I retired from teaching this year after teaching for 20 years in another country. I spent 7 years teaching in the U.S.My last 5 years were the most discouraging because I never knew that elementary school students could be so disrespectful. And some of the parents were even worse. I could have spent another 15 years, but I did not want to tarnish my impeccable criminal record. I did not want to embarrass my family. And, quite frankly, I did not subscribe to being unprofessional and 'ghetto " in order to be respected Let me note this kind of behavior was not present at the A schools that I worked. Parental support was quite evident at those schools. I am grateful for the years spent in the classroom. No regrets for choosing to become a teacher. It is just time to focus on me and another career.
@@cutstone3028 Good for you! And I entirely agree about elementary school students being unbelievably disrespectful towards their teachers. You know something is seriously wrong when people in their single digits start talking and behaving like corporate CEOs. I attribute much of that behavior to not only bad parenting disciplinarily, but also the fact that younger and younger kids are now wearing clothing on a regular basis consisting of fashion stylings that make them look a lot older (like teenagers and young adults in their 20s), and the social power goes straight to their heads and makes them act overly obnoxious. Plus, possessing accessories like iPhones, fancy wallets, and even purses and handbags for the youngest of girls now, causes elementary schoolchildren to both talk the talk and walk the walk in tandem, for the worse. Instead of having normal, healthy childhoods, they feel obligated to look and subsequently act like the adults they are NOT, thereby falsely assuming that they are equal (if not superior) to the actual adults in their midst.
Spot on... I left education this year after 11 years. Multiple people in my family are educators, including my parents Period it has been tough seeing how education has worn them down over the years. They are two of the most positive, shining examples of educators that I know. Education has become absolutely miserable. I agree with everything that you said in your video. I love teaching, but I just do not love being a teacher. I am returning to college, in pursuit of a different degree. I’m nervous, scared, excited, and about 1000 other emotions. I really hope this works out for me. I’ve learned, in life, the path leading to where you want to be is rarely a straight line. Wish me luck
Thank you for speaking the truth about these type of parents who would rather leave the discipline to the the teachers and blame them instead of being be held accountable themselves.
Real talk. I'm a parent and was often way too soft on my kids until the teachers starting reporting behaviors to me that I KNEW I should have stopped before my kids even walked into the classroom.
I have a solution for the "parent crisis" but liberals/do-gooders, know it all education professors (who have never taught more than 2 years in a classroom) would block it with their 504 plans. 👉The first serious offense requires the parents to attend PARENTING CLASSES 👉The second serious offense requires the parents to attend EXTENDED PARENTING CLASSES 👉A third certain serious offense requires filing neglect or delinquency charges against the parents. Document if the parent failed to attend all previous classes or cooperate WHY WOULD THIS WORK? As most teachers know, parents of insubordinate students don't like to be involved and especially despise being inconvenienced. They don't care what happens to the kid as long as the government cheques keep rolling in.
At least the nurses got covid pay. I got nothing. Just told to do more work. Teaching in a mask is so hard. My boss made us keep the air conditioning on full blast and the doors open. That year I was like I think I rather die than work as a teacher!
I will be retiring from teaching in 2 years. I just hope I can make it with all that is happening now. I can’t wait to be out of this toxic environment.
I’m a first year kindergarten teacher and I hate the paperwork. I teach special Ed so the amount of paperwork is insane. I agree with every point this gentleman made. I feel more like a disciplinarian than a teacher. My tone is different than that of my colleagues. I almost feel guilty like I’m too hard on them but these kids, even at 5 years old will walk all over you if you let them.
Thank you SO MUCH for addressing white guilt & the coddling that happens in the classroom! I’m a black teacher and I’ve been trying to articulate why this is a problem, but people aren’t hearing me. There’s nothing wrong with being compassionate. But kids can take advantage & walk all over the teacher. What my colleagues also don’t seem to understand is that when you coddle black students, you are patronizing them and in the long run, not helping them. When you create a separate set of standards for them, it’s the perfect example of the soft bigotry of low expectations. I was the teacher that was holding students accountable and holding high expectations in my classroom. If my students had a full schedule of teachers that didn’t do that, when they encountered me, they were upset because they knew that they couldn’t walk all over me. They would then run to administration, who would fall for the guilt trip. It’s a big reason why I left my former school. I was prepared to leave education all together, but thankfully, I got another job in a district where I’m actually able to teach & where kids are held accountable. Mind you, I was also hired at my former district because I was a black teacher who “handle” the kids. But they ended up pushing me out once I was trying to do my job, which is to educate.
