Reflecting on Teaching

The Teacher Exodus Continues

I was listening to a teacher on Instagram about why teachers leave the profession. The reasons are many — lack of support from admin, hostile or inattentive parents, and student behavior. Another reason, not discussed as much per the creator, is teachers are leaving the profession because of other teachers.

I can see her point. The creator said that veteran teachers are stuck in their ways. They’ve been teaching for 30 or more years and are stuck in their routines. They don’t want to innovate their teaching style or listen to younger teachers about teaching styles. These teachers aren’t there for the students. They’re waiting on their retirement.

When I first became a teacher, I was burnt out from the private sector. I wasn’t getting the money I deserved and my evaluations leaned towards microaggression and toxicity. Racism was in the mix as well.

So, I became a teacher. I didn’t think it would happen while I was young. I figured I enter the profession when I was in my 50s or 60s. But an opportunity from the state presented itself and I decided to leap. I went through a summer training program, a year-long mentoring program, and a three-year support program. By my fourth year as a teacher, I reached permanent status within my district.

But the creator's comments got me thinking. I’ve dealt with mean administrators who thought I was incompetent and called me stupid. I’ve dealt with parents who weren’t invested in their child’s education until it was time for them to graduate. Those same parents then wanted to make a big stink about their child’s grades. Ignoring the fact that the child was unable to perform at grade level. And don’t get me started about student behavior! I could write a book (and probably will) about my encounters with students — the good, the bad, the ugly, and the oh lord!

If I had left teaching because of student behavior, it would have happened at least ten years ago. I’m entering my 21st year as a teacher and still believe in the youth. Some of them are hard to deal with., but most of them just want to learn, graduate, and move on with their lives. I want to help them in any way that I can

But the creator stressed that other teachers can drive a teacher out of the profession as well. And I agree. I thought about times teachers were against me when I had certain standards in my classroom. I recall a teacher leaving a meeting I was facilitating because I didn’t like how she was behaving in the room. She left in a huff. I felt bad, but at the same time, teachers need to work together — not be at each other’s throats.

Once, at my first school, a group of retired teachers and admin had compiled a list of teachers they felt needed to leave the school, They had the teachers' names, and next to their names were stars. If you have one star, you were considered ok. If you had two stars, you were questionable. If you had three or more stars, they wanted you to leave the school. I remember seeing three stars next to my name. Suffice it to say, I was not happy.

Eventually, karma came for the school in the form of the Department of Education, The school was in trouble because of its test scores and other violations. A staff reduction was demanded by the state. Everyone had to reapply for their jobs. I wanted to stay since I was working with juniors and seniors and wanted to see my juniors in their senior year. Of course, I was chosen to leave.

I would up at another school, a middle school, teaching 6th graders. It was a hellish year. The principal was also new and everyone was trying to curry his favor. Cliques were already present within the school. People were quick to rat each other out. Some people would up leaving. I tried to go to another school but no one would hire me. I was stuck.

I’m still at the school, now a 7–12 pilot school. The past few years have been challenging with COVID, lockdowns, and remote learning. My evaluation has been taking a hit to the point I may lose my job. At first, I was scared, since I’m the financial breadwinner for the family. But then, I realize that being a teacher can happen in many arenas. My district isn’t the only game in town. Plus, I really want to be a working writer. I want people to pay for me to come to workshops and residencies. I want to give talks at colleges and universities. I want to present at conferences and companies.

Education has always been the way out for me. I rose from poverty because of what I learned in school. My experience is valuable. My knowledge is needed. If my district doesn’t recognize this, it’s their loss. Teachers are tired of being treated like crap. They’re tired of the toxic work environments. They’re tired of a district with no clear direction on how to educate children, especially children of color.

So I don’t blame teachers around the country for leaving the classroom — whatever the reason. Teachers aren’t respected like they were in the days of our parents and grandparents — especially in communities of color. It used to be the teacher said something and informed the parent and the parent would discipline the child. Now, parents come up to the school to fight the teacher. It’s crazy!

Teachers do what’s best for your mental health. Don’t let money stop you from pursuing what you want to do. Use your experiences and skills to create your own streams of income. Don’t let your district gaslight you. They will say anything to keep us until they want to get rid of us.

Power to the teachers!