I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember.
Cliche?
Maybe. But as is the case with most cliches, it happens to be true. I adored playing make believe, with the game of “School” being a personal favorite. At the age of 5, I took the game to new heights, creating a mock classroom in my garage. I had desks, chairs, a bookshelf, and a chalkboard at the front of my “class.” My cousins filled in as students while I walked around the “classroom” teaching them how to recite the alphabet and color inside the lines. Sharing what I had learned in Kindergarten with my cousins and watching them retain that knowledge was thrilling. I loved witnessing the tangible results of my “teaching” techniques. And so I played “School” over and over again (much to the dismay of my cousins), dreaming that one day my fantasy would become a reality.
When I secured my first teaching job, I walked into my empty classroom – bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and ready to get down to business. Like most first year teachers, I spent 12 hours in my classroom each day – preparing materials, setting up centers, grading papers. And, when I wasn’t in my classroom, I was working on lesson plans or thinking about my students. Or spending my paycheck at Target. (#TeacherProblems)
Despite all the exhaustion I felt, I knew that, with each passing day, teaching was what I was meant to do and the classroom is where I belong.
So you can imagine that the past few weeks might have been a wave of emotions for me. When I left my job, I knew it was the right decision but it wasn’t any less emotional to turn my back on my classroom. On my students.
But, on the more difficult days, I remind myself of a few things.
1) This is temporary.
Ankur and I may end up leaving this area in May of 2018. Which means, once we settle down in our new town (or city!), I can look for a teaching job again. Putting a pause on my career is just that. A pause. This is not a permanent decision.
2) My students are important to me. But so is my family.
I had to make a decision that was good for my family. It’s not just about me and my life anymore. I have to factor in another person and our future together. This was good for both of us. And this was good for my sanity.
3) I am more useful to my students and their families as a volunteer and an advocate. Not as an employee of the county that has me in chains and doesn’t serve their students’ best interests.
It’s a challenging thing when you have always been taught to prioritize the children and set high expectations for them. I’ve always been an overworked teacher – struggling each and every day to ensure my students had what they needed. Here, the system is a bit different. Teachers are not overworked. But our students are. They don’t get what they need and they have to work that much harder to keep up. So they essentially fail before they even have a chance to start. And parents here don’t really understand what “special education” is. So it would always put me in a tricky place to explain to parents that they should fight the system when I was technically a part of the system.
4) I work at the university. And I’m surrounded by intelligent, educated people who have ambition and drive.
Yes, I got a new job. I am an Exam Services Specialist for the veterinary school here and I love it. It’s taking some time for me to get used to the whole “sitting all day” thing. I didn’t realize how much activity and movement I was getting each day just by being a teacher. I feel like a big fat lard when I sit from 8-5PM. But there’s something so nice about working on a college campus. And, even better, my commute to work is approximately two minutes long.
5) Every experience – whether in or out of the classroom – is an opportunity to grow and develop.
I may not be in the classroom right now, but I am learning helpful skills and working in an environment that’s helping me grow as a professional. Over the past week, I’ve picked up on fancy Microsoft Excel shortcuts, learned how to use Outlook more efficiently, and created my first veterinary exam. A lot of my skills as a special education teacher translate over into this environment so I found that I didn’t have to start from ground zero. I’m soaking up everything I possibly can from this new job. Because I know that, no matter where my life ends up, every experience and every interaction will play a part in my success.
Questions of the Day:
- Have you ever left a job unexpectedly?
- What did you want to be when you were younger?
It is such a shame to hear that you had to put your career on hold for a little while, but like you say I have no doubt that that you will back and better than ever when the time is right! So happy to hear about your new job, hope you’re loving it 🙂
Dominique recently posted…Why Do I Have to Do Everything Around Here
Hey, you have to do what’s right for you. Last year my sons teacher went out on medical leave 4 weeks into the school year and never ended up coming back. There was sub after sub for like 6 months until the end of Feb when they FINALLY got a permanent sub in the room. Unfortunately it was too late for my son who fell so far behind from all the turmoil that we ended up keeping him back.