Miss L. Great points! I fully believe that black educators are essential to the future of this world. We have to get to a place where we’re not reliant on the rules of the status quo to make things better.
Miss L. But I also see black teachers doing this with black students and Latino teachers with Latino students, but not as much, as well as favoring them and when, God forbid, a white teacher calls them out on it and dare tells a student/students that the way they’re being treated is not how life really is, all hell can break loose, and any teacher with actual integrity, no matter their race, risks being labeled a racist!
@@CaptainJackSparrow110 Well, there is more science debunking this claim than there is making the claims you have made. First, there is more genetic diversity in humans within Sub-Saharan Africa than without. So classifying them as a genetic population is scientifically spurious at best. Hell, that is why they use the term *realism* in the first place, to avoid these discussion based on biology and genetics. Second, second generation Nigerian students perform the best in academics in America among all ethnic groups. Third, there is almost no causative studies showing a relationship between African descendants and inherited low cognitive or performative ability, only correlational, and it is nigh impossible to do causative. Again, that is why they use the term *realism* Fourth, almost all the discrepancy in IQ between all "races" (race is an unscientific term) can be accounted for in environmental factors, rather than biological ones. IQ increases by huge margins when adjusting for even minor differences in environment. There was a study that selected kids at random and told them they were gifted and talented. Guess what, their IQ jumped on average about ten points, which is the difference between a college grad and a highschool grad. IQ has been increasing in Sub-Saharan Africa faster than anywhere else, and is now at the same level the Netherlands was in the 1950s. Nearly 25% of the difference in IQ can be attributed to various environmental effects between individuals let alone populations, which indicates environment's huge effect on IQ. Fifth and finally, there is no trait nor complex trait identified as more common within Sub-Saharan populations that leads to lower IQ than say a European one. There are many interviews with geneticists clearly debunking nearly all claims that there are any traits more common within Africa. This is another reason why they use *realism* to avoid the evisceration of scientists. A complete lack of any knowledge about the scientific process leads dum dums to believe in debunked pseudoscience written in "A Troublesome Inheritance." Despite the consensus among geneticists that it is indeed pseudoscience. Using "just so" arguments like you have just done, and the author of that book does.
As a black female teacher, I have nothing but respect for you. You are speaking the TRUTH. Best of luck to you in your next career. Your school is missing out.
"The clown for hire" comment registered with me so much. I just completed year 5 while being: in the classroom, at a new school, pregnant for the first time, and being trained in AP curriculum.... The kids hate learning and I'm tired.
And that is the key! I feel like most of the professional discussions in education just goes in circles while ignoring the number one problem… crappy parents. There needs to be mandatory parenting classes for couples before having a baby.
@@thefuture5n0w3 Agreed Jamaal. I can relate to everything you said in this video. When I was a kid, the students were blamed when they misbehaved. Now the teacher is blamed. The quality of parenting is a major factor. Also I have found most districts prefer White female teachers regardless of the student demographic. It is easier for a white person with no experience to get a teaching job than a non white with experience and advanced degrees. Then districts like to pride themselves on diversity and being a "no bullying zone."
@@thefuture5n0w3 I agree; however, the "adults" made the choice to have a child. As a result, they have the responsibility to do the best job possible. No excuses! If they can't parent, do not have the child/children.
I spent only 2 years in the classroom. I only taught in preschools mostly in the PreK classes. Sadly, for even that age group, everything you said was spot on. My biggest issues were mostly with administration micromanaging our classrooms and providing little to no support. When I began to cry on a regular basis coming back from lunch break, I knew it was time to go.
Administration also thinks that the black men will fix all of the black boys problems. ALL of the teachers send the problems to those teachers and the male teachers don't get anything done!
@@thefuture5n0w3 kids should be held accountable. I am practicing to be a teacher and working as a sub in the mean time. I am and have been surprised that kids think they should have a free ride. I am not doing your work for you--you will not learn a thing if you can not do it yourself. The world will not cater to your needs and wants. If you learn to be responsible for yourself and of yourself then you will be the stronger leader the world looks for.
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.
You said it so simply when you said that nobody cares. It’s so true. I just left the profession after 5 years. After a certain time I just felt like a babysitter rather than a teacher or someone who was a valued person.
