Why I Quit Teaching 2020 | Part 1: Toxic Positivity 

I resigned 2 weeks ago after teaching kindergarten for 23 years. yes , 23. I was at a school where toxic positivity was rampant .Students social emotional needs, raising of class sizes , losing my prep period to deal with behavior, short staffed , coddling of angry parents ,etc...I was burning out. I also didnt like Common Core...teaching developmentally inappropriate curriculum to 4.5 and 5 year olds were frustrating the kids and me as well. My mom died 8 months ago. I took a FMLA in October for delayed grief and for once, focused on ME and my mental and physical health. I decided to resign without hesitation. I dont have a job lined up but I am in a much happier and healthier place. I commend you for making these videos. The martyrdom needs to stop.

Administration and the public in general wants teachers to give their ALL, but they never have our backs. We’re expecting burn ourselves out beyond belief, but still expected to never make a mistake, never speak up or take up for ourselves...it’s just a mess and a shame the way we’re treated. That’s why there’s such a shortage of teachers right now.

You know what? Admin should be required to watch videos like this as a part of their training so they can truly see our perspective.

Similar thing happened to me, it’s amazing how toxic public education can be. What’s annoying is that some of these leaders are bullies. You are not alone!

I hope you post part II! I put my 2 weeks in yesterday and cried tears of pure joy, relief and freedom. Teaching is an extremely draining job that can be thankless most of the time. My mental health needs to come first 💖

I just quit after 2 years. The students were so bad it almost made me an alcoholic and contemplate suicide.

I have 10 days then I’m out. Probably shoulda left sooner but it’s time. I’m called to better than this abuse everyday. Please keep me in your prayers. Thanks

I am glad you have prayed about it and I pray you are in a better space. The bullying is very real in teaching. It started for me during student teaching 20 years ago. I was so stressed out. I have taught in four school since then. Some were better than others. It is human nature to be defensive and to feel attacked when you are giving your all and then are criticized. I am planning to leave teaching after this year. I am sad about not seeing the co-workers who are my friends every day and I will miss some of my students (I teach high school so I won’t miss all of those jokers), but I will get over it. Life is hard enough without having to endure constant stress and frustration at the hands of people who do not appreciate what you do.

Toxic positivity is rampant in healthcare too. Sometimes I feel its a like a hand up my rear wiggling its fingers out my nose its such a violater of boundaries. sorry to be so crude. Its wrong. Im tired of all of us putting up with it as if it is normal and part of being professional. Im done. Not quitting. But drawing boundaries and growing a backbone and let the chips fall.

"If you're just going through the motions... pray." Whoooo I needed to hear that one. Thank you for sharing!!💕🙏

Thissssss I work in higher education and having to be on all the time is exhausting among all the other politics!!!!! I'm looking forward to the day that God opens the door for me to just be a creative full time because I'm over it sis!!! 😫🥺

OMG--- You are so right about toxic positivity! I tried so hard to please, go along, and not make waves a couple of years ago that I just about lost myself. During that time, I was new to the district, even though I had taught for 34 years! They parked a mentor teacher right next door who insisted on me teaching guided reading and Daily 5-- which meant that I would plan five different lessons each day... just for language arts. The Daily 5 is a structure for learning. It has 5 components that can be taught daily: 1) read to self, 2) read to someone, 3) listen to reading, 4) word work, and 5) writing. Planning just for language arts lessons took me hours each day--- and that was merely language arts-- I also had to plan for math, social studies, and science. The math curriculum, by the way, was crazy... I never imagined that the math series could take a simple concept and turn it into something so convoluted that even I, the teacher, could not comprehend it! Needless to say, after the year was through, I decided to return to teaching music... and it was the best decision I ever made in my life!

It saddens me to watch so many people's videos about leaving teaching BUT I think it's good for others to see what teachers experience.

I’m glad you are out! It’s not worth it!!! I made it 28 years. I loved it so much for a long time. Retired two years ago, still have ptsd!

Needed to see this! Considering the switch from the corporate world (which is also stupidly full of politics and money hungry people at the top) to the high school classroom to teach math. I truly miss the students, but that’s the sad part. I’m realizing just the desire to make a difference with these students isn’t encouraged anymore.

