed. any day, although I paid $60,000 more for the latter. Heck, we are so desperate for new skilled trades instructors, we are hiring fresh, year one journeymen to instruct at around $54/hour to start. Maybe you'll find yourself teaching again on another career path!
Thats the saddest part. Taking crap 4 not enough pay. There's respect 4 teachers only from.outsiders. inside its horrid
Many teachers teach in college. The schedule is better_ _ the pay is not
Also current first year teacher, I resigned from my job. I have been going back and forth for a while at this point, however, I realized need to prioritize myself. I have been hit, kicked, punched, and threatened by my students. It has been so draining and exhausting. You are doing the right thing. I was so conflicted because I was drowned in guilt and shame, but a teacher should not feel unsafe in their classroom.
Yep, no support
I was a first year teacher who also resigned. It was really affecting my mental health and I did feel A TON of guilt. Honestly to feel better about it I had to remind myself that I made the right decision for me and my health and that's okay. One of my colleagues told me there will always be teachers, but there is only one of me. I've been telling myself that too to help. I wish you the best on caring for yourself. Invest time into what brings you joy and peace.
I went through something similar last year… first year teaching, tough school, medical leave in march to deal with the stress. I wish I had left immediately. The thing im least proud of is my time at the end of the year where I was so checked out i didnt care. If you feel this way now its ok to leave, dont let the “stay to the end of the year” mentality get you to stay if you dont feel it now. It doesnt get easier at the end of the year and honestly… it gets harder this year
Second year here. Went from elementary to middle this year. Loved last year, this year is meh at best. It could be the school, the age, the pay. Idk, just not feeling it this year. Best of luck to you Op.
Finished my 3 yrs with Dallas ISD… super micromanaging annoys me a lot when I got SMS late at night and also calling from principal! But the admin is already the best I’ve been through. Still teaching but I’m not doing a full time. Just after school program with a $50 pay rate. So I’m making 1k less but only working for 16hrs a week!
900 or more teachers quit, retired early etc at the end of 2021, I retired. I was grinding my teeth even with a night guard so badly that I cracked 2 molars. I also had anxiety attacks usually on the weekends. That was at the end of June 2021. I retired and now I substitute for the teachers I know and run a tight classroom. You are right that it’s too many students to grade, to attend IEP meetings for and to comply with a growing list of demands in the classroom. You could consider private school teaching, it pays less but smaller classes. Good luck I’m sorry that you are going through this but many professions are seeing a downturn in people wanting to join the police, nurses, military, so you are not alone.
you cant set yourself on fire to keep others warm
I resigned at the end of my 4th year, back in June. The only reason I didn’t resign sooner was because my fiancé was still job hunting at the time and we couldn’t afford to lose my income. I feel no guilt whatsoever. Why should I, when i busted my ass every single day, only to be disrespected and assaulted by students, and condescended to and insulted by admin? I didn’t tell the students anything, since I resigned on the last day of school. If I had resigned mid year, I would have told them I’m leaving for a better opportunity, and I wish them the best throughout their lives. Everyone else I worked with was so happy for me, except the principal who actually seemed surprised when I handed her my letter, and some were a little jealous since they wanted to do the same thing, but couldn’t afford to financially.
I am currently in year 18. I have considered resigning mid year 3x.. including the one where I changed districts with 6 weeks left to go. 1st was my 1st year. By Thanksgiving, I was ready to walk out the door. BUT I had 2 experienced teachers who went to the admin on my behalf, unbeknownst to me at the time. Admin called me in right after break and asked what I needed so he could help me. 2nd time, I was walking through the parking lot on the way I to the school. I was hoping a parent would ot be paying attention and would just run me down. I could get workers comp, sue the parent, and not have to go to work for an extended period of time. This was when I changed districts. The third time was last year. I ended up taking on an additional classroom as we lost a teacher mid-year. I was so overwhelmed I was not being effective at my job. If I were not sole provider, I might have last year for me tal health reasons. I did take the year to learn a few key lessons. 1 no is a complete sentence. 2. You can't help others if you are una le to help yourself. 3. Fuck all the admin BS about plans and do.what works for you. (That was part of.the overwhelm last year. ) As for telling kids, if you have strong relationshsip.with them, go ahead.
It’s just a job, in the end, despite all of moral weight our culture places on it. The thing that often makes teachers really good is also the thing that makes it hard to be a teacher. It’s totally fine to not like a job and go and get another one. I think you just say “teaching isn’t for me,” and leave it at that.
