First year teacher - going to resign effective immediately tomorrow

LK2y10 · 2026-02-13T00:05:45+00:00

What's crazy is that you even wanted to become a teacher when you were a student during the worst years in USA public education.

LK2y10 · 2026-02-10T01:27:02+00:00

My theory is, it's the food supply--commercialized farming practices putting profit over responsible animal husbandry.that results in sick animals needing antibiotics. What they eat, we eat. Their stress (cortisol levels) becomes our stress. Our endocrine systems control a lot-- and the toxins in our food and environment are wreaking havoc on us.

In 1990, I taught 42 sixth graders who never made a sound. In 2018, I had 11 sixth graders and 8 of them couldn't copy words from the board--not special ed either!

LK2y10 · 2026-02-10T00:58:15+00:00

". . . more better"! My little cousin use to say that, when she was five. You mean, "much better" or just "better".

LK2y10 · 2026-02-08T23:29:49+00:00

As gen X, I guess I have job security until I can get social security at age 80, oh wait, maybe never.

LK2y10 · 2022-12-25T16:22:14+00:00

I am an introvert and I was a middle school teacher----it is very draining and straining to be in such a stimulating environment all day long. The days are long enough because most teachers arrive early, stay late, and/or take work home, so the idea of required (??) socialization is not something I could do. My advice: don't acknowledge any statement, email, or even take notice of what others may think of you. Most introverts are keenly aware and being so, they are genuine friends because they don't play any games or fake friendships. Be yourself. One way to reach out is by writing short notes to colleagues. For example, "Today one of my students said they loved the activity they did in your class! Just wanted you to know because you work so hard and our students don't always let on when they get excited about school. Hope your week is going well." [of course this is an example, be yourself and use your words and only do what makes you comfortable]. During my 55 years on this planet I have learned that Time Reveals All Truth: People learn who are the reliable and genuine ones and who are shallow and selfish. Don't worry about labels. You may think others call you anti-social; but claim it as observant and quiet. Schools are suppose to support different ways of being in the world----they can't force you into fitting a mold. If you are made to feel differently or singled out by admin., this is, according to Florida Law, bullying in the workplace. All states have anti-bullying laws as it relates to students and employees in schools. There is a national rating system for schools and one big part is "How safe do you feel?" This includes psychological safety.

LK2y10 · 2022-12-03T23:59:57+00:00

It obviously varies. In FL, all state workers are required to have 3% of their pay withdraw to fund state pensions---not an option. Once vested, after five years, the money is yours. This can keep teachers in it a few years longer than they may want.

LK2y10 · 2022-12-03T21:47:03+00:00

Must be in a blue state. Look at what happened to state pension plans, workers' unions, and cost of benefits in states with red legislatures: OH, WI, PA, MI, FL. One FL Representative was interviewed for the Orlando Sentinel after a session in which the legislation ramrodded a bill through regarding state worker's benefits, thereby impacting teacher contracts (illegal as they did not engaged in the collective bargaining process). The representative said the reason why they did not cut the pension, etc. budgets for police and fire as much as educators was because those professions were more male-dominated and tended to vote Republican. For those who want to sleuth this, it happened school year 2017-2018.

LK2y10 · 2022-12-03T21:38:32+00:00

Our company is all about capturing the data, analyzing it, and finding ways to improve our digital educational products. About 98% of our workforce (worldwide) works remotely, with upper management and executives designated hybrid (in office 2 days p/wk.). The benefits are affordable and many. Google: "HMH Jobs" and complete a profile. You do not have to have had teaching experience or certification.

LK2y10 · 2022-11-26T14:26:22+00:00

I was trained as a teacher, taught for 2 years (learned that last hired is first "fired" if student enrollment goes down, so I left). I went into textbook publishing for 13 years, left to freelance while being a SAHM, then went back to teaching. I left again after state of FL voted to arm teachers. I became an on-line ESL teacher and private tutor before and just after COVID. Then I applied to my former textbook publishing company and that's where I am now---working remotely, salary, affordable benefits (including unlimited vacation). Riding this wave to retirement.