I love your video I am a full time special education teacher. I’ve been teaching for 8 years now. For the past 3 years I’ve been so uncomfortable and honestly have endured so much as a teacher. From no support, to a high workload, and just stress. The discomfort motivated me to search for something more so I started my own business back on 2018. However, I never quit my job because I was scared of jumping out there. I also got into grad school and graduated with my master’s Sep of 2020. Not to mention I opened my first brick and mortar Store June 2020 all while still working full time as a special education teacher. Needless to say the trials that I endured really forced me to set myself up to leave teaching for good my the fear of the unknown has kept me in a place of unhappiness. I am making the decision to put myself first and I am grateful for all the trials I endured because if it had not been for the obstacles I would not have found what makes me happy. I commend you for doing what was best for you. I am now a new Subbie and wish you all the best and can’t wait to see how the amazing things to follow 😊

Young lady, you are speaking! These are the kinds of things that need to be said in a "Before you decide to Teach" speech! Losing yourself is something that can easily happen in this profession!!!

I love that you’re sharing your story. I feel like being undervalued and compared in any field would lead to this. Toxic positivity is the perfect way to describe this

In my first and only year of teaching, someone attempted to bribe me, I was intimidated by administration, groped by a drunk mom, harassed over the phone and email, falsely accused of sexual harassment, and students and even other teachers spread rumors defaming my character. This was only in a span of 9 months because school was shut down in March. I came in to work every day scared of what would happen next. It started affecting my physical and mental health. I had back pain and was falling asleep while at my desk. I came to work angry and left angrier. I have experience substitute teaching in impoverished inner city schools, and the academic and behavioral problems I witnessed simply made sense. Of course they were scared, frustrated, and hopeless -- their lives were spiritually and materially empty because of poverty, abuse, neglect, etc. But this full-time position was in a wealthy community with a reputation and pride in their schools. These were people that had everything laid out for a privileged, fulfilling life, yet they acted nastier than those with real problems. It took a long time to sort out how I could love and trust people again after knowing what people are capable of. I resigned, moved, and started my own business. I am much happier now and my health has improved.

This video made me want to cry. I am literally going through the same thing at my current job. I am new to the job (not new to teaching) and they have literally been observing me everyday and talking to me like I’m a child. Giving me bad rating and using my nervousness when being observed as a way to dictate how I actually teach. They put me in a class filled with non-evaluated Sped students with no sped teachers to support me. I literally got a job offer at another school and still interviewing at other schools. I am giving my current job no 2 weeks notice and getting tf out. They don’t deserve any type of notice. It’s so sad that teachers are treated this way!!! They treat us terribly like we don’t matter.

Bless you and your soul. I appreciate your story. I have a strong feeling you were an absolutely amazing teacher. It is awful how things panned out but God has a plan. I also left this winter break. Experienced toxic positivity. I wasn't expected it. I tried being professional. I set my boundaries so that I could be the example for my own two children at home, but it made me question so much about myself and my worth. I am now working on rebuilding myself and hearing your story makes me know it's possible. I'll get there.

RU-vid suggested part 2 first so I had to come back to part 1 lol BUT I really love your channel! I love your spirit. I’m a first year teacher and I’m already ready to leave the profession. My health has taken a huge decline. I keep getting sick and I’m SUPER guilty of the toxic positivity as well. thank you for sharing your story. I’m in the process of planning my exit (which is why I’ve been watching these videos) and thank you for sharing your faith!💛🌻

I love your channel!! This video was super encouraging and I can't wait for part 2!!

Yes! definitely hitting home right now.

Loved it! This reminds me of when I was bullied as a teacher. It was one of the worse experiences of my life. I also listened from my AP perspective because I want to ensure I’m nurturing my teacher’s hearts as well as their instructional skill sets. Great video!

My dear Heart, I've been binge-watching videos of people who have quit teaching. I'm probably old enough to be your grandfather.... so I've been around and around the block--and it looks like you've got one of your first medals. CONGRATULATIONS!!! When I was a child a mother of the church said these wise words to me, "You have to learn to see and not see" She was almost a mystic because she refused to explain, she said, "You'll figure it out." I'm intelligent (keeping it real) and she knew that I wouldn't let that settle in me until I figured it out. I did, but six-years later. As this relates to you. If you see that a supervisor is dangerous, always proceed with caution, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing (keep it to yourself--see and not see Before the approach (a) contact your union (b) learn what your legal options are (c) have a job line-up (d) document, document, document (e) no discussion without a legal/union representative (e) follow-up with a summary of any meeting and remember to be brief and write it as if it will be submitted in a court--so keep it professional and impersonal. This summary will also serve as verification--in the event that the supervisor (whatever) wants to later deny anything that was discussed. I usually ask that "Please do not hesitate to add any additional information or disputes of events" THAT DRIVES NARCISSIST CRAZY (and that's what you want) They HATE to be directed by anyone who they perceive as being subordinate to them and will typically not respond in defiance (and that's what you want 🤣) (F) ...and lastly. Sometimes God says leave and leave doesn't always mean leave education It can mean LEAVE THIS MADNESS. My life journey could not possibly have been more unplanned. It's not that I didn't have A PLAN, but it wasn't always God's plan. Instead, it has been a series of doors and windows opening and closing--but always to something better. You would envy my life. I have been blessed beyond measure. I don't have a comfy pension but I've met people, and lived in countries, states, and cities that I've always dreamed of doing. I had dream jobs and learned that they were really nightmares. I've had jobs that I thought I'd despised and loved them. It takes a while--but it's a wonderful life when we step back and let God be God and God is ALWAYS Good.