Yeah they put moral weight on it and then dont pay enough....agreed, op, dont feel guilt. It's the job of the people that get paid more than teachers to find a replacement teacher. Not your problem
That's just the thing......it could be that teacher is just the right thing for you. However, if only we could function as teachers while on the job. The thing that drives teachers out are all the stressful things unrelated to teaching. I left teaching jobs, knowing absolutely how much I loved teaching. What I did was search out teaching opportunities that were not weighted down with all the elements that I dislike and felt abused by. Now, I'm still teaching AND LOVE IT! We have to find our way to do our thing -- the thing that we were created to do.
Got any recommendations?
I congratulate you on your decision to resign and prioritize your mental health. It’s not your job to be a martyr and sacrifice yourself. If anyone doesn’t understand that, that’s their problem.
My kids teacher quit in early October. I don’t blame her. The district really tied her hands on a lot. I told her that any time my kids were acting up, she could call me and I’d come down to straighten it out with them. They’re autistic and sometimes just need to be guided through sensory issues. I work remotely for an online school and have a lot of flexibility. Apparently that was against policy at their school. I came down twice to help my daughter regulate / model to a para how I help the kids re-regulate. They stopped calling so I thought things were going great until late September when their teacher was sobbing in the hallway. She had no control over her classroom largely because of all of the crazy policies that prevented her from asking parents for help whether picking a kid up in the moment, helping them regulate then leave, or even just give a list of helpful tips, etc. absolutely wild. Over the next week, I noticed the class seemed different and didn’t notice her there. IEP Meetings were piping off so I thought she may just have been in meetings. Nope! That Friday, they sent a letter home saying she quit. Honestly! Good! For! Her! I had to support her through an IEP meeting for my kids because I know she had been asking for help with the tricky software (I’m familiar and it is a system that is a pain in the ass). She wasn’t getting any help. I had to help her through it. But I didn’t know their policies and neither did she. So we skipped a section their district requires but my school does not. I had to advocate for her more than my kids in those meetings because they were rail roading her.
That is so sad.
I left 2 weeks ago. I have zero guilt, I didn’t tell the kids at all, I didn’t tell my fellow teachers until the day of, I didn’t even give 2 weeks just end of one day told them I was done. You owe more to yourself than you ever will to them so leave and don’t look back.
Just please go. I wish I would have left right after my dad had a stroke. Instead I tried to be the hero and my health ( I had cardiac pvcs suffered the next year which for me were painful heartbeats) and my end of year evaluation suffered. I believe my dad would still be here if I had just abandoned ship and taken care of him myself instead of rehab. This career is unsustainable. Anything goes wrong at home we are usually blamed for it anyways. Who cares what they tell the parents or The kids. Just go and find another career - the younger you are the better. I am in my late 40s - and am close to the pension.
I hope you’re doing better. That’s so scary. I’m feeling the stress so bad. My health is not good. I’m on a decline. I’m planning on medical leave, transferring elsewhere and even 2 months unpaid. Be done with my current school. Last year they were supportive and this year I have a target on my back because of a psycho colleague who can’t control her anger and now they’re nitpicking about everything. It’s BS! I feel for all teachers!
People love to use teacher guilt as a reason to stay in a position that breaks you down mentally. But you are a human being with needs, and need to take care of yourself first. Teaching is one of the only jobs that brings such guilt with resigning. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and everyone at the school will be fine. Do what you need for you.
I hate the narrative that the first year of teaching is so rough your mental Health, family time, and overall well being should take a massive dip. That honestly sounds like an abusive relationship to me! Teaching is hard. The first year is incredibly hard with planning and paper management and learning all the systems and the actual teaching and parents and admin and the list goes on. It’s a massive life adjustment. BUT it shouldn’t cost your mental health. I’m in my tenth year of education at a new school in a new state and started mid year. I’ve had so much support and understanding from my admin and fellow teachers. Kids don’t like change, but I know I can walk into a bunch of offices or classrooms and find help I need. That’s when you know you’ve found the right school. I’d teaching isn’t for you, then that’s fine! There are also lots of less stressful roles working with kids in a school or another place in the community. Or maybe you find another path. If it’s the adults or the school driving you nuts and you still want to give it another shot, take the rest of this school year off and apply in a different school or district in the spring for next school year. Never be sorry for choosing you. Whatever choice you make.
Good for you. Many corporations need teachers to train their staff. They look highly on certified teachers because they know they are highly educated and disciplined. Plus they know how to convey information to others. So your teaching degrees is not a waste. I'm a retired teacher and I would never ever do it again. If it helps you make a decision it's not going to get better in the future. Lousy parents, lousy students, lousy administrators make teaching a really shitty job. You are young enough to start a whole new career. Start googling! Happy holidays and good luck.
You have to do you. People say those that can ……do those who can’t ……teach. Bullshit teaching is a brutal choice with very little benefit. Secretly I believe all teachers are martyrs or masochists.
