I quit

After many tears, hours on the phone with people in the field, talks with my family and friends, and some soul searching, I quit my teaching job.

I am sure there are many on here who have been in terrible teaching situations and I commend you for sticking it out. Had I started in September, I think I could have but given the situation I walked into and the reprehensible behaviour of the students, I know that this was not the place for me. I do not need to be disrespected every second of the day and treated like garbage. There was absolutely no teaching going on and worse, there was very little hope that I would ever be teaching given the issues and problems with these students. If I am going to make it as a teacher, it will be with students who respect what I have to offer -- which is passion and knowledge of my subject matter and my concern for the students. I cannot offer that to students who are truly apathetic. The apathy was the hardest part and impossible to overcome.

The saddest part was talking to other first year teachers. After only 2 quarters, they were already burned out. They told me that to get through it, I would have to just not care and "if the kids do not kill anyone during your period, you have done your job." I am a caring, hardworking individual who wants to teach because I care passionately about students and the subject matter. To remain in this specific job, I would have had to change who I am, and I am not willing to do that for any job.

What makes this decision much easier is that I know in my heart I made the right decision, and the support of my family and friends made it much easier. It is just awful to see what these schools have been reduced to, and it is frightening to see what students are like today. Hats off to those who are truly trying to make a difference. I will do so in the right place for me, where I do not feel fear, anger, and dread every second. Now I just have to find my place...

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Sorry to hear this but Im sure something much better will come around for you.

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Sorry it was so horrible for you!!

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Thanks, ladies, it was a very tough decision but I know I did the right thing!

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Aftre reading ur story--u def did the right thing, something else will come along

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you know what is scary now....the fact that these kids will feel like they've 'won'..and their behavior will probably get worse for the next teacher that comes along! I know it was a difficult decision for you, and you have to do what is best for you....it's just scary to think about what is going thru these kids' minds right now!!

best of luck to you, i'm sure you'll find a place where you can share your passion for teaching with students who WANT to learn!!

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Daniela, I am so sorry to hear this. You had to do what was what right in your heart.


I wonder how these kids are ever going to learn behaving the way they do

I hope you find a permanent school where you can thrive very soon!

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I'm so sorry about your horrible experience. You sound like you are going to be a wonderful teacher who really cares about what she does and the kids she teaches. I hope you end up in my district because I would love for my kids to have a teacher like you.

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you deserve MUCH better. teaching is a mentally and physically draining occupation. every day brings a new challenge and adventure.

have you applied for subbing? i think the experience will better prepare you for when you have your own class and provide you the opportunity to work in diverse settings w/ a variety of different students and grade levels.

Message edited 2/28/2006 9:05:43 AM.

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I am glad to hear you mad the right decision for you. I wish you luck in finding the right classroom and children that will appreciate and respect you the way you deserve to be!

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Thank you SO much for your understanding and thoughtfulness, I truly appreciate it

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Daniela, I am appalled by what you had to go through first and foremost. I am also glad to hear that you made the right choice for you. It's very sad & scary that these schools allow these things to happen. I had posted before about Marissa(is 6) being in a bad school district. We have been blessed for the past 2 years w/ teachers who care about the kids and at such a young age it's easier to get to them. It's very sad & disgraceful to know that these kids are allowed to act like wild animals.

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It takes alot of courage to follow through with the difficult decision you have made. I wish you much luck and success.

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Sometimes the right decisions are the hardest ones. Best of luck to you in finding your bliss - hang in there, it will happen for you.

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Good luck Daniela - I am sure you will find your place.

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You made the right choice...you went to school to become a teacher, not a warden. I told you that I went thru the same situation...I am proud of your decision...you come first. There are enough teaching jobs out there where you can be happy...I will keep you in my prayers!

Message edited 2/28/2006 9:42:49 AM.

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you definitely did the right thing Daniela! Best of luck to you and you will find a job where the students actually want to be there and care as much as you do.