Oh, I clicked on this video SO fast!! Please post more on your journey!!! :)

Congrats! I made it 23 years. I'm happy for you, in that you are doing it while you are still young!

It is just so refreshing to see how God sustained you through all this!!

Yasss it can be real hard when leadership continues to compare you!!! I commend you though! I can't wait to see part 2!!! So proud of you!!!

You have such a great personality! Sad this is all too common. Good luck!

I gave my two week notice two days ago and hearing you say do what’s best for you gives me the last bit of courage that I needed to know I did what’s best for me. Thank you for this talk, you are amazing

Thank you so much for sharing. I'm heading to part 2 now.

You were straight up bullied. I was also. I quit last year at the end of February. It was a harrowing experience that I haven’t fully recovered from. I just don’t understand why? Why did they target you? You seem amazing, smart, creative, and energetic. You seem like a light that would of shined brightly at any school. Why did they want to extinguish your light. Why tear you down rather than build you up? Is it some kind of jealousy thing? Do you have some others would never have? Some sort of bullying narcissistic personality of the administrator? These are questions I have asked of my own situation and that I ask of yours. The administration is just shooting themselves in the foot by bullying talented staff such as you. There is no point in this kind of harassment. Crazy!

I’m sorry to hear this! Passive aggressive is definitely common as we are all “friendly happy teachers” who are overworked and stressed.

Thank you for sharing your story. You are so right. if you stand up for yourself you cause more problems for yourself. It's a no-win situation.

Everybody picks on the teachers. Especially the younger ones. That’s why senior teachers are so tough and have a hard shell. They been through it all. Until one day they explode or someone in their family dies. Then they retire.

Sis, I feel you. Not just being positive for the students, but positive to the extent of being robotic and full of s#*+ with colleagues. Focus is too little on actual student performance, and too much on micro-managing the adults into compliance like we’re kids ourselves. 🤦🏻‍♀️

I only keep going because I’m fully immersed in my staff climate. I have good friends among the staff and it truly makes the job a career for me. Well that and the fact that it allows me to live comfortably alone and that I’m able to see how I’ve impacted past students now that I’m in year 6. I taught second 2 years (my first two years were years from Hell). Last four years have been in 3rd where I’ve learned to truly find my groove in my school climate. Positivity is spewed at us, though, until something doesn’t go admin’s way. You learn to stand up for yourself professionally. If you don’t, teaching and your admin will eat you alive. But still, some of my close friends are 40-60 and will be out while I’m still there. Only one of my school friends will be around for most of my career. So, I fear how education will be when I plan to retire in the 2040s.

I hate switching rooms. That’s why I hardly decorate. And if they ask me to decorate, I just have the students do it with their own work or I had them put up posters for me. The students have fun taking all the stuff down too.

Thank you for sharing your experience, your spirit, and for sharing your advice. I had a similar experience to this happen to me at my school where admin was bullying me.

Girl this video is so relatable I wasn’t a teacher but a school social worker and can relate to this 💯

New subbie! I think I’m gonna put my two weeks in today. I’m so stressed out and it’s becoming unhealthy!

I love you see a more religious perspective on this issue. You have an amazing way of speaking that conveys your issues very well. Best of luck on your journey

Don't feel bad that you went back! Teachers do love their students like their own! I think if it weren't for the kids,you would have left then! You care! That's why you put up with narcissistic abusive situation as long g as you did! You have more humanity!❤❤❤❤❤

Wow I needed this! Thank you for this video. I’m a first time teacher. Middle School. It’s been tough and very stressful. I did assistant teaching for couple years before but it was different from teaching. I’ve been praying asking God to help me and guide me. Please pray for me.🙏🏽 God Bless ,

So relatable 🙆 Online teaching is the way to go guys. I have shared a couple of companies that are hiring. You are very likeable 💌

"Toxic positivity," thanks so much. I'm going to use this.

I definitely had to pray to get through certain days. I even prayed in front of the class to have more patience.

Thank you for sharing your story.

