Why I Quit Teaching: The unedited truth
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 มิ.ย. 2024
- The truth is that teaching traumatized me. I had to quit for my overall health and wellbeing. If you are currently a teacher and want to leave the profession, or thinking about becoming a teacher, I hope this video gives you some insight on how teaching can possibly impact your health. Well wishes!
My Instagram: / kesia_shani
#teaching #teacher #education #mentalhealth #newbeginnings #movingon #storytime #selfcare #selfimprovement
![แฉ [2/4] 17 ก.ค. 67 “ลิลลี่ เหงียน” เปิดใจหลัง “เอิร์ก เลเดอเรอร์” ตอกกลับเรื่องโกงเงิน 50 ล้าน](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/s8KapfEO5NI/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey everyone! I just want to specify that my first paycheck was $2,300 a month, not biweekly. That’s not a livable wage. Also, though I am not married, I don’t think teaching would have allowed me to be a good partner because I was always tired and grumpy. So, even if married, I would not have been able to stay in the profession with dual income due to the mental and physical impact. From the outside looking in, I was like a zombie. Just barely making it day by day. I feel so much happier since leaving and I nearly have a nightmare anytime I drive by a school.
Omg that's horrible. Hope you're doing better and getting what you deserve.
OMG!!! What State were you Teaching???
Leave and apply for an airline position❤ I hope you get better soon.
@@jeannineholmes4390 I live in the southern states
@@tgreenwood3193 I’m in grad school. God is providing for me as I figure out the next steps.
The problem in America is that students are pampered like newborns instead of discipling them and having accountability.
@@createinmeacleanheartohgod6871 I agree 1000%! I witnessed it first hand.
Think it's every where. Am a teacher in Africa and I have been thinking about stopping 😢it's draining 😞
Of course there are certain pupils who are a joy but most of them are just something else.
Been a teacher for 6years and am tired 😢😢😢
@@agapeshekinah4444 I naively thought that students behavior was much better abroad. I’m sorry to hear this. What do you think is the cause of the misbehavior in your country?
The children blame the children!! Blame the parents!! God forbid you wake up and recognize these parents and children are living without the guarantee of a government paycheck and instead are largely living with housing insecurity, no fathers, mothers working overtime to barely survive. If the officials werent so pressured to be concerned with war$ and gender/sex BS and taking care of the rest of the world, maybe, just maybe they would be supporting American families and communities! Get your head out of the government's arse. You're eating what they pass you from other people's blood and poop and have nerve to blame the people under you beat and starving.
@brooklynqueen7089- I agree, especially Asia and Africa. In America Asians (including India) and Africans tend to be the better and more focused students. I have many friends from different countries in Africa and ALL of their children are extremely successful. I’m talking lawyer,, doctor, engineering, business owner, etc. Also, my friends from Africa and their husbands did not play when it came to education.
Toxic Positivity - Nailed it! I used to sit in my classroom thinking "is this a cult"
YEAH! AND IT IS!!!!
This toxic positive is a by product of new age teachings.
Yall overuse cult a LOT
It is a cult IF you drink the Koolaid. You're forced to limit your conversations if you're not part of the cult/clique.
@@Momo-po5tnwho knows I believe there are a bunch of cults everywhere consciously and subconsciously
I recall students with behavior issues being sent to the principal’s office and sent back to class. The principal would ask them, “ are you ready to make good choices?” The student replies,”yes” and commences to acting up again. Lol that is an example of toxic positivity
That’s crazy. It find it insane is that new teachers always get the difficult students with all these behavioral issues.
They sent me to ISS and I recall my mom beating my ass in school when my PE teacher called her. I had it coming no doubt I was hella disrespectful.
Delusional behavior. Those kids are confused and abused.
I hate how admin always sugarcoats their language. Don't say "make good choices", tell them to behave themselves. It's not "challenging behaviors", it's poor behavior. They don't have a "chaotic home life", they have derelict parents.
Good for you! ✊🏽❤️ I’m proud of your decision to take care of yourself…
I was a teacher for 26 years. Should have walked away years ago. It literally has ruined my health. I have been “retired” since 2021 and when I come across videos like these, I always want to leave a comment to say that you made a great decision. Never look back. ❤. Best wishes for a successful future.
Thank you! ❤️
@@kesia_shaniit is Gas Lighting and Manipulation to the fullest.
@@kesia_shaniThank you for being honest about the toxic positivity and the" cliques" among staff! Yes, it is a form of bullying. If you speak the truth, you are viewed as an instigator and alienated.
I taught for 33 years and absolutely loved my job! However, like you, I should have retired long before I did. Like you, the stress ruined my health. I retired in March of 2018 and it took almost three years for me to totally recover and not take naps during the day. I was completely exhausted. I thought I would enjoy subbing after retirement but to this day I do not want you to go near a classroom.
Ditto! 26 years. It ruined my health. Should have left long ago... Stayed to raise a child as a single mom! Be glad you got out when you did.
No job is worth feeling like that.
@@discipleslim9506 Facts
AT ALL! ❤
❤im a student but everyday I get disrespected and im drained from going to school, is there anything I can do?
@@Cheeseoogus_ Yes, have you parents fill out a form for you to do homeschooling or virtual school. You can take all of your classes online either way.
Amen...
anytime I mention problems, I get labeled negative
That sounds familiar. Smh. I guess people don’t really want to acknowledge it or talk about it because they don’t have a solution…. Or don’t want to come up with one…
That’s even if they let you speak on it. I’ve seen where they dodged the teachers that speak out, sad but true.
I used to be that way. Now when I am negative and someone says something, I tell them to fire me. Lord knows they can’t. It’s a losing field.
@@kesia_shani Our government does not want us to do better. Its all by design, just my opinion.
Yes it’s only when we decide to speak up that many are called negative to people don’t realize that it takes time for a person to speak up and say something after not saying anything for so long
i'm a highschool student and i 100% feel the same way about the disrespect towards teachers. the kids in my class swear, say disrespectful and offensive things, fight, etc, and everything gets swept under the rug by the principal or they get punished and then do it over and over again. it's one of the reasons why i am switching to online school
And now the use of cellphones in the classrooms has gotten out of hand.
@@whatchamacallit70literally!! And this media they watch and get influenced by is no better
Bless your soul darling. You seem like a well raised human being ❤️
unfortunately it’s so common for kids to disrespect teachers. In highschool I had a teacher with a heavy Indian accent and students would mock and make fun of her and took her less seriously. its sad.
Exactly , this is in like all of my classes. I'm only in the first year of HS and just so sick of it all already
I left teaching after 1 year
High school math teacher.
I was young 23 years old. School was a jungle
I love maths and wanted to make scholars out these kids.
The classes were too big- over 25 students.
The kids were hormonal and disrespectful. And the dean and principal did not support me and this was my first job, and dealing with these rude kids- the had no consequences- no detention, nothing
@@SRoseBlog You said one and done, huh? Lol good for you. Three years was too long for me. I’m happy we both made it out.
I had subbed for 2 years prior but it was one and done for me, too (1 year as permanent classroom teacher). They were even pressuring me to teach summer school and considering extending the school day 1 hour for the coming year! As if I wasn't completely exhausted already. During my first year, one teacher quit after 3 days, another after one. And the winner was a long-term sub who left for lunch only to call back and say she wasn't coming back. Really. She wouldn't even return to finish the school day. She had had more than enough! 😂 Because I decided not to return the following year, the principal refused to write me a letter of recommendation, even though she had provided me with a written contract offer to return, including a raise, and had given me marks of distinction on my evaluation. . . She took it personally. She also refused to recommend a very bright student from my class to attend an accelerated school because it would decrease 'her numbers.' A real piece of work, she was.
School is like a circus as well.
@@keciaaskew5166I’ve always felt this way. Even when I was a child I hated being around other kids. They annoyed Tf outta me!
@@extrashotofespresso_ I totally understand. And teaching isn’t for everyone.
“Lack for respect for authority” has to be the number one issue in most school settings.
I’m not a school teacher, but have sat in many high school classrooms as a RN with student(s) who either had diabetes or seizures; requiring 1:1 monitoring.