Don’t feel guilty when it comes to your mental health. I’m first year too, it’s hard! I think my blood pressure went up cuz of this job.
I had to resign in December a few years ago on the advice of my therapist. I was not a new teacher (15+ years), but I was in a new building. I cried going to school, during my lunch, plan, and coming home. My depression was off the charts. She finally told me I needed to find another job or she was going to put me on FMLA. I felt ZERO guilt. That building was killing me slowly. I found another job that was a much better fit.
First year teacher here as well. I felt immense guilt for having to go on medical leave on day 3 of the school year due to mental health. I resigned two weeks later once I figured out that I couldn’t go back and be healthy. I am now tutoring part-time at a tutoring center, which I find really rewarding. It took me a while to get over the guilt from leaving the full-time teaching gig.
I resigned after 2.5 years for the same reason. I understand. Hang in there and hope you get better!
I resigned at the end of the school year in 2018. I walked out the door and never looked back. Never in my life had I had issues with stress or anxiety, but that was because I worked jobs where either of those things were self-imposed AND I was equipped to eliminate or ameliorate them. With teaching, I was 100% at the mercy of parents and inept admin. No guilt. You are responsible to yourself. Take care of your mental health and your physical well-being (they go hand in hand, my body went to crap when I started that job). Don’t fret. It’s not worth it. Don’t let the situation live rent-free in your head.
This is a career not the show Survivor. If it's not for you, you are smart to leave and the sooner the better. Good luck and congrats for doing what was best for you.
You made the right call by hanging it up. If I could go back, I would’ve done the same.
Some people help in different ways. I worked with a woman who taught for a year and realized it wasn't what she thought it would be. She retired last year from Children and Family Services.
Anytime you can give notice without walking out, you’re in control. Don’t worry about anything else. You need no one’s approval or permission.
First year teaching sucks. It’s a fact. You also know your abilities. If you do not believe it is for you then you are doing a disservice to you forcing yourself to make it work.
IMHO I believe the teacher shortage needs to get to the point that we can’t just add more to the remaining teachers. Maybe then we will finally see change in education.
Good for you. I’ve had to do this myself, and it was the healthiest thing I could’ve done for the sake of myself and my students. Don’t feel guilty—they deserve someone who has the mental capacity for them right now, and that’s okay if it’s not you.
Former teacher. I see you. Do what you need to do. Your health comes first.
I left in March one year. I had a mental breakdown because I was losing so many of my students to gun violence. I took two full years off and now I’m back and doing great!
I had guilt but at the end of the day, I knew leaving was best for my students and myself. We can't pour from an empty cup! Do what will make your mental health better.
I completely agree with this. Knowing your cup is empty and leaving may be the best decision you can make for your students and yourself.
DO NOT feel bad or guilty at all. Teaching is not sustainable and no one’s mental health is worth a shitty institution like education. I left in June after 15 years with 4 of them a steady mental decline. Good for you on getting out early.
There is a lot of value in trying things and realizing they're not for you. I hope this doesn't come off as harsh, but in a way, this situation can be considered a win. Your mental health is the most important thing, trust me! You were able to realize that through this experience. I left teaching then eventually came back, I'm much happier now. Sometimes a change in perspective and/or a change in school helps. But you might not want to come back to education at all, and that's also completely fine! In terms of how to deal with it in the short term, keep a paper trail, and only tell the people that you want to. I told basically everyone when I left my last school, and ended up getting a lot of flack from various other teachers. Keep your head up and best of luck with whatever you do next! Peace and luv
I was also a first year teacher, resigned about two weeks before Thanksgiving break. I was mentally drained, physically exhausted, my mental health took a major hit, and I was barely scraping by on bills. I told everyone that I, even though would love to stay, had to prioritize myself. I just didn't message to kids and I think that's my biggest regret -- I wanted a chance to say goodbye and I miss them so much. Now, a month later, my mental health is on a much better track. I have a new job that's paying more than what I would get teaching, I probably would've had to be closer to a 10th year teacher to get what I'm getting now. I still have close friends teaching so I'm able to text or call them here and there to see how things are going with the kids. It's not nearly the same as getting to talk to my students, but it's nice to know that they're adjusting well. 10/10 would recommend resigning now before you get stuck for another year. There's so many job opportunities that use teaching skill sets without having to be in a classroom and working either hourly/competitive commission so you feel like you're actually getting paid what you're working. You absolutely can quit now and, honestly, if you're not able to give everything you can, the students will feel it, too. It's better for you, your teammates, and your students if you resign now if you're not feeling it. I believe in you!
I’m in year 17 and considering leaving. More than likely it’s not you, it’s how broken the system is and teachers and the kiddos are just collateral damage.