I left a bad teaching situation last year. Now I’m trying to regroup and I’m subbing and tutoring it’s so all consumming
Harmony, Momma To Go recently posted…Travel Packing Tips
You are a good person and your heart is truly in this profession. I am so sorry that you had to leave but at the same time, I am so incredibly proud of you for taking a step back and breathing. You are your priority.
My son’s grade two teacher bullied him to bits. So much so that he developed severed OCD and we are now in therapy once a week, and will be travelling to London for a special program for children of his age. His teacher told him he wasn’t smart – would throw his papers at him, books, made fun of him in class, banned him from the reading carpet…told him he was autistic…he threatened him with a baby spoon…the principal and vice principal had convinced us the teacher was a “teddy bear”
I snapped one day and marched in and confronted the monster and do you know what he said?
“When I wake up, I don’t know why I bother to come here to teach.”
So you my friend, your heart is in a good place. Take as much time as you need. I wish the system did more in America for you like Canada did more for our teachers
Kimberly recently posted…Let Him Write
Although difficult and emotional, I’m sure it was the best decision for you and your family. Things are going to change in the future with your husband and where he gets placed, right? I forget what they call it but isn’t there some sort of lottery-like system for doctors? Stop me before I continue non-sensically rambling any further.
You know your heart and passion is working with your kids, so maybe a break will give you a fresh perspective on things and next time around, it’ll be a better experience for you. 🙂
Have a great weekend hun. xo
Lindsay recently posted…What’s up, Weekend?
Congratulations on your new job! I love your attitude about it too. Yes, this experience will have many great opportunities for personal growth. Way to go!
Penny Struebig recently posted…Five on Friday – March 31, 2017
I can certainly relate to this! I left my job as an English teacher before the academic year was through due to being put under a great deal of stress and not being happy with how teaching had changed since I’d had a career break from it.
It was an incredibly difficult decision to make and took me quite some time to come to terms with but now I know I did the right thing. It has paved the way for me to become a full-time writer so it all worked out well. I hope it will for you too.
Yup, you do what is right for you and your family. Otherwise you’ll just be miserable. I have no doubt you are learning all sorts of skills to help in the future.
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Divya, sounds like there is more to the story. If you come back to the San Francisco, look me up. I have a great job for you that puts kids first.
I know this was not an easy decision for you. I feel like only those of us in the helping professions understand the pressures that are placed upon us by administrations and policies developed by those who do not understand. Too many individuals stay in jobs they should leave. Good for you for listening to your own needs. You will be able to help others more!
Sheryl recently posted…Currently in March
I can’t believe I missed that you quit your job. Public education is hard. Demands from the state, county and city can be overwhelming. Then, factor in the US and it’s even more. Most teachers quit within their first 5 years and education has one of the (if not the) lowest retention rate. Good for you for recognizing that it was affecting your relationship and family and not letting that bring you down. Excited for your new job and new chapter. 🙂
I’m sure this was not an easy decision for you to make. You made a decision that was right for you and your family. I love you positive attitude!!
Kim Airhart recently posted…Things I’m Loving Lately-(#LinkUp)
This sounds like it was a really difficult decision but I’m glad you figured out ultimately what was best for you and your family! I I am happy to hear you found a job that allows you to do still do some of what your passionate about. And hey, you can’t beat a two minute commute! Best wishes as you continue on your path!
I can relate to this post, and I know many other teachers do too. I also always wanted to be a teacher since I was little, but when I actually entered the profession as an adult it was not what I expected. After the birth of my daughter, I walked away from the classroom after ten years and it’s the best decision I ever made. I know consult with an education firm once a week and it fulfills me. Good luck in your new adventures!
I’m a teacher myself and can realize how tough it is to balance between personal and professional life. I’m glad that you took the wise decision at right time.