Damn seeing such an intelligent and well spoken teacher like you leaving the system makes me feel like theres no hope left for the american education system. 🤦♂️
There isn’t. Public Schools are a tremendous MONEY GRAB which is tied to each student’s ADA (Average Daily Attendance). Charter Schools are the only way.
I work in special education, and this is my 5th year. I have been coming home every day and just find myself unable to disconnect form work, and feeling like I am not doing enough, especially with hybrid and remote learning. I really appreciate how you talk about teachers being taken advantage of for "the love of teaching". Honestly, it makes me feel like a failure for not having that love, and for not wanting to spend my night and weekends working for the kids.
I used to be just like that, but now I have kids of my own and I almost feel resentment at the expectation to always give for my students even at the sacrifice of my time with my own children. Its just another way to take advantage over the caring and good-nature of a person who becomes a teacher, instead of hiring more staff to ease the burden and workload
That clown analogy is deep I worked as a teacher at a charter school for a year and saw some of this for sure, the principal enabled them as well. I did not feel supported.
Julie Hayden thank you for the kindness. I feel though that there is a tech wave coming that will change the way we think about education. Hopefully it will give teachers their due.
@@thefuture5n0w3 I'm at 11 years of service in South African public schools. All your points are so relevant. I really appreciate your stand on white woman and the guilt complex with children of colour, especially towards black kids. It's one of the worst things wrecking education universally. Letting black kids get away with nonsense for nonsense reasons. Most of the kids went through a system without a male educator until grade 6. It was a real shock to their system because the female educators use to indulge so much bullshit. But as soon as they came to me, there were major discipline issues because I held the children accountable. Underpaid and under appreciated. I plan on another 7 and then I'm out... Save and study a different field in the interim to keep me enthused and motivated.
I wish I could like this 500 times. Specifically for what you have to say about parenting and about coddoling the kids. I see the same problems at my school.
As a retired certified licensed black man TEACHER, I AM SO GLAD THAT YOU ARE RETURNING IF EVEN JUST A CURRICULUM SUPPORT SPECIALIST!!! Many first year teachers need that support and some of us veteran teachers to avoid teacher burnout. However you didn't address the viscous racism in the teaching profession!☺️☺️🖤
Yep. I'm a new teacher that started teaching during the pandemic. I'm so over all of it and after only 2 months in I'm ready to quit. It's just wayyyyyyyyy too much and the stress and anxiety is almost unbearable 😥.
.....Respect! Thank you for sharing your experience. If you work in a public school, particularly a Title 1 school, you are doing combat duty everyday. I actually belive that teachers experience PTSD. You are not allowed to have a "reaction." If a kid is hurling profanity towards you, you have to remain silent. A kid throws a chair at you, don't have a reaction, stay calm. Thus the build-up of anxiety and panic attacks because you're holding in all that anger. You have to walk around the classroom as if your mouth is taped and your hands are locked behind you, so as to not have that "reaction."
This is so true. Why are we expected to take the abuse? I look forward to summer because it means that I don’t have to put up with the abuse from children. I always dread the last week of august because it means that I going back to stress eating, no sleep and constantly being on.
I'm 37 years old but you described my experiences that I had as a student going to public schools during the 90's. I always felt bullies had the edge in school because there was no they could be held accountable since they were minors. Bullies figured this out once they got detention a few times that it wasn't a big deal to be disruptive since nothing truly bad could really happen to them outside of being expelled from school but even that in their eyes was considered good. The problem with the school system is it favors bullies which in return causes teachers to suffer and other students to suffer. I can say I hated school so much that it's the reason why i don't ever dread working boring soul less corporate jobs because even they are not as bad as the awful experiences I had in public schools growing up.
12 years in and looking to quit. I cried rivers over this decision and I still wrestle with the guilt, but it's time. You hit the nail on the head: I love teaching, just not being a teacher. The disrespect is insurmountable. It isn't just from the kids and the parents, it's the district, the state, and all the people making education policy without any kind of experience. It's all about test scores and enrollment. It's too much to deal with. I hate leaving the kids, but it's time to look out for me.
I had a student taken out of my class for choking another and another one bring in a knife. Both were suspended for one day from my class only, then back the next day. I felt so unsafe there! That was in North Port FL. I feel safer teaching inner city Detroit.
I like your description at the end comparing teachers to clowns at a birthday party. That's exactly how I feel! I have been a teacher for 14 years. I keep thinking the next year will be better, but never does. I need to quit!