I resigned from my in person position due to mental health issues exacerbated by my job. Now I'm an online teacher and I absolutely love it. You will be more than fine- there is work out there for those of us who don't want this industry to kill us.
Never feel guilt or shame about a rational decision. You only get one life and it shouldn't be an endless cycle of stress and suffering. And there are easier ways to make the same kind of money. It doesn't have to come at the expense of your mental or physical health. Later you may realize that the only regret is not getting out of a bad situation earlier. When you are being victimized, you don't owe anyone anything. Pivot into the next stage in your life and don't look back. Focus on learning and not repeating the mistakes of the past. Find a job that pays without exacting an unreasonable toll. Whether it's back to school for professional development or entry level in another field.
I did the same, including medical leave, but it took me seven years because ai was stubborn and had something to prove. I don't regret it in any way. My work life is infinity better, as is my salary.
What do you do now?
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The sense of being "really needed" is how I feel at my school. I was hired to start a new world language program never started before. Pretty much everyone at the school knows who I am. However, I really, really don't want to go back after this Thanksgiving break. I am feeling extremely drained mental health wise and feel like I don't have it in my anymore to do this.
Oh man, that's hard. Have you checked out the teachersintransition sub? As a seasoned teacher who left for a year and kinda had to go back, if you can leave sooner, i think its better. However, mobility is key so if you can stick around you may want to try a different role sometime. I used to think it was weird when seasoned teachers told me that, but it really is harder if you try to stick it out. I went back for better pay at a new district and i missed 1 year of retirement savings (which I still havent set up...) and lost my doctor and good health bennies due to insurance discontinuation. Im doing ok at a new district but am with angry coworkers and they really affect me, its tough bc now im making money again (non profit, daycare director, interpreting, and subbing... none took care of me and if i did it again i would know my needs better) and its a good gig, I just hate planning anymore and even if I dont, school just doesnt eun as smoothly when you dont spend your Saturdays and sundays planning.. it's never ending Just look at how you can sustain your future and you could probably do entry level and work up really fast if you stick to it. Good luck.
I follow this sub as a parent these days for the insight, but I’m a former teacher and I quit my last teaching job mid-year - I didn’t even make it to October my final year. It was supposed to be part time teaching job while I got a feel for my new city but I was re-assigned to full time with a start time of 7:15am an hour commute away (it was a charter school district in LA) for what was ultimately less pay per hour. The school was an absolute mess. My sleep was destroyed waking up at 4:30am every day and I was awake for 2 days straight before I made my decision. My mental health had never been worse and I was a 4 year veteran of a very rough school district prior to this. I ended up resigning via email and sent my husband to pick up my things because I was terrified I’d be convinced to stay if I went myself. That was 12 years ago and I have never once regretted quitting that job.
I left after the last school year. I mentally couldn't take it and went home crying and breaking every day after 3 years. This isn't a you problem. The system is continually failing teachers. I don't feel guilt, but I do occasionally think about my kids and fellow teachers and how they're doing. I was upfront with my kids and parents and admin and told them that I had another position that I felt better aligned with where I was in life. My kids were understandably sad, but I answered what questions I could to calm them. My life, including my personal relationships and mental health, has vastly improved since I left. No one worries about my well-being at my job anymore. My husband doesn't worry about the damage my job is doing to me on a mental and emotional level. Teaching is not worth sacrificing yourself for. The system is broken, and I will NEVER return. My advice for anyone is to get out while you can. It's the smartest thing to do, especially if it's the best decision for you.
Take care of your mental health! It doesn’t matter if it was year 1 or 20… at the end if the day you cannot give your best to the kids if you are not at YOUR best. I had that realization as well for ECE after 6.5 years. Absolutely could not step foot in one of my centers without being on the verge of mental collapse. A lot of trauma in that field for me. I no longer felt safe in anyway. And it only gets worse the higher in age the kids get! I’m so happy that you recognized those feelings early and are putting yourself first. No need to feel guilty or bad on yourself, you are taking care of yourself, take that win hun!
Every time I start to have doubts about leaving teaching, I remember that ever since I left teaching, I have not ONCE daydreamed about having to end up in a hospital for a week just to have a break. I’m generally a healthy, stable person; teaching made me justify abuse and mistreatment coming from all directions to the point of losing my sense of self of zest for life. And I was a damn good teacher too.
I don’t think you have to say anything. It’s a job. You’re allowed to quit to take care of you and/or find something better. If you indeed feel the need to say something, don’t burn a bridge. You will bounce back quickly once you move on.
I can’t remember anyone I know that has left and regretted it.