This lady is telling the truth! Public high school settings are especially toxic and brutal! Teens say and do as they please…
Notifying parent(s) is a waste of time bc it usually inflames the situation.
“The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
I pray that you will receive emotional, physical, and spiritual healing.
Thank you for sharing.
God bless you.
Ann (Retired RN)
This same matter also applies to middle school that may also be called intermediate school or junior high school. Yet, it may seep into primary school. Kesia seems to be a very fine lady, much like yourself. I am not a teacher nor a faculty member in a school, but I am blessed to mention that I learned my basic manners in elementary school, and they work wonderfully for me nearly everywhere I go. Gracious Great God has blessed me very much in this 2024 year to be 71 years old.
So true. So true. And guess what? It ain’t getting any better.
Former student lol and your right most kids do not respect authority but that’s on the teacher to degree most teachers aren’t connecting with students they are treating their job as a job not as if their a mentor to young people, subconsciously the students know the teachers don’t care so they get disrespected
Toxic Positivity and Gaslighting is definitely a thing in professions where there are high workloads and risk of burnout.
personalhygeinebliss
It is definitely like this in Higher Education.
@@nb0009 Also, misbehavior happens in employment training programs and elsewhere in places where adults are supposed to be real examples of learning properly. I believe that the lessons in the adult classrooms are "controlled."
@@captainkeyboard1007oh, I agree. The lessons are a lot more controlled than teaching spaces for K-12. Adults are also likely paying to participate so they behave better. Not always, but still. I couldn’t imagine how annoying toxic positivity would be while dealing with ungovernable children AND their parents.
@@nb0009 Your comment reminds me of my promotion from elementary school to junior high school in 1965. When I entered junior high school, I saw lots of misbehavior from the "new" students that I never saw at elementary school. Boys and girls smoked cigarettes on the school grounds; children made loud sounds in the classroom during lessons; they cursed at the teachers, and behaved insubordinately like employees spoke to employers with angry voices. Nearly all of the bad students lived in the hellhole part of East New York, where the broken houses, crooked sidewalks, and squalid stores were found to be. According to the statement, "No one is perfect," that means that grownups make mistakes Some people make mistakes so much that their sins appear to be done deliberately, as in on purpose. I saw this problem when I was a child. However, I trusted the grownup as a grownup, when I needed to learn to trust Gracious Great God with that same strength. I know that there are teachers and school faculty members who do go wrong. Others like transit workers, policemen and policewomen, physicians, lawyers, storekeepers, government leaders, and all the rest go wrong. "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, one." Romans 3:10-12. I leave you with one more caveat: "There is no fear of God before their eyes." Romans 3:18. Today, people continue to call right "wrong," and wrong "right." Thank you for typing to me.
I am not a teacher but as a nurse I can tell you that many of the problems you encounter in the classroom are directly related to how kids are raised nowadays. I do respect teachers a lot. All the best with your new endeavors.
Me, too. I still respect older people, teachers, police, my health care practitioners, and others who are in charge in their places. Fortunately, I have not lost my good-old fashioned manners, even though I do not have chances to practice them to everyone in the general public. Good manners work nicely for me, including at church. I am blessed that I am living at the age of 71 years old.❤
Parents don’t raise kids. iPads and phones do. 😢
@@Crowski In many homes, parents obey their children. That is how the children become too valuable in the eyes of their parents to withstand every kind of punishment meted out to them.
@@captainkeyboard1007honestly I don't think it's like that. the parents don't obey the children, the children don't obey the parents, and the children aren't valuable to the parents. that's exactly why these children turn out like this, because the parents don't care about them. some of them do see their kids super valuable as you're saying, but they don't care enough to actually shape the child into a decent person. it's sad they'd rather pay money for an iPad than to pay nothing to love their child properly. they don't seem to care enough to make any consequences or simply aren't even there at all. I've known kids who lived with their grandparents because their dads out of the picture and their mom went to jail
@@dreamofmaizie You may be surprised to know that in some [American] families the parents subject themselves to the whims and wishes the children express. When the children do not get what they want, they cry out tantrums and outbursts. The parents do not discipline them the way I would have been disciplined such as with a stern scolding, perhaps a slap on the face or the backside just above my buttocks, even denied a privilege. Some parents even speak obscene language to their children, expected to know everything, as though they were born with instinct like animals. Little children are raised collegiately, instead of being given the proper discipline and correction needed for their age. Perhaps I am not a father, but you and I have seen so much through the years. Thank you for typing to me.
“Toxic positivity .” You nailed it!
💯
This is so saddening and unfortunate that the teachers aren't getting paid their worth and then on top of that not being appreciated or protected by the administration!
AMEN!
That also means the public school is a house of a "hostile environment."
I was a math major in college. I had aspirations of becoming a teacher.
I did one clinical and said, “no, this isn’t for me”. I changed to engineering and all my math credits went to my degree.
I’m an electrical engineer now. I do not regret my decision.
Do what you feel, and feel what you do.
I signed up to be a substitute teacher. I accepted one assignment for a kindergarten class and that was my first and last day. The problem was the teachers ( looking at me as if I’m competition and it was my own race that was doing this )and the students ( just bad as h*ll) it was horrible. I can’t imagine years of this 😩
@@mariahmariah. It’s very hurtful when you expect people who look like you to have your back and they don’t. I’ve experienced this, too. I learned to not have any expectations of people. They make their own choices and I made my choice to leave. Just like you did. Good for you for doing what was best for you.
I've experienced this as well. Very rude teachers and the administrative staff looking down on you.
@@chanyoung3725 My experience as an elementary school teacher was the unreal expectations of the parents. I can deal with children because there is sincere ignorance with children. You can help children through education but it was the conscientious stupidity of some parents that I found distressing. You would expect parents to know how things work and not through sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity be a roadblock to their kids. Politicians have pot stirred and fear mongered parents to the extreme about what is to be taught in school. I am glad I am retired.
I was a sub once, it was horrible.
I'm white and have had 3 different careers. In all 3 I noticed Black folks in charge feeling free to treat other black folks under them like crap. One guy even slapped a young girl in her face. I was absolutely shocked. White people treat each other like crap too btw. I don't think color matters.
You have told no lies!!! It it's an exhausting and draining job
🎯
I totally agree.
In 1967 my father was a high school teacher. He left after 2 years of teaching because there was so many problems- outdated text books from the 1930s, administration did not care students acted out or skipped class. My dad brought these issues up, and they told him "not every student is meant to succeed." My dad left and joined the military. He said many times that they are letting publuc schools get so bad that no one will want to teach so the govt has an excuse to shut down public schools for good and keep the federal money spent on them. He said this in the 80s and it makes sense because look at how bad it is everywhere at every school.
Im sad you no longer teach. You seem to be a calm, grounded person. Kids need that. But im glad you are having a better life now.
Unfortunately, that's a learned skill when becoming a teacher haha
For me who knows the truth, children were not made like us anymore.
I was a teacher for 15 year. Was sick all the Time. I was done with it
I'm a student and I want to say from the very bottom of my heart that I am sorry to all teachers that out generation is like this. I've wanted to be a teacher my entire life, but I've seen and heard about so much horrible situations I'm not even sure it'd be worth it.
Wow when you said HIGH school my jaw dropped. I was so sure you were talking about elementary school. Good for you for getting out
Also, you may want to include middle school.
Not only these problems happen in high school; they take place in middle school, and even in some adult classes. People are people, wherever you go. Take it from me!❤
I had the same reaction. As an elementary teacher, I was like," oh, sounds like my class." Then she said high school, and I was shocked.
It's really is like that here as a highschool student 😢, I'm not kidding some students would just go to online school just to be kept sane. It's so hard to watch the disrespect every day with the same people with no change.
Counter-claim: your first point about the pay: even with the low pay as a married woman, this job still SUCKS. I am married, and he can provide all of our needs BUT as an educator since 2008, I REFUSE to go back into the classroom. Even if they increase the pay, I refuse to go back. I will fold cardigans at Target before I go back into the classroom. I just want to you hear from the "other side" of marital status, so that you won't think that once you get married, it won't be so bad...because it won't. Girl, pray and ask the Lord to guide you ANYWHERE but a classroom! lol I hope that all of this doesn't come off pretentious, because I sincerely mean it. I have struggled with whether or not to return, and now...I REFUSE.