Principals always want to come into a room and see cutesy stuff happening. Every lesson doesn’t have to be with a teacher juggling balls and performing magic tricks from a hat. It’s a school not a circus, Chuckie Cheese, or Six Flags. It’s fun to do that but they will not learn anything and it ruins classroom management when it’s time to do serious work or take those precious standardized tests.
No, it does not get better. It gets worse. The only thing that can change is you can get stronger and learn to cope, but as things get worse, it is very hard to keep up. Most of us give up, and some do quit.
@@ms.bubs4fun506 Most of those principals got out of the classroom as soon as they could because they couldn't hack it...but they want to see a Vegas show when they come in your room!
Thank you for calling out the parenting crisis and the administration focus on just keeping butts in seats! That is exactly what I saw and why I quit teaching and currently homeschool my own children.
Thank you for this! You said it all beautifully. If I could go back in time, I would not have spent all my time and money on a teaching credential. What you said about the parents is soooooo true. I work 12 hours a day, I spend my own money, and you're right, NOBODY cares!
I had to pay $2,500/year on resources to have my Oceanography & Geology classes. They expected you to teach these courses but the classes weren't funded.
I'm a AA man and I have been teaching middle school science as well in Texas and the things you said are beyond accurate and in perspective. The other problem is that the head of education in USA is Betsy DeVos, who has not taught at ANY level, but knows what's best.
Devos is horrible, but the entire federal DOE needs to go away and return all control to the state/local level. The federal government has done nothing but f___ up education for 50 years.
@@yaimavol I know it’s an old reply, but I have to agree 100%. The move to scripted curriculum, reliance on standardized testing, and micromanaging classroom teachers is a formula for failure.
@@shouqianshi9759 It wasn't but do you deny the values were different? We're graduating kids that can't read. I'm not sure the segregated black schools were that bad
After 7 years, the 2018-2019 school year is the first year of not teaching. This past year I've worked in retail and as a part-time substitute teacher to make ends meet. Being African American, I find that I receive way more respect as a sub than as a teacher which is very sad. I'm planning on going back to school and changing my career. BTW, I want to tell you: 1.You are important as an African American male teacher 2. You are a King 3.You are cherished 4.You are valued 5.God loves you 6. I appreciate you as fellow African American teacher 7. Your school has sustained a great loss. You were an asset to that school 8. Thank you my brother!
Thank you so much for the encouraging words. The more and more I see other people echoing the same issues the more and more I'm convinced that the system is broken. I attended a high school graduation of two students who i taught in middle school and the sense of pride and happiness I felt for those two seemed to be uncut by the things I discussed.
Hi Jennifer and Jamaal. I was once in your shoes (5th Grade Teacher) but transitioned to an Education Consultant. SEE a FEW RESOURCE BELOW THAT MAY BE OF ASSISTANCE. I have worked for and with Education Curriculum, Children's Toy Companies, e.g., Crayola, Scholastic, Pearson, collaborated on the First Lady of the USA School Reform Initiative, advisor for children's toy companies and marketing firm for Playdoh, etc. I share this because there are hundreds of careers beyond the schools that are a great fit for teachers. Education careers with a work-life balance, higher salary, etc. A few of my former colleagues encouraged me to create a company to help other educators transition. I also created a couple youtube videos that provide a list of great careers for educators, salary ranges and key steps to landing a great job with leading education companies, etc. Here are links to a few of the videos (one was created over a year ago , the other just recently). I wish you all the very best. I left over a decade ago and have NEVER regretted it. Wishing you all the best. Shelly ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-MG8k9xUolWg.html - 20 minute video - Amazing Education Careers Beyond the Classroom ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-B0QHs5OqUzc.html - From the Classroom To Education Consulting: The 4 Key Steps - 5 minute video My company website: www.broilsconsulting.com
@@thefuture5n0w3 It's all about the values of the school district. I grew up in a rural community and it was about 30% minority then and about 40% now in the district but my education was excellent. They still have a graduation rate of over 90% and finish in the top 5% of school districts nationally every year, despite being a relatively poor county. What is the secret sauce? Those traditional values: Accountability, expectations, administrative support for teachers, and in rural counties teachers are well-paid compared to other types of jobs so you can attract and hold onto male teachers. Talking to teachers there, they all tell me the parenting issue is a huge problem now, but the district success proves you can overcome that problem if the 2 other sides of teacher/ admin are strong.