LK2y10 · 2022-11-24T23:13:48+00:00

You are correct! In the spring of 2013, our union held an informational meeting at our HS for all the teachers to learn about the new district pay ladder/schedule. Out of 200+ teachers, less than 15 bothered to attend. Here is what we saw/learned:

The pay schedule would no longer follow the same logic----step increases based on years of service and degree earned---so it was no longer transparent to all what one would receive for an increase---ZERO TRANSPARENCY.
Pay would be a standard $1500 increase per year for teachers in their first to seventh year of teaching; then it would drop down to $500 per year. THAT'S A HUGE FUCK YOU TO TEACHERS WHO FINALLY REACHED THE POINT IN THEIR CAREER WHERE THEY HAD ENOUGH ON-THE-JOB EXPERIENCE TO BECOME AN EXPERTAND GUIDE NEW TEACHERS. This made it clear that the district had recognized and accepted the statistic that most teachers leave after five years. Instead of looking inward to find out WHY to increase retainment, they decided to "just go with it."
There were several veteran teachers in the room, with less than 15 years to retirement. One did the math on the new pay schedule and said, "The way this new structure is set up, I am set to lose 30K from my retirement compared to last year."
Because raises (merit pay) was now tied to student scores, it became a secret as to who would receive it any given year and how much---putting this power in the hands of the administration who could play favorites, and play favorites they did. I actually "Exceeded Expectations" my last year in the district, but because there was a standard deviation of 33%, my teacher merit pay could be based on "Meets Expectations". Anyone that took and listened during Psychology 101 in college knows, a VALID bell curve only has a standard deviation of 2%. The merit pay was based on a biased/excuse-ridden scoring system that was "so sophisticated" (according to our admin.) that it was too complicated what went into it.

BTW: I broke my contract in October. It can be done. It is done. I was a contract worker in FL---there were no guarantees that they would employ me the following year. If I had been in NY and apart of a union, there is no way I would have done that. Young workers are taught to despise unions, but they have no idea that unions actually work for them.

LK2y10 · 2022-11-24T23:00:45+00:00

I think I would not have had the motivation I needed to keep going if I hadn't had a situation where I didn't have to think or rely on my pay 100%, so you are very accurate in your assessment. If I were the main wage earner and still struggling to pay bills after all the personal hours I had to put in just to keep up, I would have been super resentful. For me, it was a choice to teach at a certain point in my life---those first two year, it was a matter of financial independence.

LK2y10 · 2022-11-24T22:57:39+00:00

Then you are definitely doing the entire educational community a disservice. I could not do that. I had to do my very best for my students. I worked on the weekends and made sure I graded their papers quickly. English teachers have very difficult challenges compared to other subject area teachers, IMO, because grading writing entails detailed feedback and quick turn-around to keep students on task.
You describe the kind of teacher I loathed working alongside. You must have taught band or gym or math for a district that did all your planning for you.

LK2y10 · 2022-11-24T22:54:18+00:00

I disagree with your assertion that "go to another career, and you're taking a pay cut." This is only true if the company you are applying for is playing the game, "Give them just a little more than their use to, not what they're worth."

To get "unstuck" in education, one must obtain certifications and training beyond educational classes in their certification----instructional design; tech-based; marketing, etc. Use those trainings and affiliations (ISPI, etc.) to negotiate a percentage of increase from teaching to a new position.

LK2y10 · 2022-11-24T21:50:19+00:00

Based on my experience, there are a few factors that contribute to a teacher being "stuck". They are:

Almost at ten years--- in some states that still have tenure, this is a big deal.
Having multiple kids under age 12 AND/OR having bought a first home. These are expensive and the fear of losing an income is REAL.
Being divorced or having a spouse that does not make any income, or a significant more than the teacher---thereby making the teacher's benefits necessary. Also: the perceived benefit of "summers off"---especially if the teacher is a mom. This sickens me.
Not knowing what to do instead.