I feel the same way. The money is not worth the health risks that come along with the job. I choose to be healthy. That means staying away from certain environments.
@nappyashley The custodians at my school had it better than me as a teacher where I used to teach. Better than me in every respect...pay, hours, working conditions.
God only helps those that help themselves. Get out and don't look back.
Emphasis on anywhere but a classroom!! I quit in 2019 went back and it was a terrible mistake left in 2022. I pray I NEVER enter a classroom as mine EVER again 🙏🏾
@@kesia_shani Amen 🙏 being in a toxic workplace can cause unhealthy environments. Like one teacher was trying to start trouble with me yesterday.
I am not a teacher, I am an office worker in pest control and the most interaction I have with any kids/teenagers is the super market/fast food or company parties with coworkers families. I am, however, very invested in this struggle that teachers face as someone who does hiring. I have people come in who have graduated in the past couple years and they cannot read past a 5th grade level and cannot hold a pencil correctly(these are people with no limitations keeping them from doing so). I know there are bad teachers, there's bad apples is any profession, but there is no way that all the teachers in America are this bad. There isn't an education system, it's a baby sitting system where you bide your time until you pass them off to the next person.
You can blame apathetic parents and administrators who push the backwards policies of the school districts that are controlled by the government.
Its bc public schools lose funding when they hold back students and actually discipline them. The state goes, 'students are failing to pass? Must be the fault of the school' and reduces funding. when so many schools are already either underfunded or their funds are grossly misallocated (or both!) so any kind of reduction in funds is a huge blow. So instead of holding kids back they just pass them on and their issues are never resolved. Technically kids can get held back but only if their parents request it and so many dont give a fuck. Were failing a whole generation man its insane.
I hear you. I am a 20 year veteran math teacher. I have led teams of people for sixteen years, Teacher of the Year after designing materials used to train all elementary teachers in our district, and developed instruction that embedded technology that led to Chromebooks being placed in the hands of every student across the district. I love teaching! Two years ago a new admin came on campus and degraded and targeted one teacher after the other, leading five department chairs to resign. I assisted our union to file a grievance as I was the current math department chair. By year end, union had zero influence, I had all math classes wiped off my schedule and my department chair removed in front of my team. Targeting the most dedicated and experienced teachers seems to be the new theme, while giving zero support with the unimaginable behavior problems we now are facing after the pandemic. With all that said, I implemented an intervention system this year that brought every failing math student to proficiency. Never allow anyone to define who you are and what you will do next. I just invited the district to my new TikTok channel where I will be telling my story and speaking about bullying in the workplace across US public schools.
@@R3sist3r How inspiring! So good for you. I can tell you are an amazing educator. I really appreciate your insight.
@@kesia_shani I can tell you as a department chair for sixteen years that the public school system is about to implode. Teachers who I learned with for the last decade who love this job are constantly talking about leaving. The factory model system is not keeping up with the evolution of education. There are many opportunities to teach online as well as private schools that support teachers and hold high expectations of behaviors in the learning space. If teaching is your purpose in life, don’t let the dusty factory model steer you away from it.
@@R3sist3r This is so well said. What you’ve mentioned sounds more enjoyable than public school. Online sounds interesting, too! Thank you.
Online and homeschool learning will thrive. Since retiring I have found great opportunities working with homeschoolers. It's how teaching is supposed to be. The fact is that the US will soon become a nation of mass illiteracy because students have zero incentive to learn (not even mentioning the millions of recent arrivals who will never learn English and who are illiterate in their first languages). The twentieth century was an anomaly because widespread illiteracy has always been the norm, especially with uncivilized countries, which is what we have become. No morality, no drive to learn, no responsibility. Public schools will close sooner than most people realize because it is as bad as this young woman described, and in most places worse. If they don't close outright, they will transition into daycare style warehouses.
Really sad times of massive illiteracy are coming.
@@claudialupper I attended a zoom meeting with a teacher inside the occupied area of Kashmir. Thousands of troops roaming outside their school and homes, yet those students many Americans would classify as “third world” outperformed our students in ways I never imagined. They could shout the answer to math problems after looking at it for less than a minute without paper or pencil. They replied to the teacher with every question with “Yes Sir” in the most respectful way. That hour of witnessing that was the most eye opening greatest lesson of my life. After class the teacher explained to me he and other teachers had walked for miles to deliver food to the kids so they wouldn’t be hungry during lessons due to the extreme poverty created by the govt in that area. He said they were more than happy to do it and were grateful for the blessing of teaching their students. Not a single teacher in the area had less than a masters degree and most were working on their PhD.
I live in New York. And I work as a teacher assistant/floater. And I make 18 an hour, and my pay is 1,229 bi weekly. As a teacher, I’m always drained physically and mentally. After a long day at work, I don’t have time to do anything else besides shower, brush my teeth, drink some tea, and off to bed. I’m always dealing with children that have behavioral issues. And that’s the most challenging part of the job. These kids are so hard and challenging, because these kids will challenge you. Also, I deal with toxic positivity at work as well. I deal with teachers that don’t include me as well. So I’m not being included, I’m being excluded, because I’m new. But you definitely nailed the “toxic positivity”. I’m always observing how teachers act and behave. Dealing with teacher drama is the worst. I’ve been there for two weeks. But I’m looking for another job, so I’m deciding to go back to school as well. Also, I’ve been doing teaching for 5+ years. A wise person told me “no amount of money or being at a toxic work environment isn’t worth your mental health”.
I’m an instructional paraprofessional and make $21000 a year in Texas. I love the students but the pay is sooooo low for all the work we do especially at a middle school
@@ashleylee651That’s really low for all the amount of work you have to do.
If you’re struggling mentally it’s never too late to seek mental health care and it’s NO ONE Business.
@@PrimordialChaos07 I left and I’m good. Thanks!
True, but teaching is a war zone. It's a sign of strong mental health to make the decision to leave and move on to the rest of your life. This woman made the best choice.
@@claudialupper if teaching is like a war zone then the soldiers are carrying deep mental wounds which will manifest in negative consequences but to each their own. All the best.
@@PrimordialChaos07can’t compare teachers to soldiers. Thats comparing apples to oranges. Every struggle is valid. Shouldn’t try to discredit one’s experience because they’re not a “trained soldier”
@@extrashotofespresso_ take your time and reread my response to another comment.
When I was a kid growing up I already knew that the teachers had it rough when it came to dealing with hard headed ass kids. They deserved my respect, and I was one of those kids who always try to be good and do what I was told.
"The environment is complete chaos because everyone is trying to survive." You hit the nail on the head with this sentence.
@@thepragmatist Facts!
@@kesia_shani I completely agree with what you said in this video. Good luck to you.
I’m sorry you had this awful experience. It’s such a shame because I can tell that you’re a good teacher. So many good ones are leaving.😢
@@msteach3082 Aw! Thank you. 😊 💕
I don't know where your located but I recommend working for a small daycare instead or working down south in the country because people from the south are pleasant, respectful, considerate, and appreciative!
The pay isn't great but the environment is cozy and welcoming!
AMEN!
AMEN!
I just found out that King Edward III once said, "The one thing that impresses me most about America is the way parents obey their children."
I have been a middle school teacher for 10 years, and I agree with everything she said. My advice for anyone who wants to become a teacher, DON’T!!!!
Teaching , social work , home
Health aides are all horrible pay. I’ll be glad to see people leave in droves where there is no choice but to increase wages
I’m a CNA and you are correct! I took a break to homeschool my daughter. Now I only work private pay and I pick my own clients. I NEVER worked in a nursing home after my training. I couldn’t do it! I care too much to work in a place like that. I even got in trouble for taking too long on a resident during training! There are clicks on just about every job but in healthcare it seems like a MOB 😂. The good employees end up being abused or joining the MOB.
@@tamarar.4642 that’s right! You do what’s best for you. I am sick of
This county taking advantage of
My school district lost a lot of good teachers. They retired or went to other districts. This forced my district to increase the pay!
@@starrjohnson1327 excellent . Time
For Americans to stand up
All of these jobs are coded "feminine" and "feminized work."