Jennifer Clemons yeah, because sub and paras aren’t threats...just urban interpreters to the blk and Brown kids... the teachers are for teachers accept when it’s blk...then they are the student’s side. I’m sorry, I went through similar situation as this king, and I fell back and collected the checks....when u know the kids are also playing the game, step out of their ways.
@@Pamoroom Jennifer, I was once in the classroom as well and transitioned to working in the private industry as an education consultant for various education curriculum ed technology and children's toy companies. I also work with educators seeking to transition to new careers. I have a few RU-vid videos which discuss careers in education outside of the school system that are a great fit for teachers (salary range $50,000 to $180,000) Here's the link ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-MG8k9xUolWg.html. My website is www.broilsconsulting.com as well. Best of luck.
I decided to quit after 15 years of middle school science as well. I agree with everything he said. Corona risk was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me.
I’m so sorry that you haven’t been treated with the respect you deserve, sir. The educational system lost some serious talent.. ... That said, I can identify.
Wow! That clown metaphor was so sad and so powerful! I have loved teaching but I went to teach overseas where I was given a free hand and made teaching a wonderful place for my self and my students. The powerlessness that you describe is so sad and deafening. You deserved so much more from everyone.
I've been thinking about leaving teaching but I let fear get in the way...HOWEVER , after listening to your RU-vid channel all I can hear is myself talking to me over the last 3 years now. "I do love teaching I just don't like being a teacher. " Thank you for speaking to me.
I've been trying to make people from the outside looking in understand why after 11 years, I also am reaching my finish line. I literally told them the exact same thing that you said: I LOVE teaching, but unfortunately, I HATE being a teacher. There's very little reward left these days, the cons drastically outweigh the pros, my mental health is floundering, and the love I once had for the profession is gone. I'm trying to hold out until the end of the school year, but weekly anxiety and panic attacks are breaking me. I hope you've found peace and happiness in your new stage!
Preach! For so long I thought it was me. I told myself I was just in the wrong grade level, the wrong subject area, taught first in ES then MS, first regular ed, then EC, then back to reg Ed, and back to EC - looping up with a 6th grade cohort through MS. Five districts, two states, in 22 years. Had to take breaks every few years bc it sucked, for the most part. For all the reasons he explained. Sure, there were priceless moments and yes, I made a difference. But it can really beat you down and suck the life out of you. I resigned in mid -January and today was my last day. The chaos with my state and district expecting a return to the building before vaccinations was the last straw. I’d rather join the throngs of unemployed and lose my health benefits than deal with what teaching in 2020-2021 has become. As my principal recently said, “It’s just business.”
This video was so helpful! It’s only my first year and i see and experience all this!! And i feel like I am gaslighting myself by saying “oh it’s just my first year, it’s just a title I middle school, it’s just standard/regular kids” but several days a week it doesn’t even feel like a place of learning or professionalism/professional growth anymore for reasons you’ve mentioned…yet we are stressed about and held accountable to both of those consistently. As you said, i love teaching, not being a teacher!
Thank you for this. You are so right and that's the saddest part. It's 2 years later, post pandemic and everyone just wants to "get back to normal". Normal hasn't been working for....well basically forever. I wish you the best on your future careers.
I enjoyed listening to you I like many other teachers I’m going through the same thing if I didn’t have just a couple more years to retirement I would quit right now. We are not appreciated or respected and nobody has more of an impact in the school system than the teachers but there’s a perception that we’re not as valued as administration
This was a Word to me! I too am a black middle school science teacher, female. Everything you said was absolute truth, especially with the caucasian coddling. Most of my African American students can’t stand me due to my expectations of excellence. I even had a student tell his white teacher, he liked her better bc she allowed snacks, headphones, and repeated assignment attempts (the same teacher who always drops racial undertone-ish comments during our team meetings). Imagine the foolishness lol smh. Thank you so much!!
Wow!! I am a Professor and the same thing happens in Higher Education… no accountability from students, and no support from administrators who want to keep the enrollment numbers high.😲
Im only in my student-teaching year and what you said, "I love to teach but I dont love being a teacher" resonated SO DEEPLY. It hurts my soul to go to work everyday knowing that no one is holding these kids accountable and that teachers are expected to take the blows with their hands tied. I've had headaches everyday for two months, have been dreading every morning I have to wake up and go, and have gotten calls about jobs elsewhere that I havent returned yet b/c of the guilt of leaving even though it physically hurts to stay.