Being a teacher is so hard sometimes (or most of the time). I feel like we are stuck between a rock and a hard place quite often, but there also comes a time (as you have found) when you are just backed into a corner. I totally understand you. I work in a building where we prioritize teacher comfort/teacher support over student learning and student support. So I often get in trouble for doing what is best for students because the administration or teachers don’t like the effect. I ‘m like you – it’s time to take a break. But I could never stay away long!
You could also try tutoring – it’s so rewarding to have time to work with a kid (or adult!) one on one, and not be tied into policy/mandates/financial restraints, etc!
I’m glad you’ve found something else to do that is fulfilling for now. I do hope, when you’re ready, you’ll return to teaching – you sound like a passionate special educator and schools can’t afford to lose you!
Sometimes the right choice is one that seems unconventional to other people. Good for you for doing what was right for your family!
Laura recently posted…Comment on 15 Dairy Free Dinners by Things I Make from Scratch (and some things I still buy!) – Homemaking For His Glory
Every experience will prepare you that much more for the future! I wish you the best of luck with your career. You just never know where life will take you.
Sometimes to be our best, we have to hit the pause and reset buttons. It sounds as though you are doing just that, which I know is difficult but also a necessity in your life right now. And congratulations on the new job and spinning your wheels with something else for a while. Teaching will always be there for you, and you are so passionate about it and your students I imagine that this will help you be your best when you are ready to step foot in your own classroom again <3
Much love to you, sistah!! Xoxo
Charlotte recently posted…What’s up, weekend 3/30
First off how on Earth did I miss the post where you talked about leaving teaching?! I can imagine how hard of a decision that must be, but I completely understand. Teacher burnout is real. I know so many who have left the profession after a few years. Like you say, we can’t help kids like we want, because of all the rules and bare minimum done. It really makes me afraid (like I get anxious thinking about it even now) to go back into teaching once my girls are in school….
At any rate, I am glad you made a decision that is good for you! And that you found another job. 🙂
Danielle recently posted…Friday Five {3.31.17}
There is no shame in recognizing your limits or putting family first! Best wishes to you!
You have to do whats good for you and your life. Happy to see you found another path!
Emily recently posted…Urban Decay De-Slick Repackaging – New Formula Too?
Change can be hard, but we sometimes have to do what is best for our family. Congratulations on the new job, I am sure you will do great!
It sounds like you made a decision that works well for you! I have left a job before. I taught preschool for years and got very burned out after a lot of administrative turnover at the school. I admire teachers very much, but find other ways to make a difference in children’s lives!
Trish recently posted…Dear Abby – How to Help a Choking Dog
I wanted to be a teacher for awhile when I was younger, but as I got older, I wanted to be a librarian and so I have a Master degree in library science now. I currently work at a college and I really love it – I love the college environment. I love that you can realize this is just one moment in your life and that you can find a teaching job again in the future. At the same time, I like that you have a new job that is helping you gain new skills that will be a big help in the future too!
-Lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Monthly Wrap-Up: Top Five March Favorites
I’m sorry that you had to leave but you need to put yourself first. It is better to take some time out and go back when the time is right. This is just a learning curve.
I’m so glad that the new job is working out thus far and am confident you’ll find your way back into the classroom when the timing is right for you and your family.
Rose recently posted…Canon 80D Test Shots
Congratulations on your new job! I feel for ya! I’m not a teacher myself but I have many friends that are. I see them work so hard and get told they have to teach to the test. It sucks the life out of teaching and doesn’t prepare the kids for the real world.
Although it was a tough decision I am sure it was the right one! Sometimes we just have to take a break from certain things because other things are more important! You can be really proud of yourself for having the courage to make that decision!
Congrats on the new job! Hugs xxx
Chrissy recently posted…What’s Up. Weekend | V17.13
Family is always the most important. You should be proud of yourself for making a tough decision, sometimes we just need a break!
Sarah Hughes recently posted…10 WAYS I AM ROCKING MOTHERHOOD
I applaud you for being a special education teacher. I know it isn’t easy. My son is on an IEP in our local district and gets special education services. I’ve witnessed first hand how the system doesn’t do the right thing for its students despite what the teacher says. At the end of the day it comes down to dollars and budgets.
