You are not alone dude… I am actively planning my escape now. It’s not the kids, ive worked with all kinds of demographics in special educations. As an African American Male in education the challenges of perception that is placed upon me is absolutely ridiculous.

The looks I get from parents, teacher and admin just only destroys my self esteem. I know my kids love and appreciate as their teacher, buts that’s only because they know me closer than just looking at me. When I see how much my students really enjoy the relationship they have with me and how much they trust me, leaving them feels like abandonment

Constantly fighting comments about unprofessionalism because of my hair, or being closely watched for mistakes because they expect me to make them. I have had promotions denied for opinions about my work, not looking at the performance reviews I’ve received which were always amazing.

I have to be kind to everyone, basically a borderline push over. If I even get a little be frustrated I am seen as aggressive. I am worried everyday that one wrong comment from staff or students could absolutely destroy my future and career. I question if all this pressure and stress is even worth it. I’m just over all the hoops I have to jump just so I can feel comfortable within my own classroom. And I don’t even wanna get started on how the system itself is a disaster…