Some of the things you describe sound like getting out of an abusive relationship. Not. A. Coincidence. I thought I was the only one that used that phrase "toxic positivity".

The school system is the Worst...I walked away 15 years ago, because I put teaching first in my life and gave 100%, but they (the school administration) could care less about me or my family at home. I can't imagine what teachers deal with today. Had I not left when I did, I might be not be here today in my right mind or health. Glad you left...life gets better!

Toxic positivity is so unhealthy and runs rampant in schools. Teachers also tend to be people pleasers and we will beat ourselves up for everything, worry about what we did wrong or could have done better. Being a veteran teacher who is leaving the field after this week I want to say you made the best decision for you and I wish the best!

Lmaoooo I saw Toxic Positivity and I spit my drink out... If that aint the truth about teaching!!

Beautiful and quitting this Monday after 5 years.

I hope you're well. Being observed and bullied simultaneously is traumatizing.

New subscriber here. I can relate to so much you said. But I'm still holding in, Thanks for sharing your experience.

Yes, always plan for an exit. Have a plan B. My Plan B was I had two other teaching credentials and an allied health field license. When an administrator was disrespectful to me, I filled out my transfer form and left. If I had not been able to obtain another position, I would have left the district.

You are 100%%%% on point. Thank you Quit 2 weeks ago

Thanks for sharing!

I did something to help rather than sit in my classroom during what was not my plan (testing weak) and was told that teachers don't get to decide what they do and when I tried to explain, I was shooed out telling me to stop making excuses. I don't like sitting around when I normally would be working. I helped a sub during the last 2 minutes of school....next time I should sit in my classroom. Teachers are treated as children. I went from excellent scores to 1s and 2s because of politics. I get you, girl.

I just wrote my letter of resignation and I am having the talk with my principal tomorrow. I am scared out of my mind.

Where's Part 2? I know this is a serious topic, but you had me laughing at times too! I can so relate to this. I am another teacher that quit because of a bullying admin. It wasn't the kids, or covid, or the pandemic. Nope. An abusive admin.

Avoid them. Avoid emails, avoid eye contact.

You got stressed out by people who were so great in the classroom, they scrambled to leave the classroom the moment they could. Administrators should be required to teach at least one class each term while the teacher sits and takes notes.

So true....

I feel for the teachers. That is why I couldnt be a teacher. It be too much and couldn't handle it.

I'm quite pessimistic at times. Needless to say I didn't survive teaching.

I'm teaching 7th grade ELA, buy I hate it, the students are unruly! I'm going back to high school after applying for a hardship transfer

I would love to know how you’re doing?

D parenting is THE biggest problem in education. Schools and administrators are rushing around and freaking out trying to cover for absent or overly-aggressive parents. I never looked back.

Reality is noticing that the average person is extremely limited academically, has virtually no prospects of becoming any sort of an intellectual, and that their schooling, such as it is, should be limited to the 3 Rs and manual arts to prepare for entering the trades. And that their formal schooling should end when they become old enough to work, or at the age of 16. After just 7 years I finally realized that I was wasting my time on teaching and shipped out with the merchant marine for 8 years. When I got tired of living aboard ships I went to barber college and cut hair for 20 years. After all, two/thirds of the population are too stupid for college. People who don’t notice this have their heads stuck up their digestive tract.

We can thank Mr.Dylan Kleebold sp ? for T.P. ( toxic positivity)

Spending all your money on school is not a good idea. It ads to burn out ands ends with teachers not being able to save for retirement and having to work after retiring from teaching.

T.P. < is denial of a HUGE percent of life's happenings.

Lemon in the oatmeal 😆🙂

Sounds like you got targeted on admin's worry list when they were observing you on a day where you really weren't 100% at your best (due to overwhelm: your health and exhaustion from adapting to last minute demands)-- and because of positive toxicity you couldn't complain/truly be open about it, and admin kept you in their sights monitoring and documenting issues-- which is super stressful and usually brings about even poorer outcomes (there's a well known research experiment about (ironically) when teachers spoke highly of a selected group of students and treated them according to the teacher's good faith high expectations, that gthat group of students would preform better than the group of students the teachers labeled as the low performers). Hard to get off the needs improvement/support list without a valid opportunity. Sorry for your experience. I understand.

The reforms of the 1996-2022 replaced the admin bench with disrupters who serve austerity - strong backs and weak minds are going to vote for guys like Hit…I mean Tr…. Teachers are who gets sent in to disrupt injustice so we are the targets of those who disrupt our schools, encourage Karens and force out the best teachers - like you.

I’m sorry to hear this! Passive aggressive is definitely common as we are all “friendly happy teachers” who are overworked and stressed.