I Never Wanted to Leave | I Had to Resign 

It's so infuriating when districts put protocol before people, especially when the person has given so much to them. My heart still hurts for you having to go through this situation but I'm happy you made a video about it because this could happen to anyone. I'm so excited for this new season of life for you! 🖤

My mentor teacher said, "Go where you are appreciated." It is still good advice almost 20 years later. I hope young teachers learn it earlier in their career than I did.

It isn't the pay, it isn't the schools...even the kids! It is the constant micromanaging of things that in the long run don't make a difference in children's lives but pushes us further and further from them. Protocols like this and others I could mention, do NOT help education! Keep strong, sister!

Congratulations!!!! One teacher to another, do not go back EVEN if they want you back! The way they treated you was ABOMINABLE and indicative of why teachers are leaving in DROVES! Glad you had a happy ending!!!

As a retired teacher of 28 years, I will tell you that her stalling is what she is told to do. She is actually saving the district money. The other side of that is that it might be harder to find a new job because you will be more expensive to hire. Education is the only business that I know of that the less you teach the more you are paid. The ones who are making these policies are actually in the business of saving money not teaching. Public education is in jeopardy due to law makers and administrators who detached from the process of learning. I wish you the best.

I’ve had to console new teachers so many times, reminding them that we work for a corporation. We shouldn’t let this business of education pull at our heartstrings to “be there for the kids”. We deserve to be treated professionally and with dignity. I’m glad that you stood up for yourself, and I’m frustrated for you to have to deal with this nonsense.

Something extremely similar happened to me this past school year. The district having no policy for the transfer situation I was in meant that by default, I had “violated policies and procedures”. I asked them which policies I violated and they said the policies were being created. It doesn’t matter how good you are. It’s all politics and business. I got a job outside of my district and am already happier.

I left my school of 16 years last year because I felt unheard, unappreciated, and disrespected. BEST. DECISION. EVER!!! I pray this is the case for you. You are amazing and I am so glad you know your worth and that you deserved better!

“They were more worried about the people who were leaving than the people who wanted to stay.” This right here is the problem . Happening in my district as well.

How many times in my last teaching job did I say, “and I was supposed to know this…. how?” Constantly berated for not doing something that I had never been told to do, because “everyone knows this is how we do it here.” Early retirement for me.

I’m not done watching but I’m fuming! I’m a homeschool mom. I have watched you for years. Your school is crazy for doing this . Public schools are killing themselves doing this to teachers. You’re amazing and your students were so lucky to have you. Keep up the good work. I’m so sorry this happened. I wish you all the best.

I’m a school secretary who is changing positions also. Sometimes God kicks us out of our comfort zone to put us in place for bigger things! 🥰

Coming from the admin perspective: the reason why schools have teachers fill out this form is for budget planning. When a teacher gets a masters and or certifications they bump up significantly on the pay scale which then affects budget. So regardless of if it is paid for, they want to know. From the teacher perspective: wow bring your union rep or another trusted co-worker in to that meeting with you. Have a paper trail if what was said and you did the right thing by asking if they had a final response. Then move on. Never go in alone. They can twist their words and your words after the fact from a private meeting. Not ok.

This is the first video I’ve seen that so closely resembles how I felt after leaving my 8-year teaching position. The amount of work, paid and unpaid, loyalty and care we put into our schools/districts, only to be overlooked and taken advantage of in the end. Cheers to you for recognizing it for what it is and taking for passions elsewhere.

Retiring after 32 years of teaching in high school and loved it for the most part. Enjoy! Change is good...never allow yourself to devolve but to only evolve. 🎉 Congrats!

You did the exact right thing! My district has the same process about class/credit approval but it's a formality and they'll approve it if you forget to do initial form. Our HR is also good about reminding people to fill out the form. They lost a great teacher in you. How silly on their part. Great for you to have fresh start!

HR is there to protect the organization not the employees.

Wow wow wow. Your mindset, outlook, and positivity inspire me to say the least. It has been an honor following your journey -- you are going to rock this new chapter!

Sadly, in the business of education, teachers are merely pawns in a “business model”. You did the right thing by resigning and moving on. I left a school several years ago when I lost respect for my administrator. I couldn’t imagine continuing to “work for not, with” an admin I had lost respect for. I admire you for doing the only thing you could’ve done in that situation. Hold your head up and keep moving forward. You ARE an amazing educator and person. Thanks for sharing your story.

Can’t believe you had to go through this! At a time where teachers are leaving the classroom you would think they’d try a little harder to keep teachers happy… I’d definitely be interested in a video about demo lessons!

