I am really thinking about quitting

Cristni - posted on 04/14/2012

After 16 years I left education. My family and I moved to another state. The stress was taking it's toll on me physically. I have six children ages 26, 24, 23, 28, 17, and 3 = 3 boys and 3 girls. I raised the older ones while getting my MA in Educational Administration. The education field has deteriorated - it's close to hitting bottom. I refuse to work in such negative environment any longer. I loved my staff and they loved me! However, nothing anyone did was good enough. The overshadowing politics make teaching unbearable. Since I left, things have gotten worse. I pray for the colleagues I left every day. I became a teacher to teach children - this is no longer possible. I refuse to watch kindergartners and first graders, four to seven years olds, be stressed and hate school due to testing requirements.

Jenna - posted on 04/12/2012

what is PDP?

Barbara - posted on 04/10/2012

I hear your pain. I recently enrolled my 10 yr. old and 7 yr. old in private school for reasons that reflect the entitlement and enabling that we see throughout the public school system. We no longer require consequences for negative behavior and everything is ok. I have about 1/4 of my students in my 6th grade classroom who are reading at a 2nd and 3rd grade reading level. The expectation these days is that the smart ones can assist those who are lagging behind and all will pass. What are we teaching our students? The average student isn't being offered a fair education bc he/ she is too busy teaching others. We are further degrading our education system and times will only worsen with the "Failure is NOT an Option" philosophy. For me, I have to consider that the gov't (as sad of a state that it is in) must fund my children's private education. In addition, through hours of prayer and introspection, I have determined that the Lord has placed me in the public school system to be a light to those who would otherwise be overlooked. Times are hard and frustrating, but I will continue to do what I am told, as long as it is within my boundaries of Christ-centered actions. Outside of these boundaries, I must rely on the Lord to allow me to either take on another career or continue working with children. Due to the injustices that quadruple for teachers every year, I know that God will provide the way and offer me the peace that He has promised in the midst of the fire. This is all that keeps me showing up every day. I suggest that you pray and ask for direction from God. Fulfilling His purpose will sustain you through the years... IF teaching is His will for you. God Bless You!

Denise - posted on 03/04/2012

Good luck, Sheri, with the home job. I had a big long reply, Jeanette and Sheri, but erased it in fear someone will see. My daughter in law got fired yesterday because of facebook! And life just goes on!!!

Jeanette - posted on 03/03/2012

I live in Arizona and I feel the same way. We have to do these Date binders to prove our effectiveness in the classroom. As a reading teacher, my scores continually go up. We test at the beginning of the year, at the end of each quarter, and the AIMS test at the end. In one of my classes I have 2 students who have pretty much stayed the same as they were at the beginning of the year and I am being made to feel like a failure. I have a special ed student who increased by 20 points, but that is overlooked. I have 2 kids, and every morning wish I could stay home with them.

Sheri - posted on 03/03/2012

@Denise! I hear you. I could go on and on too! Now, I'm just pushing through so I can get out. I'm really hoping my new business takes off so I can leave the teaching thing behind me!

Denise - posted on 03/03/2012

As a teacher, I know what you are talking about! A psychiatrist once said that teaching is one of the worst jobs because of the feeling of lack of control. I have 25 years in and so want to retire. Amazing, I also teach in GA (Northwest). The economy and no materials in our schools, lack of respect from some parents and some community, and inability to have any control, let's just say it has become harder each year. I truly think something will have to drastically happen to change things within school systems. Politicians do not have the experience. Kids are being held to higher standards but more are hating school and stressed out. We've had six year old's that throw up on the test they are so stressed!!!!! Sorry, I could go on and on!

Sheri - posted on 03/03/2012

Have you thought about trying to work from home? I am a teacher who is working towards staying at home full time because I am basically burned out. I have been teaching for 23 years. I just teamed up with the doctors who created Proactiv (acne) and I love it. It is still a ground floor opportunity and therefore, there is great possibility that I can go far in the company and totally give up teaching. Currently I work 4 days a week. Hopefully, next year it will only be 2 or 3!