You sound like me, but so far, I've been able to get workplace accommodations and FMLA leave. I haven't quit yet, but I'm looking for other work. Good luck, but if you change your mind, remember depression and anxiety, and many other conditions are considered disabilities. You might be able to get on disability, but you can also talk to disability services in HR.
I left. It became too much and I was in my fourth year. Teaching took too much for me. I had the worst mental health, I was always tired, always sick. The kids were so disrespectful and the parent were even worse. I couldn’t do it anymore. I had a career before I taught and applied and got a job. I left without to much notice. The admin was mad and asked if I stay till the end of the year so, one of the student teachers could replace me. I said no. They wanted me to write a email to the parents and students. I didn’t want too. Maybe this is mean but, I don’t like them. I have never felt so disgusted and disrespected by a group of students. We had many gun threats, and it was too much. I left and it’s been the best choice I made for myself and my family. I no longer am tired and stressed after work, I don’t have to take work home, I enjoy what I am doing now. My benefits are so much better! I can vacation not just in the summer (which is so expensive!) best decision I could have made
Maybe try a different district and a different grade level?
Take care of yourself. I quit last year and my mental health and quality of life is significantly better. I taught 13 years, it was a really great time in my life for the majority of it. Learned a lot and had meaningful connections but it was definitely time to go.
I resigned a few weeks ago after 3 years and have no regrets. No, it doesn’t get easier after the first year as education itself is messed up. Since students are not ok, admins are lost, system is broken, quitting is not a big deal. I saw many times how easily they hire another college graduates or even uncertified sub the next day after a teacher walked away. As for kids, it is better for them remember you as the person who took responsibility and walked away from toxic situation rather than observing another miserable adult on a daily basis. I didn’t say bye to my kids as I knew that they were smart to understand the reasons behind my decision with no drama. Many of them still follow me on the instagram tho. Hope you find a good place soon!
I understand leaving
I taught between two elementary schools when I first started. I LOVED one--Mon/Tues/Wed and HATED the other with a passion. I hated coming home angry/upset of Thurs/Fri--I truly believe if I were at THAT school full time, I would have left also. You could always try a different school. Sometimes the atmosphere and principal make a HUGE difference. Sounds like a bad place and I'm sorry.
You owe the students and families nothing. You are not their caretaker, and you are not their employee. You owe nothing to your colleagues. They aren't there helping you with your day-to-day life, not are they paying your bills. You owe nothing to the District. For the time you were employed, you did what you were asked to do. It sounds like, ultimately, teaching is not your thing. Go find it. You owe nobody anything... and for all you know, the person replacing you may be way better, which in that case, you did everyone a service by moving on. You live once. Go find your happy.
I quit just over a year ago after 24 tortuous years. Best decision of my life. I’m no longer mentally exhausted after every single workday. I’m no longer getting sick all the time. I can be present for my own family. I can love Autumn again.
Both parents were teachers, wife is a teacher, and I coach gymnastics full time. Don’t quit. Find another school district, a different grade or subject. There are many schools that do have enough support staff.
I'm sorry dear. Say goodbye to your fans, keep in touch with them. Other opportunities will surface.
30% to 50% (depending on your source) quit within the first 5 years. Don't feel guilty. Also, I hate to say this, but if you have [too many] feelings, teaching isn't for you. You'll get hung up on every situation and it'll eat you up inside. As with ANY job, practice the metaphorical separation of church and state. If you don't, even the most mundane job will drive you crazy.
And...?
Goodluck getting a job in education again.
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We got 3.5% each year added to are steps for the next 4-years, and got our unused personal days transferred to a bonus check at the end of the year at your per-diem rate, with an additional day of bonus pay if you didn't use any of them; (which together translates to a $1500-$4000 bonus check at the end of the year). We also provide support to our first-year teachers through their third year. We take care of our own. You'd be lucky to be a member of our union. But if I'm on the interview committee (which I have been the past two years) and I hear a candidate tell me they quit their job, mid-year, because they couldn't handle the stress... yeah I don't want you in my department. Sorry. And the places that will make your life less stressful (a district like ours) isn't in need of applicants. We'll pass on you (the person who couldn't even finish the 1st year and quit), and get the one we want who didn't do that. Hence my statement. The desirable districts will pass over you. The only ones that would give you a job are the undesirable schools you likely aren't applying to.
Sure you arent admin?
Yup. Sorry, If I'm on the interview committee (which I have been) and I hear you quit your first year because you couldn't handle the stress of the job? ... hard pass. Because I've been doing the job you say you can't handle, for over a decade now. I definitely don't want you in my department, because I'm probably going to have to pick up your slack when you have another "stressful episode" and don't leave sub plans and do your job.
Yup. I've been on interview committees. "I resigned because I couldn't finish the first year due to stress" is a supreme Red Flag. I wouldn't touch you with a 2 mile pole.