I am a retired teacher and I totally understand how you feel… in the 30 yrs I taught I had an experience similar to yours..However, change is good ..

I recently took a step out on faith too. I was an assistant teacher for 7yrs. I recently graduated with my B.S in Elementary education. I interviewed at my school got the position just to find out there was a hiring hold. I waited 3weeks for a contract just to end up being told I can stay in my position and wait for point and a position. I took a leap on faith and started interviewing at a different district. Got multiple job offers. I was so happy but I cried because I made a bond with my coworkers and parents. You hot this honey, I am happy for you. Cheers to New beginnings! I will be teaching 5th grade all subjects.

Girl they just pushed you out of the nest! I’m so sorry you had to endure the ridiculousness of “notocol”, because it makes absolutely no sense! You are a PHENOMENAL teacher, and that’s coming from a teacher. God has greater for you, and you were going to stay there forever…nah…you grow girl. I can’t wait to see your next, it’s going to be epic! Congratulations for now and in advance of what’s to come. 🤩😁

I feel like this is a year of new beginnings for so many educators who have felt unseen, unheard, and undervalued - including me! From someone who began watching you even before having my own classroom, I wish you the best and hope you end up loving your new beginning. ❤️

Goodness. It’s one thing to have a possibility for “them” to not approve your masters pay. It’s a whole other thing to talk to and treat you that way. It’s their job to facilitate our needs. I think you hit the nail on the head when you talked about giving yourself. I’ve definitely felt that way myself. Glad you are moving on to other things. I changed schools and grade levels after 14 years and was heartbroken to leave my home. It was a tough year but I wouldn’t change it and I’ve grown so much in just one year. Best wishes to you!

I am a seasoned teacher so I totally get it. It is definitely the schools loss. They obviously didn’t want to pay you what you are worth. So sad. Especially now when schools are short of teachers. I wish you the very best in your next school. They are lucky to have you!

it's so sad that this is how so many teachers end up leaving the field. not necessarily this specific situation, but the way that the best, hardest-working teachers are taken complete advantage of. i'm so sorry this happened to you, but i'm glad you've been able to be successful and find somewhere else that will hopefully respect you and everything you do so much more! the new district and those students are lucky to have you!

We teach our students how to advocate for themselves all throughout their learning experience. This is a real life example of how to go about it. You did your very best to stay, and at the end of the day, they didn’t reciprocate. Being brave enough to stand up for yourself is half the battle. You drew a line in the sand and stepped over it instead of allowing yourself to be a punching bag. Thank you for your bravery, thank you for sharing it, and thank you for the integrity in which you shared it. I can’t fathom the idea of losing a teacher like you. I hope they realize now that putting people before policy is in their best interest. It’s simply basic humanity. I’m going to say it…your Human Resource person who spoke to you like that needs a clue. If they spoke to you like that, then I can’t imagine how they treat their own family. Character flaw to say the least. Sad!!!

I went from absolutely livid to happy for you 😂 what a roller coaster! I am SO sorry no one fought for you. that you were misinformed and put off like you didn't matter. But I was SO happy to hear you speaking up for yourself because literally - almost NO ONE will when it comes to our career. you are so valuable and deserve the absolute best. I truly think God was leading you to a new chapter. So happy for you and your new job!You will be such an asset everywhere you go. ❤️

Any School, in any state, in any country - in the world - would be lucky to hire a teacher like you. I am so sorry for their lack of understanding, flexibility and ambition. You are such an amazing teacher and person. I wish you all the best and think being hurt is a natural reaction ♥️🤝I’m glad though you’re not letting such a rigid system get the best of you♥️What an unbelievable loss for them…..

These districts are awful 😢 after being yanked around in my previous district I resigned this year and moved to a district closer to my house with higher pay…..when a window closes a door opens….wish you the best

It sounds like you did the right thing! I’m sorry that you weren’t given the kindness and respect you deserve. I admire your positive attitude and mindset. Best of luck!

What in the world?! This is crazy. We, as educators, are treated like crap. You are amazing. You’re the first teacher on RU-vid that I followed. You busted your butt all year long. This will be a blessing for you. If that old district didn’t appreciate you….someone else will treasure the amazing teacher you are! Thanks for this video. The old district can kick rocks with no shoes on! #preach!