I was once told take care of yourself because if you die someone will literally take your seat. I left a job, when my replacement died #RIP she was replaced in 24 hours.
I wish I could like this a MILLION times...You were SPOT ON with EVERYTHING it feels nice to hear someone who understands and gets it...I am STRONGLY considering leaving the profession altogether would love to hear what you did or are doing now after leaving!! Thanks Again!!!🙂
Everything-EVERYTHING-you’ve said is absolutely true. I thank you, sir, so much for sharing your story. So many teachers are afraid to. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I totally get what you’re saying. I quit/retired after 20. I got my master’s and started teaching part-time evenings and weekends at a junior college before quitting to get my foot in the door. I love teaching college (been doing it for over 10 years). My department chairs, my division dean, everyone is supportive! Thinking about getting another master’s just so I can teach other courses. After having done time in the trenches of public school, I highly recommend it. I do admire those who stay in for 30 or 40 years. I just couldn’t; it was negatively affecting my health.
I left teaching after 7 years. My heart got broken from lack of supplies and books. We had Windows Millennial Edition. Students weren't allowed to eat if they owed a bill. Instead, if they got a tray, the cafeteria workers took it from them and threw it away. They wouldn't even let me buy my students their lunches. I lost sleep. My hair fell out. I reported an assistant for choking a student and was terminated. After that, my heart was no longer in it. There is so much more, but discussing this is heartbreaking. I commend anyone who can teach long term. I just couldn't do it anymore.
Sad but very true. It’s such a shame to see so many leave the profession for valid reasons, our society doesn’t put enough thought or effort into our future, it’s all about cutting corners and saving a dollar.
Thank you for sharing your refreshing point of view! I am a white female kindergarten teacher in a public school, and I feel like that accountability piece is such a struggle. At times, I feel like I’m the only adult holding students accountable, no matter what they look like or their maturity level. I didn’t go into the profession to coddle! I came to teach! Holding students accountable is critical.
Great break-down, especially the gender/racial component. I almost only hear about "the plight of black disadvantaged kids" and nothing else, so it makes great sense what you are saying about white guilt and low standards (i.e., "the soft bigotry of low expectations"). We need to care about all kids enough to help them become better people, not just have easier lives because we feel bad. Also, women have been idolized so much in our society that literally nobody sees a problem with the imbalanced gender ratio of K-12 teachers. This parallels the breakdown of families and modern sentiment that fathers don't matter. Sad.
Brilliant Perspective! Your thoughts and perspective really made sense and hit home with me. Personally, I taught internationally 17 years abroad at certified and respectable schools. Then upon my return to the U.S. in 2016 due to family and personal circumstances, I looked at other jobs, but the only doors opening were teaching. So I enrolled in an alternative education program and spent $$$ and time to teach in the U.S. I thought my global knowledge, skills and experience would be a benefit to students and my community as I had also taught in private, public, charter, Montessori, IB and Cambridge settings. Your reasonings really summed up my opinion about the U.S. education and problems with the system. In May 2019, after just 2 years in the U.S. system (so nearly 20 years total teaching), I realized I could not mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually survive in this country if I were to continue teaching. I was forever tired after working 7 days a week, endless paperwork and assessment focus. Also, disappointing to see students treated like little adult machines with endless schedules and no time to smile or play or time to explore their curiosity. After teaching internationally, I know what an honor, joy and daily adventure teaching can and should be. It IS WONDERFUL! I LOVED teaching! But not here in the U.S. Thus, I am decided not to return to the classroom. And yes, being a young man, I thought I could just be a helpful community member and positive force. Not to go into politics, but I too laid down a firm, but fair fist, but as you mentioned . . . Admin was only do so much due to the pressure they are under. Thanks for sharing brother! Continue to share your insights upon other topics as well. What other adventures might you suggest?
Thanks Victor! I would think being an international teacher would qualify you to teach where ever you want. Too many ins and outs that prevent the people who are good at it from making life long careers in education. I know there are schools out there that at least come very close to our ideal conditions. But there are also careers that value you your experience and insight much more than the current education system. Sometimes this stuff does get in your blood and sometimes people find their way back in. Thanks again for your great reply! I really appreciate it!
I can totally, totally relate!!! I'm black-latino-gay male science teacher. Went through all of the things you mentioned and more. But I just retired last year after teaching for 25 years. The teaching situation has gotten worse and worse every year. Especially with parents and admin! Miss the kids. Don't miss all the other crap I had to endure.