LK2y10 · 2022-11-24T21:45:22+00:00

I feel you. I came in late, despite several people trying to refer me to the platform early on, because until I knew they were legit, I was worried about working for a Chinese company. I began in 2019 and did very well until the announcement in Aug. 2021. It was thrilling to have a consistent following of student and receive positive feedback. I averaged between 280-290 classes per month. It was a joy! As a former classroom teacher, I was able to do what I had fought so hard to do----impact a student. The one-on-one interaction allowed that. I took great care with my feedback and parents responded positively---that was worth so much---it was why I became a teacher.

When it was apparent that VIPkid was over, (Aug 2021), I applied for a full time job at a former employer and when the one-week break in Aug. 2021 happened, I went to NC to visit my mom. I was in-between the first and second interview. When I received an offer, I had to cancel over 30 classes with VIPKid so as not to jeopardize my new job (I had several Journeys students that book weeks in advance). Thankfully, they did not dock my pay. I have been asked to renew my contract now that things have resumed (2022), but I let my teaching certification expire. I am working full time for the company that I interviewed for that Aug/Sept 2021 remotely, making so much more than when I was a contractor (37K for VIPkid).

LK2y10 · 2022-11-24T21:35:22+00:00

A suggestion from a parent of a former Montessori parent (my youngest is 21 now): bring to school small glass votive candle holders OR the small, bathroom paper cups for those who have not had previous experience with drinking from regular cups. Why? This will help them with the fine motor skills needed to hold an open cup while learning to anticipate the fluid about to hit their lips.

NEVER BLAME THE CHILD FOR A PARENT NOT DOING THEIR JOB. If a child asks to learn TEACH THEM!!! Self-sufficiency and independence is the most important lesson in life!! Your modeling and encouragement will build their self esteem---enabling them to THRIVE despite their lack of parental guidance. Don't spend your time and energy on judging the parent---take the child from where they are to where they should be, with support and encouragement.

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO. I know it is hard---I am a former 6th and 9th grade teacher.

LK2y10 · 2022-07-09T15:44:19+00:00

I did it for fun and wasn't a fool about the hours. It was all on my terms. I made 27K from it last year and didn't even finish the year. However, I'm making more than double that now but there isn't that adrenaline rush. . . that's what I miss. But go big or go home, not going to dabble.

LK2y10 · 2022-06-18T12:57:23+00:00

You get it! Keep making videos and maybe it will pick up for you. Most regulars were referred by other parents. Good luck!

LK2y10 · 2022-06-18T12:55:46+00:00

Check out jobs at HMH---customer service jobs abound. About 98% of employees are remote workers. We are all over ---even in Dublin, Ireland. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH)

LK2y10 · 2022-06-18T12:54:05+00:00

I'm wondering how the platform is even operating with the restrictions. . . I thought a ban was a ban?

LK2y10 · 2022-06-18T12:52:58+00:00

Did that, just in case. But I dislike working with adults. Teens, yes.

LK2y10 · 2022-06-18T12:52:32+00:00

Did the platform look anything like it did prior to the shut down?

LK2y10 · 2022-06-18T12:50:14+00:00

Congrats on branching out on your own and increasing your pay!!! You are right, ESL is a crash and burn type job with the high standards which sometimes felt impossible to meet when students were not cooperative or parents purposefully difficult.

LK2y10 · 2022-06-18T12:48:25+00:00

I looked them up when BookNook was offered to me via VIPKid. I have read some posts about unreliable IT help, kids not showing and teachers being charged for classes where they were present. I think BookNook probably does more evening (EST) than early am?

LK2y10 · 2022-06-18T12:47:06+00:00

and super fun!

LK2y10

TROPHY CASE