Have also experienced the heartbreaking upper administrative cold shoulder exhibiting no understanding and self serving decision making. Ended up resigning as well after 23 years of teaching, masters degree, and multiple performance awards. My family and I will never look at education the same way. Good luck in your new endeavors

Oh my goodness, I can’t imagine going through this like that. I had an issue with my Masters transcripts and the way they went through to my district and reached out to my union rep and they helped me figure it out. I’m sorry this didn’t go as well for you! I agree with you that all things happen for a reason and that’s a great outlook to have. Good for you to put yourself first and not wait around in agony. Here’s to a great 2022-2023 school year. I often feel like these people sitting in administration building play such a big hand in our careers yet have no idea how much we pour ourselves into our classrooms/community. I wish this lady would have had a different attitude, I’m sure if she was more positive she’d be more efficient and positively impactful.

At least you didn’t quit teaching all together. You love teaching, but you also know your worth. I’m getting my 2nd MASTERS DEGREE in Connecticut to try and make a decent amount since our increase is only an additional 2,000 a year. As long as I’m teaching though, I’m happy. I stay because I truly love what I do. Glad you’re the same way!!

I agree! Everything happens for a reason. I've taught at three schools and both moves were due to violation of contract (1st one was the school's violation and the second one was my violation - short story: I didn't sign the contract bc it required me to have my son in the same school and it was a bad fit for him -we gave it 2 years - then I said I could only stay and sign if he could go, and they said "no," so I left. Best move EVER!) God is good. He only moves me forward, never backward. I can see His hand and praise Him for the heartaches that move us forward. So I say congratulations and their loss, girl! I'm sure your admin and parents/students are the one who will hurt the most at the end of such a bureaucratic decision-making process. Can't wait to see your class set up vlog. Happy summer and thank God for AMAZING mother-in-loves!

So proud of you. praying for you for sure. oh and I'm so excited about how you will decorate your class.

You made the right decision! Hope you’ve have a great year🎉

Congr!tulations!! Have a wonderful.and blessed year! 💙🙏💙

So very happy for you, Bridget!! 😊 Yes, a demo lesson would be wonderful.

I’m so sorry you had to go through such a frustrating process! I am excited for your new journey and I am sure you will do a wonderful job!

YOU ROCK! PURE AND SIMPLE! ROLL ON DEAR TEACHER!

Congratulations! You go girl! You know your worth. So proud of you.

I’m so glad you are out of there! That district lost a really valuable teacher. I am a teacher of 30 years. So happy for you. And excited. Things do happen for a reason. Trust me. I’m 55 and can see that looking back on life. You will do great! I’m moving to 4th after teaching 1st 2nd for 24 years. I’m so glad and happy for you though. I can’t wait to see your new room. And, yes! I would love to see your demo lessons!

Congratulations!!! Good on you for knowing your worth! Have an amazing school year!🤩🎉🍎

Congratulations! So proud of you. Life is good!!!

My heart is aching for you. Blessings on your new adventure!

I can't wait to follow along with you over the course of this next year. I switched districts right before the beginning of the school year last year. New district, first time teaching public school (was previously in a charter), new grade level, new subject...all the things. It was definitely a year of painful growth but I LOVE my new district and school. This next year I will be in the same grade level but will be self contained, which I have never done before...I've always been departmentalized. So this is the first year I'll be teaching ELAR and Social Studies (and, get this, I'm fourth grade as well!!) I feel like I just identify with you on so many levels as you go through this transition! I hope it is smooth and that they appreciate you as much as you deserve! Love you and Michelle so much, and I'm so grateful for all the things you do to help other teachers! The Mount of work y'all put in to the podcast, your videos, the live events, the planners, and I could keep going...rooting for you as y'all finish up your books and make amazing things happen!! ❤️

Thank you for sharing your full story and not just glossing over it like “oh I’m switching schools” because the more we stay silent about this mis-treatment, the worse it gets. I resigned last year and shared my story on my channel, too. I also loved my building, coworkers, students, and building admin… but the district level and school board treatment of teachers was horrifying. We can’t continue to be dehumanized as a profession. Sending love and support to you. ❤️

God bless you & your new beginning!

You’re such an awesome educator and such an inspiration. Can’t wait to follow your new experiences.

Bridget, my heart goes out to you for what you experienced in how you had to decide to leave your previous district. That must have been so difficult! I agree, often things happen to us that initially seem awful but end up being terrific experiences and opportunities. You are always very positive; undoubtedly you will find the positives in this new direction of your teaching career.

I’m so excited for your new Ed-venture! I have been watching your videos for years. Your passion and love for education is contagious.

I'm sorry you went through that. I wish your new situation will be your purpose and joy.💛

My heart goes out to you! It is so frustrating to have to deal with that type of situation and be, in a sense, forced to leave a job you love but you have to do what's best for you. I wish you the best and wish a wonderful school year in this new chapter!