Everything you said was right. Retired after 30 years. Life is so wonderful without the stresses put on me as a teacher. Example: My last year of teaching a mother by passed the office and came straight to my trailer where I was teaching, threatened to kill me because her child was placed in in school suspension for consistently disrupting class. Got a restraining order. But fortunate for me she took him to another school. This was a third grader. Hopefully he will get the help he needs. Just one of many many examples that the teachers in the school I was in could give. NO support given to teachers with student behavior or parents.
I’m in Florida second year but I don’t feel burn out , I’m teaching at high school which may be less demanding than middle school or elementary. Also I do feel supported at the school I go to and there’s tons of resources, and I’m almost at 50k starting salary which isn’t too bad
Thank you for telling the TRUTH! As a teacher now I'm protecting my Pension. I have about 1 year left before retiring. But, things are so easy and boring I might stick ot out for a few years. It's just Awesome to know that I have that Ace of Retiring in my pocket.
I absolutely agree. I think your opening reason of "no one caring about education" is spot on and that just trickles down the line to everything else. Teaching in 2020 was where I mentally check-out and really left as though I could not make it till the end of the year, and this has led me to the idea of changing careers. Thank you for this video, there are some points where you tend to feel guilty for giving up on the kids but in actuality, it's all the obstacles that come with teaching that affect your mental health. I appreciate you making this video!
Mannnn, this is soooo spot on! I’m a Black male teacher and I am freaking done! It’s a travesty to see and experience the lack of respect and the gross decline of public education.
As a former educator from SC, thank you for making this video. I had the exact same experience being the only black male elementary school teacher. It’s very disappointing to see the trajectory of education in terms of lacking accountability and responsibility . It is for the same reason why I decided to go back to graduate school and became a LMSW in a hospital
Thanks for sharing. I’ve watched so many videos under similar titling and you all share reasons why I’m studying early care and education now with the intention of teaching. I feel like I’m prepared for this profession because I was one of the invisible black girls who survived a failing school district. I’m built for this.
I'm reading this in 2021 and I'll bet things have probably gotten worse by about 100%. You hit the nail on the head with all of your talking points! It sounds like you made a very good teacher and it's such a shame that due to the system, teachers are leaving in droves.
This testimony, and others like it, are why I didn't go through with becoming a teacher. I will build my outside educational organization and work with those ready to work
I'm feeling this right now for sure. I work in special education, it's my 6th year, we aren't getting the support we need from admin, and no one cares but the teachers and some of the students.
Sorry to hear about your experience. With your good teaching background, please consider your own tutoring business. It's a booming market. Probably by this time you have already doing something that you are passionate about. All the best and let's keep moving forward.
Thank you for doing this video. I needed this. I'm looking to leave now. I changed schools and even change state and it is all the same everywhere. I'm so burned out and depressed. I've been doing this for 14 years and don't fit here anymore.
Bravo, my good sir. Excellent explanation of the key points as to why "no one cares about teaching." Teachers who go in wanting to change the World meet this beyond rude awakening.
BRAVO !!! You have nailed the problem in today's education system. As a substitute teacher I see the problems you have addressed in this video all the time. I am of an age that I remember when children were sent to school to learn and they had BETTER be on their best behavior and show the teachers and other school personnel respect. Those days are long gone, and that is too bad.
Everything you say is spot on. I just finished my 26th year (23+ in alternative ed. ) and if I could find something outside of education that would pay me what I'm making now....you'd be shocked if I told you how much...I would do it in a second.
Thanks for sharing your ideas. I've been teaching for nearly 15 years and I can connect with what you are saying. I love teaching but looking at getting out for some of these same reasons.
I can relate to the concepts of keeping “butts in the seats”. I am a university Professor and we are pressured to keep retention and graduation numbers up. Students, in my case primarily juniors and seniors at the university, complain that I have deadlines that are upheld, that I have expectations for formatting on written work, and overall that my class is hard. Fortunately my colleagues and administration have my back on holding the students accountable, but I do get pressured to make sure to keep butts in the seats and progressing to graduation. It’s hard to find the right balance where the good students are being challenged and pushed to stretch themselves while also making the class passable for the students that seem to not want to put forth much effort.