They have a veneer of respectability, but in exchange they drain you of joy, grind you down, pay you less than "masculine" jobs in the same field, and absolutely, they presume that you are a married to a m@n who is the breadwinner.
This is unacceptable.
Thank you for speaking up.
This needs to be posted on all social media platforms!! I always say this! I make sure my daughter has respect. Her teachers always tell me she’s very well behaved. The kids in this generation are way beyond any words can explain
I forgot to say my daughter started teaching last school year and already she was saying every everything you are saying that is going on in the school, she was beat out and drained every day after work when I called to check on her. She couldn't believe this is what teachers have been going through, we both said it's not only sad but it is also very dangerous to your mental and physical health, a few months after she started she was told a young teacher in her 20's was very stressed out and collapsed at school but died on the way to the hospital. My daughter will be returning back in August but, her plans is to get out as soon as possible so she won't develop any health issues . 🙏
@@nellielee2915 Oh my. I am so sorry to hear all of this. I started having chest pains, anxiety, and couldn’t sleep at night. Although I am doing better, I am still recovering and learning how to sleep again. It really is sad.
@@kesia_shani sorry to hear you went through that, and I’m praying my daughter be able to quit without anything happening to her health, because her pressure was unbelievable high towards the closing of the school year and now better during the summer.
@@kesia_shani I’m going through this as well. Every time when it’s the end of the day at work, I have this strange anxiety, and having chest pains. But also trouble sleeping. And I have issues with my heart.
@kesia_shani I started waking up in the middle of the night feeling like my chest was tight and I couldn't breathe. I was always on edge when I got off. It's hard to explain it to other people who don't teach because from the outside looking in you're just dealing with kids. It's almost embarrassing. SMH
Was the teacher on drugs or unknown medical condition
I took my three teenagers to tour a public charter school. About 10% of the students would loiter in the hall the entire time, students they shadowed didn’t even attend most of their classes and when they did a kid told the Algebra II teacher to shut the F up. My kids are still happily homeschooled. 😂 I’m so sorry this was your experience. We respect and value your heart!!
Thank you! ❤
Thank you for sharing your experience. I was a high school teacher for 4.5 years and had to leave for my sanity. The pay isn't right. The treatment isn't right. The kids don't have the right kind of support to actually learn and function. It's depressingly sad, but I wish you well moving on to new things! Teachers are adaptable, and I'm sure you'll do great at what lies ahead.
@@millenniumcat Thank you! ❤️
Taught for 5 years. Quit teaching 4 years ago. Best decision I ever made. No regrets ❤️
I quit too. I almost had a heart attack teaching 1st Grade In Catholic school. The kids were unbelievable. I had to go down to the kindergarten class every day to rest my heart I would have serious heart pain going down my arm every day. You did the right thing
@@kimberlyhuff9617 I hope you are doing better! I began having chest pains from the stress. So I understand how it impacts your physical health.
Love the term "toxic positivity". I feel that, gurl!!!
Me too! That hit the nail on the head for me
you're speaking the truth. my mom's a kindergarten teacher....
a few weeks ago she fell and broke her shoulder and while in excruciating pain was already saying "at least i might not have to go to work."
they have paid her so little... like $35k a year, for more than the decade that she's served the school. She comes home and drops onto her bed, unconscious immediately, heartbreaking. Then has to be up at 5 AM
being a teacher requires also being counselor, nurse, behavior therapist, parental coach, baby sitter, instructor, community volunteer, and even putting yourself up for verbal abuse from parents and bladder and kidney infections back to back because you might not be guaranteed time to drink water or go to the bathroom while in the classroom. my mom had three kidney infections this year.
First, I hope that your mom is okay. I feel so sad for teachers who feel stuck in the profession. It can truly break your spirit if you don’t take the time to recover. I am wishing your mom the best. ❤
@@kesia_shani Wishing you the best after your accident also. You deserve the best.❤️
@@lostieaddictThank you!
The kidney infection risk is serious and real. So many teachers suffer from this.
For me it was diverticulitis. Severe infections. Hospitalized twice in two years. @@claudialupper
After almost 30 years of teaching, I'd like to leave you with some advice. Never let one teaching assignment, school, or even administrator dull your sparkle. While there are commonalities, every school is different. Try a different dynamic and type of school. After 24 years at schools with students of the greatest need and elementary school, I switched to middle school with different dynamics. Best decision of my life. While there are problems at this level, it works for me.
I tried 3 different schools. It’s exhausting to keep switching. 😞 I also tried middle school and high school. I wouldn’t say that it dulled my sparkle, I would say that the system does not appreciate my sparkle. I’m glad you found what works for you. How long did it take to find something suitable for you in the education field?
@kesia_shani It took 24 years, sadly, and it's not perfect. You are correct about everything you said in your video. You could always get a supplemental certificate and teach something different and less demanding. Get your masters while you are young and work on another level or another field. I'm proud of you for standing in your truth. The professional jealousy and toxic positivity are real. Play the game, advance, and bear them at their own games.
@@thepurplediva2957 Professional jealousy...That was also exhausting. I never understood why this exists in teaching.
Thank you for your honesty. You explained so much of what I’m feeling. I’m close to leaving. No more than 2 yrs. I’m at year 13.
@@kesia_shaniit’s ok to know that teaching isn’t for you
I used to be a Pre-K teacher, and all of the points you made are eerily similar to my own experiences. I had kids that were five years old that couldn't tell me their last names, their parents' names, their ABC's, were not potty trained, and the behavioral issues were absolutely out of control to the point of being dangerous and violent. Administration applied toxic positivity to my concerns, and eventually told me, "All that's important is that they stay alive." This class was supposed to prepare these children for public school, and with no help from admins or parents, I eventually had to throw my hands up and leave.
Parents, teach your children basic life and educational skills, or you will be caring for them in their twenties. You can't grow out of neglect.
that quote terrifies me. Like schools are no longer focusing on preparing the youth but just glorified babysitting??
The people who raised me were pathologically mentally unstable, physically and emotionally abusive, etc…yet they still made sure I knew my home address, knew how to spell their very complicated German last name in case I needed to tell a helpful authority figure in case I got lost, knew all that kinda stuff. They really didn’t like me, but they liked me enough to make sure I had a basic grasp on how to navigate social environments for survival purposes and that a classroom is public place where everyone deserves respect and kindness.
I cannot imagine what sort of pressure parents are under, especially these days. I am not a parent and I do not plan to be. But I also cannot imagine having children and then just abandoning them to point where they are unable to function in society or even in their own lives on even the most basic of levels.
They weren't potty trained!?!?!? 😅..... Some parents really set up their kids for failure...
I relate to almost everything you talked about. (Not the pay. I was in Colorado with a masters degree, so the pay was alright.) The complete lack of boundaries, the daily insults, the admin who didn’t want to deal with any of the obvious problems… All of that is so familiar to me. I also used to come home and go straight to bed. If I got out of bed, it was just to get high and watch cartoons (Colorado). My apartment went uncleaned for months and I was so embarrassed because I saw the mess, I just didn’t have the energy to deal with it. All I did, all day long, was play whack-a-mole with bad behaviors and try to bribe kids out of my pocket (PBIS) to do literally any school work. None of these problems were unique to me in my building.
Teaching was DESTROYING my mental health and my life. I knew I had to quit when I had a panic attack on the last day of winter break. I wouldn’t go back into teaching for a million dollars a year. If you convinced me that my only option was to teach for the rest of my life, I would kill myself.
And then there was the response from most of my family when I told them I was quitting: “Well, I hate my job, and I don’t quit.” Ugh. People don’t get that this teacher exodus is not happening because we all want to follow our bliss and be artists or whatever; it’s happening because this career is KILLING us, and no one cares.
First and foremost, thank you for sharing this with me. I’m sorry that you had such an unbearable experience, but it helps to know that you are not alone and you made the choice to put your health first. Have you considered therapy? It truly is traumatizing. The insults, gaslighting, and abuse really sinks deep when no one is there to listen and you were not able to release those feelings. Someone told me to never take things personally because they are kids, but it doesn’t mean it hurts any less or make the abuse ok. I hear you and your feelings are 100% valid.
I’ll be posting videos about what I am doing to heal from the trauma and abuse. It is most definitely a process and I hope you choose to invest in your healing. Sending a virtual hug to you. 💙
I endorse everything you have written.