I wish you well on your new adventure and look forward to learning with you as you dive into the world of social studies.

Bridget You Rock! Love watching your educational journey! I can't to see what other journeys you will make. Congratulations on your new position! Also really love your podcast! I support you 100%.

Yes, interview tips would be great. I’m excited to see your new experiences.

Thank you for being so open and honest! We need more light shed on things like this in our education system!

I'm a teacher too & I definitely feel your pain ❤️ good luck to you! You will be amazing at your new school district!

I teach 4th grade ELA and SS in Tenn. This past year I started the Modern Classroom approach (blended, self-paced, mastery based) and I love it so much. I've been watching your channel since you taught K. I have been in 4th grade for a very long time and was so excited when you came to my neck of the woods because I knew you were going to give me fresh ideas and make me feel excited again whenever I felt overwhelmed. And you did! So, again, I am so excited to hear that you are doing 4th ELA and SS! I am very sorry to hear why you had to leave though. That should NOT have happened like that. I wish you the best on your new journey!

God bless you on your new journey!

You deserve better! So proud of you for being an advocate for yourself and making that hard decision!

I am so excited for your new journey and adventure!! As you know you have been an inspiration to me for years, and I strongly believe this new school, staff, and students needed your wonderful mind!! Everything happens for a reason, and this is going to be great! Love you to pieces, I am so sorry it happened this way!!!! You are a blessing to all that get to work with you!!!! Wishing you the best upcoming year!!!

I can't even imagine your frustration with your situation and still having to teach while going through it all. Everything definitely happens for a reason and your previous school did not know what a phenomenal educator they had. I wish you the best in your new adventure and that your current school will see what an asset they have in you and that you will be given opportunities to grow and to lead and share your gifts with your new school community. 🤗💕

Many continued blessings!

I am so proud of your courage and strength!!! God bless you and may you be granted with an amazing team at your new school :)

I'm so happy to hear that you were able to find your silver lining. I'm going through a situation at my school and feel your disappointment and frustration. Good luck with your new assignment and have lots of fun!

I am so sorry for what you experienced. I have watched you for years and feel you are so well rounded in your teaching and knowledge. Praying for your next adventure and you know you will be such a good teacher at your new school!

Congratulations Bridget! 💛 Enjoy the new journey! 😄✨

Thank you for being so vulnerable. You’re an amazing teacher.

I'm so sorry this happened to you. I've never heard of a school district having to approve a teacher furthering their education. Teachers are the greatest resource any district has. Continue striving for excellence. God will bless you wherever you are.

OMG! Girl, I’m sorry. I have jumped through hoops with HR trying to get approved for sick days that are granted to me by CA law for Covid. It seems as though districts just make up their own guidelines and rules without ever being transparent and communicate with their staff about it. I am/was still an emotional wreck about it. I feel stuck with this district because I am ow pregnant and due in Sept and definitely want to start looking at a different district next year. They are not in it for the teachers that sacrifice their time and money for our kids. It’s a business and they will do anything to take advantage of us. I hope you find a job or whatever that fulfills you and had your back every step of the way of your career💕💕

So happy for you!! You have to feel appreciated and know your worth. I wish you the best in your new adventure. Look forward to your future videos.

Proud of you! You are such an inspiration for standing up for yourself. God bless your new journey ❤️

You are so right, everything happens for a reason and I look forward to continuing to follow you on your journey!! I am currently a virtual 5th grade ELA teacher but last year, I taught both ELA and Social Stuides for my 1st year with 5th grade!!

I’m so happy for you! (My district in Florida doesn’t pay more for a masters! ) I teach 4th grade Math/Science, so I’m excited to see your new videos in 4th grade!❤️

Congratulations on your masters! I'm glad you had the strength and personal fortitude to seek new horizons.

I am so happy for you! I have followed you for years and I can’t wait to see you in your new school. Thank you for your videos

I've never watched your videos before, but I am so proud of you for expressing and enforcing your boundaries! 👏

Con-gra-tu-laaaaa-tions!!!! Wow, exciting new chapter! I cannot wait to see your new videos in this new adventure! Your new school and students are super lucky to have gained such an asset! (I am sorry for what you had to go through...)

So glad I’ve found you on here! It’s awful what you’ve been through…Can’t wait to see your new classroom set up. 😊

Congratulations 🎉. So proud of you for putting yourself first and doing what’s best for you! It’s difficult especially when treated badly.

