Well, I quit my teaching job today. It wasn’t easy. I’ve been doing this for ten years. But I was tired. Tired of negotiating my values and my humanity. Tired of saying yes when I really wanted to say no. Tired of smiling and nodding when I wanted to shake my head.
Too many schools have not included teachers in their decisions to re-open schools in person. Too many schools have sidelined teachers to please parents.
@paul_emerich After 10 years of teaching, I never really felt valued in my profession. Teachers are easy targets, but tasked with the impossible. And yet, we always pull it off. This summer though, I’ve started feeling like I am not even valued as a person...
@paul_emerich Sending support and empathy and energy for the pathways you embark upon next
@paul_emerich Is there any kind of option given for teachers who are willing to teach remotely?
@paul_emerich I am so sorry to hear this...but I imagine I would do the same thing if I were you.
@paul_emerich My son’s school district (Seattle Public Schools) is opening up fully online in the Fall, to protect the health of teachers/students; while I’m frustrated it had to happen, I fully back the move. I’m sorry you felt you had to do this. I hope you find another way to help or teach.
@paul_emerich I can understand your frustrations. Instead of walking away, figure out how you can make a difference. I am getting my doctorate and my certification for administration. I will make a difference.
@paul_emerich I know so many people “taking a year off.” It will be hard without them this year, but harder in years to follow because I know we’re losing a lot of them for good. Best wishes and good luck!
@paul_emerich I've been teaching in public education for 16 years. This year is the first time I have seriously contemplated a career change. Your words articulate for me what it feels like to have no control and no voice. It mirrors how I feel about our current political culture.
@paul_emerich I‘m sorry to hear this, but not surprised. Teachers have had increasingly difficult loads put on their shoulders, and being asked to work in a pandemic has been the last straw for many. If they want teachers to exist, something needs to change. medium.com/age-of-awarene…
@paul_emerich 💥I worked as an educator for 36 years as a principal, teacher, and everything in between! As a State Board of Education Member, I speak about teachers as often as I can. It saddens me greatly where our profession is headed. I hear you, Paul! @paul_emerich #TeacherShortage
@paul_emerich Raw and honest. I hate that we find ourselves making these tough decisions. Sending light.
@paul_emerich I quit one of my teaching jobs, as well; I'm staying at the other because the leadership there values the community and is working on creative ways to attend to everyone's needs.
@paul_emerich I did the same many years ago. I wanted to teach, not babysit the "no child left behind" kids. I did not get tenured like you did. I'm very happy for you that you did your ten years. I honestly didn't know about tenure at the time or I would have stuck it out for 2 more years
@paul_emerich Me too. All options were frightening, yet I chose to resign. I sobbed, but I’m feeling better and better.
@paul_emerich This job takes so much out of us during “normal” times. It was brave make a decision best for yourself. Be well.
@paul_emerich I hate so many dedicated teachers are leaving the profession, but hands are being forced. May this open bigger doors for you! ❤
@paul_emerich I taught for 25 years in the public school system. My first 18 years were wonderful, but since Common Core schools have been looking for money-making high scores rather than the students and teachers. This pandemic just adds fuel to teacher burnout. Do not doubt your decision!
@paul_emerich Paul just a thought: parents are your customers; without them you wouldn’t have an option to chose being an educator. When customers decide to take their busy elsewhere, that facet of the market (public or private) goes away. So the yes answers may just be preserving publicEd
@paul_emerich I am so sorry this is what ends a career that is truly a calling... hard times for students and teachers ahead, but praying the calm comes sooner rather than later-
@paul_emerich I quit my admin job yesterday. Samesies
@paul_emerich @lesbrains I'm curious Paul....have you gone grocery shopping during the pandemic? "Don't put them on the front lines to make them fend for themselves". Nobody signs up to get sick and die, but imagine if EVERY single doctor and nurse had the same thinking as you do.
@paul_emerich I am strongly leaning this way as well...as spec. Ed they are putting potential litigation ahead of health. I have a medically fragile child, I don’t need to be the one that brings home a virus and buries her and unfortunately that’s the harsh truth 😢
@paul_emerich Sometimes the hardest thing in these thoughts is "what else would I do?"
@paul_emerich This makes me so sad. Unbelievable that districts are putting teachers in this type of position. I’m so sorry to see you go but wish you all the best.
@paul_emerich My S.O. and I have been having serious conversations about me doing the same. All the ❤. I know it's hard.