I'm so glad that you and others are being transparent -- it helps to feel validated, especially since there is so much of that "toxic positivity" going on (I think it's a coping mechanism sometimes, while at other times, it's true -- it will be okay). When you hear it, it makes you feel like something's wrong with you; that maybe it's that you're just inadequate and what you feel isn't normal for everyone else. I'm stubborn, though. I know if what I'm seeing/experiencing is toxic and wrong, I don't need another person to agree with me because I know how it's affecting ME. Still ticks me off for someone else to be dismissive about the issues, ESPECIALLY a fellow teacher/admin. As for those outside of the profession -- at the end of the day, only teachers truly "get it." Please don't ever count on anyone else understanding what we go through. The only ones who even come close to "getting it" are spouses and children of teachers. Their lives can be miserably impacted by it, too. May you find your purpose and joy in whatever that is.
I am going to show my husband this video and allow him to read the comments of other educators who have chimed in because I want him to know that I have not made this stuff up. Much of your video, I have lived myself EXACTLY here in Florida. It is scary just how similar your story is. God bless you and keep, and may His face shine upon you as you begin your career outside of the classroom, in Jesus' name.
Thank you, love. I believe God will guide me in this next phase of my life. He will guide you, too. It always helps to know you’re not alone. So many similar stories.
Thank you for being bold and honest and truthful about this profession! I am also leaving teaching and going back to grad school to change careers due to the strain it has had on my mental health. May the Lord bless and guide you on your next path, as with all of us who have decided to step away from teaching. You are in my prayers and keep moving forward with God by your side!
@@1975mickeymouse Aw. This made my heart glad. I am in grad school to become a therapist. I’m sure I’ll have some teachers in my office from the trauma they’ve endured from a job that does not appreciate them.
I am also praying for you that you find a career that you love and that pays you well! ❤
It concerns me that your spouse doesn't believe you. Does he know Christ?
If your husband is not supporting you, if he does not believe your experiences, DUMP HIM, He ain’t no husband, he is an ENEMY of yours.
Preach! Everything you said hits home. You do get labeled at being negative when you talk about the facts. Teaching started to take a toll on my health, so I’m getting to go back to school to get out of the field period. Life is too short to be miserable!
So proud of you! What are you going back to school for? I’m doing counseling.
@@kesia_shani I’m going for dental hygiene. Proud of you too and good luck on your new journey! We got this!
@@shanitab.4988 Oh nice! That’s great to hear. I hope you enjoy it.
Me too, I’m a health coach on the side and teaching hits mentally not physically. I told my mom I’m ok with being physically tired sometimes bc I can rest but being mentally exhausted is on a different level.
You are beautiful and kind, and it hurts my heart when kind people are mistreated. All of these teacher stories are making me rethink school for my daughter who is 3. If there’s no respect there, why have my child corrupted in such a toxic environment? So much to think about. Thank you for choosing yourself and walking away.
Thank you for your kind comment. ❤️ I don’t have children yet, but it would also concern me if I was a parent. I would definitely not want to send my kids to public school.
I pray you find a profession and place that values you an works for you my beautiful young sister!
All you said is truth. I am a high school math teacher myself. I do not want to do this anymore. The kids are disrespectful but the biggest thing for me is administration. Omg!!! They are biased and if you are not their favorite. Oh my God!!! Good for you. I will be leaving soon. I wish I could leave today!!!!
Hey are most of your students on grade level.
@@sharinaross1865I taught special education so none of them were on grade level. If they were then we had a meeting to end their IEP. That was very rare though.
Mental health is so important and connected to our overall physical health. If we don’t have good health, we don’t have anything 😢 Wishing you the best on your journey, praying the education system sees a brighter future
You ain’t lied about not having energy to do anything afterwards! Teaching has its perks, but you definitely need the power of God to empower you!! It’s beautiful to see the growth in your students, but mannnnnn it’s a sacrifice!!
M
Amen!! This is what their missing. GOD! 👑🙏🏿
I dealt through everything you experienced, but more. I was an educator at one of the most underserved, violent, urban districts in the U.S. I advise those that are thinking about teaching to 🏃🏽♀️It truly will destroy your mental health, family life and lifestyle. I remained because it was my second career. That was a mistake. I wish you peace, happiness, and prosperity. No one knows what it’s like until they’ve experienced it❣️👸🏽
"No one knows what it’s like until they’ve experienced it" PERIOD!!! But the main ones with something cold and ugly to say about teacher issues are those who have NEVER experienced any of it. Teaching is a profession that has one of the highest rates of depression and teachers are kicked while they are down. They work around the clock and at least for me, I was rarely able to keep my family afloat! The starting salary should be $75k MINIMUM, with serious perks (some would say that the time we get to clock out is a perk, or the unpaid summer "break" where you work or go into debt if you didn't save your meager funds throughout the year and plan for next year...). School loans should be forgiven after sticking it out for 3 years (after which, many teachers quit).
Thank you! I’ve tolerated all the abuse also. As long as lawyers keep school districts terrified, the parents will always be sided with. As a mom there’s no way my kids will ever teach!
I tell my kids that everyday. Even yesterday, I reminded them my ghost will haunt them if they ever dared to become a teacher. Ironically, I'm a teacher🤷🏽♀️
Well yeah, schools aren't designed to teach, they're designed to create a complicit workforce. Why would the government care about teachers or about educating kids when teachers aren't meant to teach and schools aren't meant to educate. I mean the way the government treats teachers makes sense when you think about it, if they don't care about teachers actually teaching, and teaching is a teacher's job, then why should they pay teachers a good wage? What the schools teach doesn't matter to the government, so the parents can influence what they teach as much as they want. Kids getting mistreated by schools and getting sent down pipelines to prison doesn't matter to schools, because if a kid is in that position, they've proven to the school, and to the government, that they're not a valuable worker becaue they're defiant. So, we have teachers who aren't cared for, uneducated kids, and kids who act up (and kids who "act up" but aren't really doing anything wrong) all the time and either get mistreated for it, or are allowed to do it and continue to mistreat teachers and other kids, but are never spoken to in a healthy way about why they act that way. The only way this toxic culture around teaching changes is if we as a society change first. That probably won't happen though. I'm happy though that so many teachers are able to stand strong in the face of how everyone treats them, but I also hope they're able to recognize how poorly they're treated.
@@skeletorthepublicnuisance6707 yes you are absolutely right,i want to see the society as a whole to have a big fucking change.
I mean,you better change you ways
I was in school in the 70s. I never heard a student cuss out or disrespect a teacher. Never, but life was different then.
@@danilaroche1156 Oh it’s VERY common now.
I know. Maybe you get a job at a private school or Christian school? You seem very grounded. Lord Jesus, take care of this beautiful lady.
0:25 Yikes! I work at McDonald's, a notorious "bad job", and I would definitely not be relieved about not going to work because of an accident! Like many kids in elementary school, I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up, but my mom talked me out of it by telling me about her awful experiences with Karens of parents. At least in a job like fast food the Karens only stay for maybe ten minutes at most. Even the worst of them won't invest too much time in getting a free smoothie/full refund for their order because of something small or whatever.
But with uncaring or entitled parents, they will heckle you all year for disciplining their little angel even lightly. Oh---and that reminds me of a funny story. One of my mom's students was literally named that---Mon petit ange. Yes---he was "My Little Angel", in French. And he was the worst behaved little snob she had taught in a long time. And his mom refused to discipline him. My mom even happened to see him at the store once, and he was climbing all over the clothing racks and horsing around while the mom did absolutely nothing.
@@Tail_sez Yes! In teaching you are forced to see the people who abused you on a daily basis. Which takes an even bigger toll on your mental health!
That's why I've been trying to find another job. Because I don't feel valued or appreciated it or heard, or seen , in my current job.
I’m sorry you’re going through that. There are other options out there when you’re ready.
Omg, I’m going through the same exact thing.
I feel you 1000% the job is exhausting and teachers are bullied by the students, admin and the parents. Good for you for getting out😅
I am over exhausted! It’s gonna take me a while to recover.
@@kesia_shani me too. I've been on summer vacation for about thirty days now and I still haven't been able to get my selff out of the house trying to recuperate from the exhausted school year . Just been laying around all day.