I have been watching you for a long time and I just want to say how proud I am of you!! Taking care of yourself first is so hard, especially with such a kind heart as yours. Stay strong and enjoy the ride!

I'm so sad and happy for you. We all know how awesome you are and how above and beyond you go for your students and school. Enjoy the change 🥰

This story breaks my heart. I am so pumped and proud of you! Keep your head up and get excited for your new year! I’m so sure you’ll do great things at your new school and they should be proud to have such an amazing woman on their faculty. You go girl!

Wow! You're so brave and right following what you deserve, what you've worked for. You're gonna rock this new chapter, my best wishes and blessings!!

You’re so right, everything happens for a reason, sometimes we cannot identify the reason right away however the reason comes clear when we least expected but is most needed , so be patient now you’re there to make it magical for the new place and it is possible that in your last school they need to learn to appreciate who was there through thin and thick and appreciate them more, I foresee a great school year coming for you, best of luck 😘

Thank you for your honesty. I’m entering my fourth year of teaching elementary and I have a lot of performance anxiety 😥 if I’m alone w the kids I’m fine but anytime there’s an observation or need to speak to admin my stomach sinks and I will dwell on every detail written on the observations. I know I overcompensate by over planning and trying to be perfect. My evaluations for that reason have always been effective and I know my admin loves me but it creates so much stress for me I’ve considered leaving. But w what happened to you I realize no matter how much wrk you put in or how perfect you can be this can happen and what’s the worse that can happen? You teach somewhere else lol I’ve only been at one school so you’ve given me encouragement in relaxing a bit and just enjoying teaching the kids because no job is perfect and it’s also not the only place. Again not the same experience at all lol but you encouraged me to not let one school or district hold so much power over me. God is in control and if it’s time to move it’s time to move. thank you

All the best to you... as a fellow teacher I understand completely. May God continue to keep and bless you in this new chapter.

I'm very happy for you! It will be great!!!

I'm in Southeastern PA and we have the exact same process that you're describing. It's dreadful but it's part of my job as a union rep to explain it to people in my department and support them as they go through it. I'm also getting my Master's so I'm going through it as well. It's so frustrating, and I'm sorry you went through that. You are on to bigger and better things!

I know this had to be extremely frustrating process for you. I'm proud of you for being proactive, looking for another job, and packing up your classroom. Not to mention contacting your families. God was definitely looking out for you and had other plans. I can't wait to see what he has in store for you. Your old district has no idea that they just lost one of the BEST teachers ever. I'm praying your new school is all you ever dreamed of! Enjoy your summer and blessings on your new adventure!

I had to leave the traditional classroom structure and start teaching homeschoolers this past year. All of this protocol nightmare has been very overwhelming for me since I am ADHD and having to put up with it for a decade is too much. I am still teaching, but I'm making the same amount and feel validated more regularly for my work. Glad you found somewhere new I hope you love it and I will be praying for you. And I mean it.🙏

I'm sorry you had to go through this but thank you. You stood up for yourself and in a way for all of us educators. Best of luck at your new school.

I'm sorry to hear of the difficult time you've been through, but selfishly excited for new classroom content.

I taught 4th grade ELA/SS in Maryland for 5 years. Reading standards are pretty much spiraled. The assessment limits just extend as they get older. I don't know about PA, but in MD and in NY where I teach now, a lot of Reading standards are embedded in SS standards. One thing that worked for me was I taught RI standards used appropriate graphic organizers for the skills one week. Then maybe the next week, I used the same graphic organizer in the SS lesson. The students got to apply skill they had learned in informational text, thereby increasing their retention of the standard. Ex. Working main idea and details in the chapter about how Maryland was founded by Lord Baltimore in 1634. Or finding the causes and effects of why Maryland decided not to be Union or Confederate during the Civil War. Plus, I assigned culminating writing pieces; like explain having them explain what the motto of Maryland means using the history they learned to support their claim. This year I will be teaching 5th grade ELA and SS. It’s the one grade I have never taught in my 26 years of teaching (intentionally). I'm using what I know about end of the year 4th graders and beginning of the year 6th graders. I'm spending this summer researching to get ready. I'm a woman of faith. The Bible says not to cast your pearls before swine. If you had stayed at your old school, that's what would have happened. You were right to go to someplace that appreciates your talents. I am a big believer in "Your gifts will make room for you" and "You will bloom where you're planted". Congratulations and Godspeed to you this next chapter. 🙂

Congratulations on your new position! I'm so excited for you! Your smile is so inspiring for me, a second year teacher going into a new position as well. Thank you for having the courage to share your journey! ❤

Good for you! Best of luck at your new school.