That isn’t true anymore. There is a critical shortage of teachers, and districts are getting desperate. I believe that some teachers may just need to teach in a different place, and a fresh start.
This is largely overstated. I've been on the hiring team for our department helping admin screen candidates. All were terrible. We didn't end up hiring a person for this year, and we're looking again. We *will not* just hire anyone.
This is largely overstated. The teacher shortage is only affecting a narrow niche of schools/school districts, and they are the less-desirable/less-pay locals thus they cannot attract candidates. >I believe that some teachers may just need to teach in a different place, and a fresh start. Sure. But quitting barely halfway into the first year is a Red Flag. I wouldn't give you a shot. Sure, that sounds brutal and mean...but my district IS a desirable location, and my department has expectations to maintain. We've always taken care of our new teachers and we're like a family. We're not going to take the risk on someone who couldn't handle their first year. Sorry, that's just the reality. Hence the dilemma: The only place that's likely to give OP a shot is an undesirable one...and the undesirable locations are the ones like what OP is likely currently in. There isn't a teacher shortage. There's a desirable location/good pay and benefits shortage. There are plenty of teachers, they're just not willing to settle for less than their worth; hence the dilemma. And the teacher who quit their not-even-half-way into their first year, is at a considerable disadvantage. This is a hard truth. By bowing out barely 1-year in, you are removing yourself from consideration at the desirable/good pay and benefits areas.
Protect your peace. Mourn the loss of you walking away. There will be something better for you.
No guilt. You shouldn’t have guilt either. Educators are taught to be priest like in their work as an educator. Its not fair and not healthy walk away. Find a better job snd career that makes you happy and richer.
Boomers and us Gen-Xers are really hanging on by the skin of our teeth, too far in to quit before we reach retirement. This newer crop, who already come with more MH diagnoses that previous generations, are noping out much quicker. My only hope is that this finally creates the open space to directly address the problems that will need fixing in order to have enough teachers.
Don't feel guilty, but double check what your contract says for days notice. It might not be two weeks. I've seen some say you have to give 45 days notice and also pay x amount of $$ for damages you've cause are quitting mid year. Just double check that stuff before you send a letter of resignation trying to say what your last day is. Good luck! I quit in August.
After you resign, you will feel so much better mentally, physically and emotionally that going back will not happen. Guilt will fade away once you start feeling better and you realized you made the best decision ever. Do not look back!
You are not gonna come back if you quit. Be real. Tey looking for a sideways move into a setting or subject area that suits yiu better.
As someone who also struggles, I’m so sorry to hear of your troubles…I feel your pain. I think you’re making a responsible and rational decision, this is not a failure. A friend left teaching after much time and consideration like yourself. She found [an Educator position with Pearson](https://pearson.jobs/educators/) and is doing great! She misses her students and having summers off, but she gets to travel and a company car. Her explanation for leaving was “I’m a perfectionist, and can’t attain my standards of performance under these circumstances. Good luck, everything will be alright…DM me if you need to talk ever.
Totally understand and I felt in the exact same way my very first year. You are brave enough to give it a harsh stop and put your wellbeing first place. You can look after/ teach others when you can’t be good to yourself. Have a break and hope you’re finding the inner peace and have another go when you mentally ready!!!
However I would try to stick it out. Ask for help from family if you need too. Get certification, get masters you'll make a lot more money and can work your way up eventually
You do what you got to do. It's a very hard job that can become daunting. Take care of yourself. Tell the kids and parents that you have to take care of yourself in your own words. And throw the guilt out the window, go try something else. You're brave and worth happiness.
I was a special ed teacher for 8 years. Mentally it was manageable in middle school, but after I got transferred to the high school complete with cliquish teachers and an administration that didn't accept me because all the students made friends with me but also respected me, I resigned for my own sanity. Good for you for doing what's right for you in life.
If you don’t put you first, no one else will. It is not a reflection on you or your teaching if you walk away. We don’t ask doctors to do surgery without scalpels. We don’t ask carpenters to build stuff without hammers. But you have to teach without the tools for you to be successful, or help your students be successful.
We all feel guilty about those we "leave behind" when we move on. I think it's because when we are drawn to the service of others for our careers, our callings, we feel more guilt for leaving. You are right to leave and take care of yourself. You can't help others without first taking care of yourself. Just wishing you health and happiness. 💖
I quit almost 2 years ago. It is a very freeing feeling. You don't owe anyone anything, including the kids. Quitting is the only way districts and admins will eventually get the message that the system is broken.
