For teachers that left the classroom?

I'm thinking that maybe teaching isn't what i'm supposed to do. For anyone that has left the profession, what did you do? I'm at a loss for what I can do with a major in nonesense (it's made up by the state of va for teaching minors) and a teaching license.

TIA

Re: For teachers that left the classroom?

I'm sorry, Deb

Re: For teachers that left the classroom?

How long have you been at it? If this is your first year, I would really suggest that you hang in there for a little longer. The first year is so very hard and lots of people think about leaving during that time.

There are probably a few things you could do- work in educational publishing maybe, or sales and marketing for childrens' products/educational idems.

Re: For teachers that left the classroom?

isnt this your first year????

I have a friend who just got her degree and now is second guessing herself
She wants to open up her own daycare though

Re: For teachers that left the classroom?

I taught pre-k while in school getting my BA... then recently got promoted to an office position...and then of course had Ryan.... After all that I realized...I dont wanna teach...

Now Ive changed my whole major around...and pretty much starting at scratch...(aside from math english and ss. credits...everything is teaching related and useless...)

I knew like a ton of bricks just hit me in the face it wasnt for me anymore....really think about before you decide!!

Re: For teachers that left the classroom?

thanks everyone. It is my first year, and that's what makes part of me want to try to stick it out for a year or two more, but at the same time my stomach has been in knots all day and i've cried at least 3 times since I'm so freaked about having to go back on Tuesday...

I know, I'm overreacting, but i can't help it. I overanalyze and overstress about EVERYTHING.

ugh. Hopefully once I'm back into a routine I'll be able to calm down a bit...

Thanks again!

Re: For teachers that left the classroom?

Posted by VirginiaDeb

thanks everyone. It is my first year, and that's what makes part of me want to try to stick it out for a year or two more, but at the same time my stomach has been in knots all day and i've cried at least 3 times since I'm so freaked about having to go back on Tuesday...

I know, I'm overreacting, but i can't help it. I overanalyze and overstress about EVERYTHING.

ugh. Hopefully once I'm back into a routine I'll be able to calm down a bit...

Thanks again!

Re: For teachers that left the classroom?

What grade/subject/level do you teach? Like others have said, the first year is the roughest. You are always stressed and feel like everything is caving in on you. It is tons of work your first year, but I promise it gets much, much better! I've been teaching for 8 years and everything got easier as time went on. Do you have any great mentors in your school you can lean on? Older, more expierenced teachers are great resources. Ask for old plan books from them if they had taught your grade/subject before. Are you in a private or public school?

hang in there! There's another vacation not too far away! Take it one week at a time.

Lora

Re: For teachers that left the classroom?

Re: For teachers that left the classroom?

Deb, I agree with everyone that the first year is the hardest. It really is. It's like walking around blind folded. But I promise it only gets easier. You will always be challenged as a teacher, but you won't always feel so overwhelmed. I'm in my fourth year of teaching, and I can tell you that the first year, I cried every, single night AND had major anxiety attacks because I was so freaked out about going to work everyday. It's hard when you're surrounded by older, or more experienced people, too. You find yourself second guessing what you know and what you are doing. So that makes it worse, too. But rest assured that those feelings will subside with time. i really think teaching is something that a lot of us feel passionate about, and when it becomes somethign that's difficult and overwhelming, sometimes we think that means we aren't meant to do it. That's not the case, though. We just invest so much of ourselves in our work, that everything is personal about it, so it amplifies our feelings. Hang in there. We're going into a good stretch of the school year where the kids now know you, they know each other and you'll find that they'll probably be really productive this time of year. Good luck!

Re: For teachers that left the classroom?

I'm a first year teacher as well and I have had the same feelings. As one of the other posters said, it does feel like you're walking around blindfolded. I would definitely stick it out for a few more years and then see how you feel.
You're not alone!!

Re: For teachers that left the classroom?

Deb, I just wanted to add that your first year, make sure you take your vacations to recoup relax. When you make it to the end of the year, it's like running a marathon. You feel SO great that you accomplished it, but at the same time, you have earned your long summer off. I think a lot a lot of reflecting and re-energizing happens over your vacations, especially summer, so hang in there

Re: For teachers that left the classroom?

If I remember, you also have a grade that is not the easiest! 5th graders can be rough and give you a run for your money, especially when you are a younger teacher. It does get better! I swear! I still second guess myself sometimes, but I think everyone does at some point. Remember, the older teachers started off the exact same way. Can you get a mentor or an older teacher who you can go to and trust with your doubts or questions? I had a mentor my first year and it was she who made me feel like I could do this! Good luck and if you need anything, just ask!

Re: For teachers that left the classroom?

I used to be a teacher. I taught for two years, took a break, and went to another district for another year. Each year, I hated it as much as the year before. I had the same thought as you - what am I going to do with this degree? I am working now at an educational publishing company. I edit textbooks. It was really the perfect thing to go into from teaching because I am still in education, but not in a classroom. I really enjoy what I do, and I can now use this experience to go to other forms of publishing later on if I want.
Good luck with whatever decision you make!

Re: For teachers that left the classroom?

Posted by VirginiaDeb

thanks everyone. It is my first year, and that's what makes part of me want to try to stick it out for a year or two more, but at the same time my stomach has been in knots all day and i've cried at least 3 times since I'm so freaked about having to go back on Tuesday...

I know, I'm overreacting, but i can't help it. I overanalyze and overstress about EVERYTHING.

ugh. Hopefully once I'm back into a routine I'll be able to calm down a bit...

Thanks again!

Re: For teachers that left the classroom?

Its my first year teaching and it has been hell so far! I love teaching but the politics are overwhelming! I had a major anxiety attack this week because of a bunch of stuff! All week I have been sick to my stomach and I don't want to go to work! I know how you feel! I am going to give it a few more years and I will re-evaluate. I am also working another job and going to school at night! Once I get rid of these I hope I will have a less stressful 2nd year! I am always here if you want to talk!!

Re: For teachers that left the classroom?