Why I Quit Teaching: The Toll on Mental and Emotional Health

Having recently resigned from my final K-12 teaching position, it’s time to share my journey and reflect on why I decided to leave a career that I once thought was a chance to make a difference.

A Fortuitous Start in Education

It’s been nearly 12 years since I began my journey in education, teaching in both private and public schools, including charter schools. I was never the one who chose teaching; it chose me. I started teaching as a means to earn some extra income after college, a kind of mid-life “opportunity” I seized.

A Decade of Dedication

For many years, I taught middle school, only to eventually burn out. Despite my passion for visual art, I found myself unable to secure work outside of teaching. My career in teaching allowed me to pull myself out of poverty, and the paycheck kept me going. However, the job became all-consuming.

Rampant Absenteeism and Student Challenges

Managing rampant absenteeism among my high school students became a significant challenge. The lack of attendance was mirrored in their academic performance, and the constant need to be a disciplinarian weighed heavily on me. Additionally, I had to deal with endless and often useless administrative paperwork, meetings, and training sessions that had little to do with the teaching profession. It was a constant struggle to balance my responsibilities.

Harmful Smartphone Usage

The issue of rampant smartphone addiction among students was another significant factor that drained my energy. They were permanently connected to their phones, which made it extremely difficult to maintain classroom discipline. This, combined with the administrative burden, contributed to a decline in my mental well-being over time.

Administrative Paperwork

The administrative workload was another pressing issue. I had to handle a considerable amount of paperwork and participate in numerous unproductive meetings. These duties took away from the time I could actually spend with my students, contributing to my dissatisfaction with the job.

Administrative Scrutiny and Discipline

The hostility directed at me from students and their parents who believed I was the cause of their failure further added to my distress. Parents filed complaints even for minor disciplinary actions, leading to increased scrutiny and potential disciplinary actions from my supervisor. This created a hostile work environment that was unsustainable and emotionally draining.

Financial Struggles

Financially, the job demanded more than its monetary remuneration. I had to pay for necessities like the yearbook class, which was not a club, using creative means such as writing grants and selling junk food at sports events due to budgetary constraints. This added extra pressure and stress to my already heavy workload.

No Respect, Low Morale

The devaluation of teachers was evident in the current shortage, with many classes being taught by substitutes. Even full-time faculty members were unhappy and constantly complaining. The workplace culture had become unsustainable, and I needed to step away to focus on my own mental and emotional health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, teaching burnout had set in due to the overwhelming administrative demands, financial struggles, and the lack of respect for teachers. This situation, unfortunately, was no longer sustainable. If you too are a teacher feeling the toll of a demanding and unsupportive work environment, perhaps it's time to reassess and prioritize your well-being first.

Remember, while teaching can be incredibly rewarding, it’s important to safeguard your mental and emotional health. Seek support and understand that stepping away is sometimes the healthiest choice.

Keywords: teaching burnout, teacher resignation, mental health in teaching