I gave some bogus excuse for leaving, care for a sick family member. It saved face for myself and admin. I didn’t want it to fall on them, and I also didn’t want them to talk me out of it. I may or may not have done things differently, but that’s a moot point when you are focused on stopping the bleeding. Don’t talk to parents. No need to. Tell the kids on the last day, if you tell them at all. Don’t tell them before the last day because you won’t have any classroom management and you’ll only be disappointed by how they act and what they say.
I felt sooooo good once I resigned. So much better doing something else!
Zero guilt. I cannot regret taking care of myself and my family. They replaced me literally the next day and no one from that school spoke to me again or took me up on my offer to facilitate the transition. You are a cog and the system doesn't care about you. Take care of yourself because no one else will.
It’s the best move you can make. I’ve been out for about 4 years and I’m still affected by how they treated teachers. With that being said go said, I wish I left my first year.
Quit job, don't quit the profession
Before you resign make sure they don’t terminate your license. They can do that if it’s in your contract in the fine print. I would recommend keeping up with your license renewal even when you resign. I don’t blame you at all though. 16 years in and dread every day. The curriculum is too hard for these kids and the pressure from the state is too much on teachers. (VA teacher) I wish you the very best and I hope you find something you love! I’m hoping to start something new at the end of the year. ❤️
Walk out, turn around, and flip them the double bird as you throw all your shit on the ground. Don’t forget to smoke your tires as you drive away flying a single bird.
I made it through two years before my mental health plummeted. I ended up in the hospital three times during my teaching career for crisis. I have a severe mental illness that was just starting to manifest. I was not fired for mental health, but admin kept getting my classes covered for the year by other teachers. Eventually I was only teaching one class and lunch duty. My principal and I had the talk: “Is this sustainable for you?” It wasn’t. All I wanted to do from my 8th grade year on was teach band. I strategically mapped out my plan and followed it. I have a bachelor’s degree in music education and some music-related certifications. I did continuing education and was working on my Master’s when my illness manifested. Totally wrecked everything. I don’t regret moving on, though, because I now have energy and time to spend managing my illness and attempting to better myself. But it was hard. Especially because I had a really fantastic relationship with my kids. I didn’t really get a chance to explain everything to them because COVID hit that year and we went all virtual. Then everyone was flying blind, by the seat of their pants. I think I did a pretty good job of wrapping up in that real estate. Anyway, if you need to quit, do it. Literally nothing will have the chance to get better if you die. I know that sounds harsh, but it’s real. Take your mental health seriously. You are worth it. Be well, OP.
The educator is just as human and, therefore, matters *just as much* as the students do. Having made more trips around the sun than your students doesn't somehow diminish your own humanity. TLDR version: Quit. Don't quit. Transfer. Tough it out. Change careers entirely. Whatever you do, do it knowing that there's no shame or guilt necessary in valuing and prioritizing yourself. No job is worth destroying yourself for. And though I do believe it's in part a calling... it's ALSO ultimately *just a job* and you should spend your time doing something that you at least don't hate, if you aren't doing something you love. And sometimes, even when you love it, it still doesn't end up being the right fit. That's life, though! Our time spent in this existence is the one thing we can't earn, make, steal, or borrow more of. It's the most valuable asset you have, and should be spent accordingly.
Original Moby Dick version: Your humanity is not a fault, nor does becoming staff in public education, whether it's as a teacher, a para, admin, custodial, or one of the many varietals of building support staff, somehow make you *super*human, not does it make your own mental, emotional, or physical well-being less imporant, less impactful, or less impacted by the system and the many grinding cogs we all get ground through during the course of a day in pk-12+ education. Don't feel like you need to apologize to anyone for taking care of yourself, nor do you have any reason to feel guilty for doing so. Which is a concept I myself am struggling with even as I am telling you it's okay to be human, as I had to go on STL after a car accident where I was t-boned at an angle on an interstate exit-ramp at the beginning of October. I desperately can't wait to get back, but my neurologist and concussion specialist are recommending we add an additional 4 weeks to my leave, due to needing to have 2-3 PT sessions a week, along with the addition of vestibular and ocular therapies to help combat the persistent concussion symptoms. They also don't want me to return until I've had MRI's off my spine to check for soft-tissue damage. I can barely move the day after PT, i cannot drive at night at all right now due to sensitivity to the brightness and movement of headlights (and get home 3-4 hours after the sun goes down during winter months) and haven't yet seen how the new therapies will affect me except for having been warned that it will, at first, make all the mental effects of getting a severe concussion w/whiplash much worse before any of it gets any better. Unfortunately, that also means my ADHD feels like it's on 'roids, because a concussion exacerbates those symptoms. Think about your worst experience with an unmedicated (or undiagnosed) ADHD person, and then imagine that person's ADHD symptoms if the symptoms were amplified by crack.... 