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08-10-2009, 08:34 PM | #1 |
Her Boy Toy
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Terrordrome
Posts: 2,202
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Please do me a favor: if you have nothing constructively positive to say, then please just move on. I say what I am about to say for a reason.
Last Friday, I resigned from my job as a high school teacher which I did passionately and lovingly for three years. This is one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. As I turned in my resignation to the principal and his secretary, tears streamed down my face despite my desire to hide them. Four years of hard work to get there, then three long years of passion and hard work, just . . . gone. Just like that. A simple piece of paper is all it took. Colleagues and people were/are shocked at my decision. And it probably sounds like there is some regret on my part, but there is not. Sure, there were elements I loved, such as students screaming my name down the halls, students smiling at me, students coming into my room just to be around someone who means something to their lives, and genuinely teaching them things from time to time. Yes, those are the positives. But the negatives, however, for me, outweigh these beautiful positives. So much so that one last straw broke my back and caused me to resign, and now I have no idea how, when, and where I will get/acquire money for my bills. What could be so negative just to leave without any security? Of course, SOME kids' attitudes are horrible and disrespectful. But what is worse is administration's inconsistancy with handling discipline to where a kid curses at you or is generally disrespectful and the punishment equates to a slap on the wrist. Then you have to deal with parents whose children can do no wrong (probably some of you feel this way--just being realistic) and an increasing workload of paperwork, accountability, and responsibility just to keep parents, administrators, and other faculty members off your back. Not to mention that you take work home with you almost every night, and Sunday is usually a catch-up day, which pretty much only gives you Saturday to be "free"--and sometimes I did work on Saturday. Then, as a younger male teacher, you have to constantly be concerned with your interaction with students, as any misperception can be lethal to your job (you also have to be concerned with your actions in general in public--don't have too good of a time, for sure, or that can come back to the workplace). Therefore, this constricts your personality in the classroom and has you watching your every look and move, and will so even more the first time a student accuses you of remotely doing or saying ANYTHING---trust me. In a nutshell, you have to look out for you more than for your students, which is the reverse reason why I entered the profession. Teachers are also becoming more robotic, infusing less and less creativity into their teaching because the curriculum is becoming more uniform and teachers are all doing and teaching the same thing and being pressured to teach the same way. AND we're being forced to teach the same way with texts such as To Kill A Mockingbird, The Great Gatsby, Lord of the Flies, and The Scarlett Letter which students fucking hate--and so do I, particularly the last three! Finding out a few days ago that I was being expected to "team teach" and teach what and how everyone else was, finally broke my back--instantly. This is happening across America. However, I am not a robot. I am a human with a personality. I predict students will soon go to a "school" in which they are, in some fashion, taught by technology, and there will only be "monitors" to make sure the technology is flowing right. Kind of sad. 1984 anyone? I post this because I think there is something to learn from my devastation, heartache, and sadness. Last edited by RockinHard; 08-11-2009 at 10:57 PM.. |
08-10-2009, 08:41 PM | #2 |
Gary Goggles
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: joedeclassified.com/forum/
Posts: 18,094
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For what it is worth, any teacher/professor who made an impact on me...
I've made sure to hunt them down over the past few years and TELL them about that impact. I'm sorry that your world had to come to this... but in due time I'm sure one of your former students will do the same for you as I've done for my former teachers.
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08-10-2009, 08:43 PM | #3 |
in the ghillie suit
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 71
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I once thought of teaching, but now I'm glad I chose not to. I'm sorry it couldn't have been different; hope everything goes well and you find something you love even more.
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08-10-2009, 08:43 PM | #4 |
Her Boy Toy
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Terrordrome
Posts: 2,202
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Quote:
For what it is worth, any teacher/professor who made an impact on me...
I've made sure to hunt them down over the past few years and TELL them about that impact. I'm sorry that your world had to come to this... but in due time I'm sure one of your former students will do the same for you as I've done for my former teachers. |
08-10-2009, 08:45 PM | #5 |
Her Boy Toy
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Terrordrome
Posts: 2,202
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As do I, buddy. Had I known then what I know now, I would have never gotten in to this profession. Nevertheless, I have learned so much and don't regret what I've learned and the experiences I've had. They really are invaluable.
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08-10-2009, 08:49 PM | #6 |
more than a conquerer
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: I helped take the BST Forum here to heights never known to mankind! For real, yo!
Posts: 10,502
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I am sorry to hear about the turmoil you faced, and the tough decision you came to.
I learned a long time ago, sometimes words only get in the way. So I will not try to come up with anything profound to say, but just know that all things happen for a reason. Something awesome will come of this. Just wait and see!!
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08-10-2009, 08:50 PM | #7 |
Her Boy Toy
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Terrordrome
Posts: 2,202
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Quote:
I am sorry to hear about the turmoil you faced, and the tough decision you came to.
I learned a long time ago, sometimes words only get in the way. So I will not try to come up with anything profound to say, but just know that all things happen for a reason. Something awesome will come of this. Just wait and see!! |
08-10-2009, 08:51 PM | #8 |
Janitor at Extensive Ent
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Posts: 2,336
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I know it has to be the love of teaching that makes a person choose teaching as a career, but teachers are over worked, under paid, and definitely under appreciated. I'm sure it is heartbreaking to give up something you are passionate about, but your probably better off. The medical industry is really growing, maybe you should try that.
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08-10-2009, 08:54 PM | #9 |
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 1,045
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I feel for you. I went through something similar. I too quit my job several years ago as a graphic designer. It came as shock to my boss. It was a toxic beaurocratic sweat shop. I was angry, depressed, panic attacked, sick to my stomach, high blood pressured, short tempered, you name it. Seeing no light at the end of the tunnel, I had had ENOUGH! I quit! I was burned out. Best thing I ever did. Since then, it has been a trying time for me as well. I've reached a cross-road in my life and I'm unsure which direction to turn. During these set-backs, I've learned a lot about myself and i'm sure you will too.
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08-10-2009, 08:55 PM | #10 |
Iron Grenadier Sorcerer
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: The Silent Castle
Posts: 34,271
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You misspelled "responsibility." ;)
Seriously, though, I can relate. I think you have balls to resign from a position you find unfulfilling rather than just force yourself to do it for the sake of a paycheck. Like Duke Leto says in David Lynch's "Dune" (you ought to teach THAT novel in English class!): "A person needs new experiences. They jar something deep inside, allowing them to grow. Without change, something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens. The sleeper must awaken." If I were a local friend, I'd take you toy shopping to cheer you up. Alack and alas. Let us know what sleeper awakens. |
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