Wow, so many things to say...As a teacher of more than 20 years, I'll say these things:
I am sooo sorry about your experience as a teacher. Those toxic positive teachers are sometimes in denial or, and this is typically the case, the environment SLOWLY grew to be intolerable for them with one disrespect or problem at a time. With that being the case, they honestly don't understand how/why someone just coming in finds the environment intolerable. Think of the parable of frogs and boiling water.
With regard to the blame game, I'm going to play a little bit. I believe that the school system is the way it is because of what admin tolerates and what teachers are limited by. To be clear though, expectations of behavior START IN THE HOME. Back in my day, we called it home training and there's a serious lack of that now.
Finally, I'm so glad you recovered from your accident!
I am deeply moved by your kindness and understanding. I was nervous to share this experience because I thought people would be overly critical. It feels good to be understood especially by someone who has as much experience as you. People just accept the intolerable conditions because it’s what they’re used to but it doesn’t make it okay. Home training is a HUGE thing lacking in this generation. It’s really heartbreaking to witness.
@@kesia_shanihome training goes undone when you're a working, stressed out ,or not working but strung out single mother who probably didn't have home training themselves!
as a high school student myself i agree with everything you said. After all the years ive been going to school i just dont understand how teachers can put up with so much. thank you for trying to help students i know it must have been a nightmare
@@Sino_Is_Cool 😇
I taught special education students ages 3-12 in NJ public schools for 23 years. I loved it for the first 14 years. Then the public’s attitude towards teachers began to change. Teachers went from being respected to being expected to tolerate all kinds of bs from students, parents, and at times, administrators. I hung in there another nine years, hoping to make it to 25 years to get lifetime retirement health benefits. But it was after a school board member visited our school’s classrooms and decided special education teachers shouldn’t have desks anymore that I put in my retirement papers. Some a$$ who never taught had the arrogance to make my life harder didn’t deserve to have me teaching in that district. I left and I have never regretted it one single second. Micromanaging a classroom and treating teachers as “entertainers” rather than educators is the quickest way to lose good teachers. I miss my colleagues but nothing else.
Obama got involved in education and discipline remember that?
Dang. That’s how I feel about doing hair. I will never step foot into a salon again. Ppl are just hard to deal with. Kids and all.
I can relate to this. I was a Social Worker for 22 years. I stayed way too long but during the pandemic I had enough. I respect anyone who becomes a teacher. You're dealing with students, the workload, planning, dealing with unruly students, safeguarding issues, other staff etc. Glad that you made the best decision for you and I wish you all the best!
I'm currently upset and frustrated with my 20yr old niece and my 23yr old nephew. The lack of respect in children/adolescents and young adults in today's society, is ridiculous.
I don't demand respect but when disrespect is offered, I have zero tolerance for it (I'm 64 years old). Seriously, it's not just America. It's pervasive. Permissive and enabling behaviour does NO-ONE any good.
It makes me so sad to hear this. I just finished my 22nd year of teaching middle school and have been on the struggle bus since COVID. Virtual/Hybrid teaching negatively affected teaching, learning, and social/emotional learning. Unfortunately, you entered teaching during this difficult time and I'm not surprised to hear you say you're done. I'm a mentor teacher in my district and I've heard some of our new teachers echo many of the same things you have said. My advice to them (and you) is before throwing away your dream of teaching, switch districts/schools, grade levels, or both. It's important to find a district or school that is a good fit for you. Having a great administrator can make a world of difference. I've had seven principals within those 22 years. Very few of them were phenomenal and most were mediocre. If I didn't have a phenomenal one right now (and if retirement wasn't in sight), I'm not sure what I would do. I hope that you find joy, passion, and love in whatever position you pursue next.
I appreciate your wisdom. I’ve tried three different schools. Some were better than others, but only by a very tiny bit which was barely noticeable. I really tried to hang in there and I tried many different things. It just didn’t work for me.
Girl I feel you 💯 I taught for 12 years and I was over it even tried subbing absolutely not. The students are Terrible especially middle school I hate that grade. 🙄When Covid 19 happened I was glad because I didn’t have to deal with behaviors in person. So during that time I knew teaching was no longer for me any longer it’s not worth the stress that messes with your mental health. Now I work for my self and have a work life balance and the freedom.So it’s completely ok to walk away and know your calling is else where just like I did. Good for you for walking away.❤
This makes me feel so supported. Thanks, girl. I thought about subbing too but just like you, absolutely not! God has other plans. I’m glad you are living in your freedom and doing better.
Yes. Teaching is an extremely hard job. I quit teaching in 2018 for all of the reasons you've mentioned, and I told myself that I would never come back, but during the pandemic, I missed teaching and I felt a calling to come back in 2020.
I like teaching, and I have a passion for it, but this profession is challenging. The negative student behavior, horrible parents, and lack of support from admin make the job harder than it needs to be.
I pray that God gives you the strength and wisdom to carry on in this profession without it burning you out again. Thank you for all you do. ❤
I hear you sister! On a healing journey from teaching - I'm subbing for private, charter, and smaller school districts; venturing into new areas, healing my body (moving my bodyin new ways, healthy living, got a mentor, etc) and learning boundaries. I took time off and I'm going back - I may teach adults. I'm going in eyes wide open and equipped to not lose myself but BE myself unapologetically!!!! All the best to you truly!
Hi Kesia, I just found your video. I started teaching last year (elementary school) and it was an absolute nightmare. My number 1 problem was student behaviors. These kids have literally gone feral. Not all of them, but I'd say half of my classes the kids' behaviors were atrocious. I'm a specials teacher so I see the entire school, weekly. I had to write up at least 6 fights last year. And I mean kids literally punching each other, slapping, hitting etc. One kid, out of the blue, went ballistic and hit 7 kids in my classroom. There was no rhyme or reason, he just got up and started hitting and kicking kids. It was crazy. How is anyone supposed to teach in an environment like this? So many times I had to stop my lesson because a kid was hitting another kid, or calling him names. It was a constant struggle of dealing with all these emotional problems the kids came to school with. And like you said, so many times I had to stop my lesson and give a lecture on why we don't hit each other, why we don't call each other names, why we dont stick our fingers and objects in electrical outlets (yes I had 7 and 8 year olds trying to do this in my classroom). It was so draining mentally, every single day. I know kids did not act this awful when I was a kid. They have literally gone feral. I completely understand your frustration and wanting to quit. I am giving myself one more year (Im trying a different school) and see what happens. I pray things are better cause I cant handle another year like last year. Thank you for sharing, and you're definitely not alone in your feelings and struggles!!
The behavior is literally out of control and like you mentioned, how do you teach? Teachers have become parents and counselors without any additional compensation for it. I truly hope that this school year is better for you, but I found that it’s better to leave before you invest too much time. That’s just my personal opinion. If this is what it is the first year, can you commit to this for another 20-30 years? 😬 Something to think about…
@@kesia_shani yes exactly! These kids act like wild hyenas. I'm not exaggerating either 😢. We are supposed to be parents and counselors too, on top of teaching! It's impossible! I felt like the majority of my job was just babysitting the kids so the teachers could get their planning periods. You're absolutely right, do I want to do this for the next 30 years?? No, I definitely do not. I pray God help me find another career that I don't dread going to everyday. I wanted to try teaching one more year because I put so much effort into my college degree. Plus we are in a financial bind right now and I have to pay bills. But I do not want to continue in this for the rest of my life. Thank you for your reply ❤️
@@kesia_shaniNot only is there no additional compensation, but many admin will now suggest “getting the kids on your side,” by buying them treats out of your own pocket on at least a weekly basis. This was the #1 discipline advice I was given, over and over again. “They won’t behave or turn in their work? Have you tried bringing in cupcakes on Fridays?”
@@bonusvampirusOOOOH!! This is a GREAT point!!! There were teachers at the previous school I worked at who were praised for using their own money to buy supplies and food. That should NOT be something teachers have to do. It should be forbidden! Teachers already don’t make enough.
@@RP-vy8stI will pray for you, too! I didn’t think I could afford grad school but God made a way for me. Keep your faith and trust that there is a way that God already has planned for you. ❤
Students are absolutely out of control, unfortunately parents no longer hold their children accountable for their actions. Parents feel that we are responsible for teaching BASICS to their own children.