I would love to start a co-op of like-minded individuals and parents where we employ teachers ourselves. For example, a few families get together in a homeschooling program and essentially open our own school. The school could be in someone's living room or wherever there is adequate space. Class sizes would be small so no overcrowding and more one on one attention. Also, the parents would funnel monies for a salary. Sure, it's a simplistic view, and there's alot more involved in the process, but I think it can be done.
Military families do this , and when they change bases, it's treated as a field trip.... history lessons, geography. My friends raised their children in Europe
In a recent college class where I was working on my masters, we got into the discussion of student accountability during a written discussion. Without exception, the only teachers that said "I do not make excuses for my students and expect them to perform and act in a way which will prepare them for the future and a world without a hall pass" were the two black teachers and myself (while I am not black, I am a minority and grew up in a single-parent home and worked hard not follow into the same cycle and mindset of my family). Every other person there was a white man or woman from a middle-class background, and all of them kept saying that these "poor students" had it so tough, needed understanding/extra chances, yadda yadda - all of which translated to low expectations and giving grades. It was an eye-opening experience. You can empathize and be supportive without infantalizing. I want my students to stand on their feet and work hard for what they want - not wait until someone gives it to them because they feel sorry for them.
I am a white teacher who taught for 30 years in America's public schools. (I'm very recently retired). I worked with MANY white teachers in schools with large percentages of Hispanic and nonwhite students and families. The white teachers had equally high standards for their students, regardless of race or ethnicity. If you take a look at empirical research, grade inflation is burgeoning exponentially across ALL grade levels from preschool through doctoral level. It isn't so much about race and ethnicity as it is about a culture of entitlement, a pervasive "me me me" mentality, and schools having to take on more and more responsibilities that were previously held by parents. Parents demand their D/F performing student receive A,B,C grades. Many administrators expect teachers to inflate grades. Even college professors are pressured to lower standards so students will "pass". Supporting evidence for "passing them through" regardless of their TRUE performance levels is found in today's ACT and SAT scores, which have plummeted among high school graduates of ALL races and ethnicities. Yet the report cards received by many of these "top-of -the-class" graduates who score abysmally on the ACT and SAT tests show "A's" ?? An "A" earned today is equal to a "C" earned 20 or 30 years ago. It's not the white (or any color) teacher that manipulates those kinds of statistics. Look at the research on grade inflation. Over my longstanding career as a professional teacher I have witnessed the public school system erode. The once admired high-quality curriculum and instruction that allowed teachers to foster productive members of society has become more in line with crowd control, behavior management, and customer service. The trajectory with which public education is going today makes me thankful that I am retired.
Thank you for your honesty and transparency. As a teacher of color for 29 years, in a very diverse socioeconoic and racial community, the demands of teachers are beyong contract hours that bleed into your personal life. I am retiring and will never look back. Glad you have redirected your career path. Thanks for keeping your testimony truthful!
I quit teaching at the end of my second year. In my first year, I taught business classes (Microsoft, typing, personal finance) was evaluated highly. My reward was that they took away my classes and the classroom that I had my first year. They gave me two weeks of training to teach 4 sections of Engineering classes (which I agreed to do). They gave me a new classroom, which was not designed to be a classroom with computers so old they wouldn't run the software for the Engineering classes I was to teach. Two weeks before classes started they told me I had to teach a computer programming class. I was stunned. I repeatedly told them "I don't know anything about computer programming!" They didn't care. They didn't have books, a curriculum, software for teaching, or anyone in the district who had EVER taught computer programming before. It was going to be hard enough to teach the Engineering classes without the added computer programming. I was an accountant for most of my life and wanted to teach business (something I know) and I was given anything but business. They put me in a position I could not possibly succeed in. No, nobody cares. The first year was HARD but rewarding. The second year I was flushed down the toilet along with the students. No one should ever go through what I and those poor students went through. Crazy town.
"If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be." - Thomas Jefferson Sadly, the powerful few understand this to a much greater degree than do the majority.
I think you need a greater platform for your observations. You are so spot on with the dynamics of our education system. We need a wave of change. It’s so unfortunate that you had to deal with that because we need lots and lots more people in the education system who understand things the way you do.
I'm a former teacher, and I 100% agree with you. I taught in a very diverse school as a white woman and I got so much push back because I didn't think it was appropriate to lower standards for behavior and academics. I was told to expect less and told to change grades even. I was so crushed, but I couldn't live with myself being dishonest like that. I wish you the best of luck! Your students were lucky to have you!