It sounds like you are very dedicated and are in the right spot for you at this point in your life. It’s not always easy to make a big change, but you had the courage to do what was right for yourself and your family and you should feel good about that!
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Yes, I agree that a big part of it is funding. That was the case at my previous school too – back in California. But I just appreciated that administrators and higher-ups were transparent about that. I hate that we sit in front of parents and act as though we will provide their kids exactly what they need when we very well won’t be able to given the lack of resources or staff.
I am sorry that you had to put a career you have dreamed about on hold but glad to hear you have found another job you enjoy. Teaching is an incredible strain on your life and the people who do it are superheroes. Your students will be alright and you wouldn’t have served them well by staying at the expense of yourself. Good luck with your upcoming move!
I can imagine this was heartbreaking on several levels. As a mom I really respect you standing up and pointing out the ways the school was not supporting and doing what was best for their students, we need more like you to speak out. This too shall pass, as you said, and you will get back on the road to your dream soon enough!
Indeed we have many priorities in life and decisions to make. I really believe that everything happens for a reason and that in every situation, we are meant to learn from it. Good luck on your new journey!
Anosa recently posted…April 2017 Goals
It sounds like you are really happy and have made the right decision! My whole childhood I wanted to be a hairdresser! My teachers despaired at me because they said I was capable of so much more but I had this vision in my head of being a famous hairstylist in a top salon ha ha! When it came to it though I changed my mind but I’ve always wanted to do something creative. That’s why I started my blog 😊
Although our careers are different, I did leave a job unexpectedly because I was not happy anymore. The job became routine, plus I was back-stabbed by a colleague so she could snag a promotion. I know that being employed and receiving a paycheck keeps food on the table but if I were made to choose, I’d choose my family anytime. For me, my life priorities are God. Family. Work. In that order.
I can see so many ways you can help children and parents without being cuffed to the system. As a parent whose child had a learning challenge, I have to say it would have been nice to have had someone that knew the deal to help with the decision making process. I could even see you working with homeschool parents in developing products and organization to make their day easier,
heidi recently posted…Unusual Money Making Micro Jobs For Bloggers To Fatten Their Wallets
Love this post because I can relate. I did leave a job for much of the same reasons you did. Sometimes we just need to step away from a system we originally believed in. I especially agree with points 3 and 5.
Thanks for sharing!
You have to do what is right for you and your family! If going back to the classroom isn’t in the cards, maybe you can set up some type of tutoring or something.
SANDRA ROBERTS recently posted…Teach Children how to Save Money with the 365 Day or 52 Week Money Saving Challenge
You are so right about our experiences. I have had some hard ones lately in relation to my career, but I have grown and came out a better person.
Tami Qualls recently posted…Shannon Popkin’s ‘Control Girl’ Blog Tour and Prize Pack Giveaway
Restrictions on teaching (for me, it’s the dreaded Kagan system that I HATE and my school administrators adore, probably because they invested a lot of money in the software created by a man who never spent day one teaching, but that’s a personal opinion). I love the students, the teaching, and the classroom itself (though the one or two students who are behavioral challenges all of the time drive me nuts). I understand the relief it feels to have a job that is a good fit for you. Hurrah for you for taking that step.
Congratulations and Best of luck for your new job. It’s Good to follow your heart sometimes
I give you applause for realizing that something just wasn’t right and being brave enough to make a change. That can be hard especially when it is something you once though was who you are meant to be. Congratulations on the new job and I wish you nothing but blessings!
I’m sending you lots of hugs. I’m glad you stood up for what was right. My niece, who is about the same age as me, just quit her teaching job in California for similar reasons.
Always best to do what is best for you, less stress and more calm and enjoying life. Great choices you made and great post, very inspirational https://hvella.com/blog
Wow, so many teachers are leaving the classroom. I am sorry to hear that you had to leave but glad to know that you are open to volunteering.
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