I’ve had students curse me out, never show up and expect to pass, I even had a student send me an email threatening me that she would kill me and my husband if I did not pass her (and she only came to class twice in the semester), you can definitely guess that the AP and the principal did not help my situation at all and the guidance counselor told me to pass her and let the world eat her up.
I have been lucky enough to have teachers who supported each other, and I am sorry that that didn’t happen for you. Having that support really makes or breaks your strength to stay in the career. And I am wishing you the best with your new path in life! ❤️
@@Batzybatz Are you currently still a teacher? Thank you for all you do! I’m sorry you’ve suffered through that mental and emotional abuse as well.
@@kesia_shaniI actually still am teaching! But I’m currently working on my own business, so we will see where that goes. Teachers in NYC do make good money which is one of the reasons why I am holding on other than the support of my fellow co-teachers.
I’m sorry you had to endure all that as well. This job is not what it used to be unfortunately.
After teaching my heart out for 15 years, my immune system checked out on me. Countless years of strep, flu, working in a mold infested mobile classroom, and holding my urine bc I couldn’t trust my class to even leave them to go to restroom, finally took its toil on me. I became disabled at 44 years old, and diagnosed with autoimmune disease, as well as interstitial cystitis of the bladder. I had no choice, and was bedridden for over a year. I now am so grateful I’m out, my cup was always empty. My disability allows me to now care for myself. Good for you, you listened to your mental health and your body. Wished I had sooner, I don’t think I would be disabled today if I had.🍎
Taught high school science for 8 years! Bless you. I’m glad you are taking care of yourself. I know you’ve made a difference in the lives of your actual students - not the kids just taking up seats.
You hit the nail on the head with the "toxic positivity." No time to teach because of putting out fires. A student threatened to beat the sh#t out of me because I asked them to put their backpack away. My students grew academically, but it was a very tough road helping them get there. I'm so tired. I'm so happy for you.
I loved seeing the growth in my students. To me that was one of the best things about teaching.
I had a student threaten to get their mom to fight me. It’s crazy how in different locations teachers still have stories that are so similar. I’m sorry that happened to you and thank you for your service to the future generations. 🙂
Maybe I’ll do a video about the positives next.
What a shame that your story isn't a "one and done." Instead, it's one that across the country, we've all known and heard too well and often. Still, I'm sorry you experienced that, you don't deserve it. I would ask what disciplinary action was taken but I'm afraid that answer will be an insufficient, very familiar answer as well.😞
So what happened to the student
@@ceceprincess4758She came back to class the next day. Smh…
@kesia_shani If you do a video on the positives, I'd watch it. So, I did watch this video in its entirety and your health and mental health are very important. Once you recognized that you were not happy, yes it's time to bounce up out of there. I have children and even they come home from school and tell me how they have a headache from the noise and loud talking and arguments of their fellow classmates and even the bus rides are often rough. I feel it for them. I've observed the unruly children and I know that proper structure and discipline is lacking in their dwelling place.
I'm always grateful towards all of my children's instructors and teachers because I do see the growth in their education in their academics.
Continue to take care of yourself and continue to seek God's will for your life.
🫂
Cliques! Yes!! In addition to the denial of the toxic teachers, the cliques are obnoxious. I worked in a school where those teachers roped the students in on that one as well and gossiped with them, creating a terrible culture - and set a horrible example for our young charges. Yes, like being in HS all over again.
I’ve seen it, too. Gossiping with students is next level petty. Smh…
Sad, but true.
@@erinmelonThat’s a good point. Sad for them but a great observation on your end lol.
@@erinmelon I think you're right. Most teachers are great in my experience, but I've noticed what seems like an over-representation of people in the profession who are emotionally immature.
You are absolutely right! My sister taught for 35 years. She passed away 6 years after retirement.
She always use to say “ We have no idea what is going to be unleashed on our society.”
She almost lost her life teaching High School! The kids poured oil on the floor, and she slipped, fell and hit her head on a desk. She was carried out by ambulance. She was out for over 2 months.
Her principal NEVER CALLED HER TO SEE HOW SHE WAS DOING!!!
You have chosen yourself and your well being over teaching.
I personally am a retired Kindergarten teacher. I taught 12 years and left the profession.
I certainly can speak to this topic.
God bless you going forward, and I wish you the very best! ❤
To all the teachers out there, THANK YOU FOR THE JOB YOU DO.
I love teachers and I wish they were appreciated and paid their worth. It’s a shame you had such a bad experience. Wishing you all the best for a successful future.
You seem an intelligent, conscientious professional, I hope you find an enjoyable environment and vocation ❤
I also experienced the clique situation while teaching both middle and high school. Act your age people. BTW, I left teaching after 16 years. It was too taxing on my mental health. Best wishes on your new journey
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I am so scared for our kids. I graduated from high school in 2018 and I’ve always struggled and wasn’t taken seriously by the higher ups in schools or my parents. The school system is messed up already but so many teachers kept me going because they were the best part about school. I’m so sorry that you went through any of this and I’m glad you’re out of there now. As someone who wants to have kids in the future I’m genuinely afraid to put them in public school because of what yall go through and how kids are. Being a gentle parent and caring about your kid while also making sure they know accountability and how to grow as a person is so important and I feel is so obvious but yet so many parents just neglect their kids or expect schools to teach them. I think better things could be taught in schools but so many things are still necessary, parents can’t just rely on the schools to teach kids how to exist in this crazy world. Thank you for sharing your story ❤
I agree with you 100% on this, and that’s coming from someone that graduated in 2021. I noticed, especially in middle and high school for me at least, that kids around me were very disrespectful, towards each other and the teachers. It definitely stems from lack of discipline. My parents thankfully raised me to be kind and compassionate towards every individual, and I do respect teachers very much , you all have done whatever you could to make sure we learn and grow. I will admit I wasn’t the greatest in math sadly, it was much harder to do for me in high school, but I’ll get there and learn to understand it one day, to be honest I did feel very bad when I’d ask for extra help, because I knew that teachers had a lot of stress on them as it was. I do want to thank every teacher that has tried to help our generation (and generations older than us of course) because I know it can be a pain. Just know that your mental health matters and you deserve to be happy.
Ex-School Counselor here, the grass is not always greener on the other side of the lawn.
You’ll advocate for teachers needs and their safety and mental well being only to be ignored by admin. Some good teachers that you advocated hard for will quit because administration didn’t take your warnings seriously.
You’ll advocate for the safety and celebration of students who choose to do the right thing but it will fall on deaf ears. Good students are not celebrated enough because it’s such a heavy focus on the misbehaving students. They become invisible and have to learn how to survive in a classroom with misbehaving students with undiagnosed mental health issues. It’s a jungle!
You’ll warn administration of brewing threats to teacher and student safety due to out of control students. All hell will break loose because administrators didn’t take heed to your warnings.
Administrators will treat you like you’re a disciplinarian instead of the safe space you are supposed to be for ALL students. As a Counselor you build trust and acceptance with students and staff but administrators will try to make you one of them
You will sound the alarm on how the negative behaviors of a few children will affect and traumatize the entire class, but the problem will still persist. Children with horrendous behavior will be giving slaps on the wrist and sent back to terrorize the class and teacher. It’s a broken system. If you’re a good Counselor you’ll be stretched thin and emotionally spent most days. I survived 3 years
@@ericakane6388 So well said. I will be a therapist but never again in the school setting. Thank you for your support!
Them kids are off the chain! 😂😂😂
@@lisasimpson8985 They really are
Girl! 💯!
Remember we are in last days. People be wildin. Read 2TIMOTHY 3.
I'm a 50 y/o ex teacher. When I started teaching in 2002 at a vocational college, I loved it. I stayed for 6 years. Switched to IT for a while and went back to teach high school for 2 years and first encounter disrespectful (dropping the f bomb at me) and unmotivated students, but the motivated classes kept me going. Quit and went back to corporate (trainer & consultant). In 2017 I moved abroad (China) and taught there in international schools for 6 years. Respectful and eager learners, absolutely loved it. Last three years I've taught in Malaysia and decided to quit teaching for good. It's getting repetitive, boring and the curriculum is extremely outdated and syllabus driven. Fed up with the eternal "kumbaya" activities, the toxic positivity, "do it all for the kids". I'm done with those narratives. I had awesome students and helped them find inspiration to choose a CS major. But it's been enough. Grading and prepping is not challenging and done on a rinse-repeat basis. Ready for a new challenge. Good on you to find your truth about teaching!