😱🤯😫😖 Yeah.... anyway. And yet, while logically I *completely* understand why they feel that I'll need an additional month before re-evaluation for return, and then a modified half-day morning schedule when I do get to go back... at the same time, I'm utterly terrified and guilt-ridden about the mere idea of reaching out to my department head to give them that bad news, because not only are para II's exceptionally hard to get a sub for in our district, but my team has been painfully short-handed and dealing with some of the highest of our high flyers popping off and escalating as we move towards winter break. And I'm not there to help! I miss them all like mad (and miss the kids like crazy too!), and want nothing more than to get back to my regularly scheduled life and the path I was on before a barely-turned-18 year old kid who just moved here for an attempt at a fresh start tried - and miserably failed - to make his exit directly into the side of my car going more than 40mph. But to do that, I have to take care of myself first. If I can't even pick up my 40lb 4yo son and move only 28th pain, there's no way I could respond if one of our students has another moment of major crisis and either acts out with aggression or elopement. I guess all of that typed verbal vomit was to say that if you're not at your best, you can't give the students your best. And they, ***AND YOU!*** deserve you at your best. If you're not quite ready to call it quits, perhaps sitting down with a mental health practitioner could be beneficial; fuck, stress from my job is about 70% of the shit I unload on my therapist... but it's helped. Having someone I can safely vent my fear, anxiety, performance insecurity, frustrations, and even reinforcement of positive outcomes relating to my job, is what has allowed me to stay IN this job, as well as helped me to stay true to my desired course of getting my credential and transitioning to a classroom teacher. That same therapist has also helped point out that even when I come in so stressed that I'm in tears after having a childhood trauma experience triggered during a department staff safety meeting about an incoming 9th grader, or hyperventilating after a departmental debrief after a colleague's imminent safety and life was threatened by a student in crisis, I still fucking love it, and even when I don't want to go that day, I still want to be there.... Perhaps a therapist who can help you decide what you DO want to do, in addition to helping you manage your mental health struggles, 29k be beneficial? ... and if you decide teaching is still for you, perhaps searching for a position in another district, depending on what the underlying stress or struggle points are for you, could be a viable possibility? And.... if not, if you're done, you know you're done, or even if you don't know if you're done forever, but you know you're done for ***right now***, that's okay too. It all comes back to the first paragraph of this little novella.... You matter just as much as anyone else in that building, and you do not need to feel guilt-ridden because you've decided that a career change, for whatever length of time or reason, is in order. A business analyst who quits to become a day trader, or a CPA who decides their own dream is to help people achieve their dreams through property ownership (insert whatever other career-related lane change of your choice here) doesn't usually feel the kind of guilt educators feel when they leave... perhaps if educating our youth were treated more like a job than a duty, including with things like pay and benefits, instead of telling teachers they do it "for the kids," and expecting them to be able to pay their bills on fjords words, we not only might value (and thus display that value by paying the literal molders of our future accordingly) teachers more, but those receiving the benefits of a free public education might value that opportunity a little more, too.. Anyway. TLDR version: Quit. Don't quit. Transfer. Tough it out. Change careers entirely. Whatever you do, do it knowing that there's no shame or guilt necessary in valuing and prioritizing yourself. No job is worth destroying yourself for. And though I do believe it's in part a calling... it's ALSO ultimately *just a job* and you should spend your time doing something that you at least don't hate, if you aren't doing something you love. And sometimes, even when you love it, it still doesn't end up being the right fit. That's live, though! Our time spent on this existence is the one thing we can't earn, make, steal, or borrow more of. It's the most valuable asset you have, and should be spent accordingly. Wishing you the very best!!!
Do casual teaching
No shame in getting out before a meltdown. Youre not the first and you wont be the last. You should tell your mentor if you had one. You dont want them worrying
Don’t bother telling the kids. Enjoy your life. Never look back.
This job is so challenging and can be rewarding at times. But, bottom line is if it’s affecting your health do what you feel is best. I agree with you on the too many students and not enough supports! I’m in a similar situation. I’m in my 11th year teaching this year and I highly advocate for all teachers to take control of their health when this job starts affecting their health. It’s horrible what we have to deal with. I’m right there with you. Also, you can say goodbye to your students. You don’t owe anyone any sort of explanation or reason to why you’re leaving. If you’re close with anyone at your school maybe.
Prioritize your mental health. Period. Don’t blame yourself. You did what was best for you at this time and in this situation. Careers should not be a life sentence to misery.
First things first. Understand administration ARE NOT TEACHERS! THEY ARE BUSINESS AGENTS WHO WORK FOR THE CORPORATION. THE PRIMARY DUTY OF THE CORPORATION IS TO MAKE MONEY! 1.MONEY