I took Elementary Education in school for three years, quit and later became an RN. The more teachers that I get to know, retired and current, the more I understand why God had to steer me away from this profession. Keep allowing God to lead in your life. You are such a light!
Definitely know how you’re feeling. So glad that you made the best decision for you and that you are physically okay from your accident!!
Aww. Thank you so much. I really appreciate that. 😊
"People talk a lot about mental health, but once you take the steps to do that, they act as if you're doing something wrong." Very well put!!
I felt the same way you are feeling for the first time this summer, in summer school. I have been teaching high school summer off and on for the past 7 years, and this was the most stressful summer. I was ready to quit summer school, and had typed my resignation letter, to send to human resources. I felt the administration did not have control, and students were constantly in the halls, running, cursing, running into classrooms, and being disrespectful to the teachers and other staff. The district. The district barely had enough teachers this summer, and I am going to have to think long and hard about working next summer. I say this because I have very good classroom management, in my classroom. My students older siblings from the past give them heads up about my no nonsense way I run my classroom. That is why I was so shocked about this summer.
I’m glad you didn’t stay very very long like you said toxic positivity , and denial, people can sometimes stay in something much much longer than they should, blessings to you for quitting and taking care of yourself and I hope no one ever has the nerve to try to put you down and make you feel less than because you made a positive choice. Blessings to you on your next journey. I’m very happy and proud for you.
Yep. Been there and done that. I now only teach internationally and I have loved it for years. Outside the U.S. students and parents treat me with the utmost respect. Administration is so supportive and love to learn and they truly respect education. If you ever want to enjoy teaching, teach internationally and oh, BE WELL PAID.
@@inmytravelstoday That’s interesting! I would love to hear more.
Where and how do you teach internationally? They usually DON'T pay well.
@Apricot90 the expats do! Or so I thought.
Do you teach on S.Korea or Colombia??
I am a guidance counselor, and I understand completely. The field of education is designed for well taken care of married women.
I think the field of education is for highly energetic, single women who are willing to make teaching their life.
I am going into teaching. Apparently my district is quite nice in pay and workers benefits, so I'm hoping things will turn out okay. Thank you for the fair warning. My mother is a teacher, and she has been warning me about how the children are getting worse and worse. It's kind of worrying!
I'm from Algeria. You experience resonates with a lot of teachers over here. I'm glad you are speaking up and glad you prioritized your health and happiness over an abusive job. ❤❤❤❤
Good for you! You are so smart to make a change now while you're still young. I've also been teaching for 30 years. When you said that you were having to cover classes all the time, I knew exactly how you felt because in the last few years, we also had to do that all the time. I also started to seriously think what about other work I might be able to do. Our district hired permanent building subs, thankfully. I know a teacher who switched to being a real estate agent, one who went to work for Epic because on her 1st grade teacher's salary, her kids qualified for free/reduced lunch, and lots of people who got their reading license and are very happy as reading/math interventionists. My brother realized during his student teaching for high school band that he hated it, so he worked in a factory for a year and then went to teach English in China and loved it. I switched from being a classroom teacher to being an ESL teacher, and that job is lovely because I still have the creative control that we used to have 20 years ago, and the kids and parents are usually great. You probably will try lots of different things before you find your niche. Sending you encouragement in this new chapter of your life.
Thank you for this encouragement! I am in grad school studying to become a therapist.
@@kesia_shani Lord knows we need those. Good for you.
I co-sign this. I taught middle school English but added ESL and have been teaching that for the last 10+ years. Night and day. 🙂
I just left the teaching profession at the end of this school year and honestly it’s a transition but I know it’s what’s best for me. I’m so happy for you and your next chapter, I feel you on all points you said!
I’m interested in hearing about what’s next for you. I’m glad you did what was best for you.
@@kesia_shani thank you! I’m actually starting my own personal training business. If I’m going to work this hard I’d rather do it for myself🤗🫶🏾
i’ve been out of high school for a couple of years and i am currently a 20 y/o college student. i’m so glad i got out of school when i did! i’m happy this video got recommended to me, i am so glad that you are speaking about your experience. you are making a huge difference! much more than you know. please keep it up! ❤️
@@esloined6388 Thank you! I appreciate that.
I was a substitute teacher/enrichment program teacher for roughly 6 years.
I left last year after I had a panic attack on my way to work.
I’ve entered a new career field and it was the best decision I ever made.
I’m eternally grateful for the lessons I learned in the education field and the students/staff who made an impact on me. But I will never look back.
Putting yourself first is the hardest step, but once you take it it’s so freeing. Thank you for speaking your truth.
Congratulations on putting yourself first. I am slowly working my way out of teaching. I’ve even developed a series about the struggles that teachers and students go through. Many blessings!
I am so proud of you for putting yourself first. I was traumatized just dropping my kids off. I homeschool because I couldn’t take the toxic positivity of my kids attending suburban public blue ribbon schools. I pray for the sweet teachers.🙏🏾😇
Teachers need prayers and so does the entire education system! It’s amazing that you get to homeschool your babies. I would never trust public education with my own kids if I had children.
You nailed it!Appreciating your truth and honesty. Thanks for sharing and hanging in for 3yrs. It is a tough profession.
I currently in my 3rd year teaching abroad in Asia and girrrrrllll. THIS! I’m so tired and underpaid and overwhelmed EVERT SINGLE DAY. I damn near almost went in front of a moving train. The only thought was I won’t have to do this anymore 😢
Hello, I'm in tears😢. You are telling the TRUTH!!! I would like to start a movement to shed more light on this. These Teachers are not okay. I work at a school. My daughter mental mind from seeing fights, behavior profanity etc. it not okay! SOMETHING HAS TO CHANGE! I don't want her back in the school! We don't come from this in our household. I shouldn't have to take my daughter to toxic environment!
I started homeschooling for the exact reasons you state, my child has enough problems with a learning disability. When I saw what was going on in my sons first yr of middle school and how toxic it was I knew I had to get him out. They cant control the environment in the school for three reasons, the teachers hands are tied, the kids have no respect and society has broken down. Kids should NOT be raised by social media ( parental issue ) nor indoctrinated ( government dept of education ) issue. Good parents and teachers must put their foot down, band together and forge a new way forward. We need school choice and vouchers, we should have a say over who teaches our children, how they are taught and in what environment. If enough students got vouchers they could afford to hire their own teacher, parents and teachers could negotiate their own needs for a win win.
Oh my goodness, SAME. Haven't left yet but I might. The toxic positivity/judgement of wanting to not be abused and wanting actual support from admins who make way more than you is probably the worst feeling in the experience. Yes, the behavioral issues are terrible, but the lack of support's the most demoralizing thing.
No one deserves to be abused. It’s very sad that this is a common experience for educators.
2:41 I’m sooo glad you mention the denial stages people are in. I see this in retail and in my personal life as well. Someone impulse buying or unsafely carrying things; a home, a vehicle, literally falling apart and “it’s all gonna be okay”. Like nnnno. This requires MANAGEMENT and action.
Thank you for sharing your story, Kesia! I too got really sick and had to leave after 5 years. I am so glad that you are honoring yourself and I am also so sorry you went through this. My school building had mold issues and lead in the water. Classroom management is so so hard in overcrowded classrooms and kiddos without some of the basic social and emotional health to succeed in an already troubled system. I bet you were an amazing teacher. And like so many, needed to leave. I got sick because of mold and lead in our school and was told by the principal that our school had no problem. I left after that year after getting mold testing done and sending it to the district. The year after I left they installed air-conditioning units, and they shut off the water and fixed pipes because they found lead in the water. I was so tired and angry that I had nothing left other than to find a way to get healthy. It took me two years to learn how to sleep again after being in such an unhealthy system and such little pay. The financial stresses are real! People who don't teach have no clue what some schools and districts go through.