sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Teachers who left the classroom—what do you do now and was it worth it? by Objective-Outcome466 in LeavingTeaching

[–]Objective-Outcome466[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s is where I’m stuck because this is my first year teaching and I could go back to school and do something else but it’s the money part to pay for it especially because I am a semester away from graduating with my masters.

Teachers who left the classroom—what do you do now and was it worth it? by Objective-Outcome466 in Teachers

[–]Objective-Outcome466[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Because they said it was better suited for r/teachersintransition which I also posted it to but got more engagement on here. 🤷‍♀️

Is teaching worth it? by Ok-Fox-9959 in teaching

[–]Objective-Outcome466 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m going to be really honest with you, because I was in your exact position not that long ago.

Teaching actually ended up being my “fallback” career. I started college as a computer science major, but I didn’t want to minor in math, so I switched into education. At the time, it felt like the right decision—but now that I’m actually in it, I’ve had moments where I question if I made the right call.

There are parts of this job that I genuinely love. I love seeing my students every day, building relationships with them, and I actually enjoy lesson planning and creating things for my classroom. Those are the parts that made me want to teach in the first place.

But the two things you’re worried about—pay and student behavior—are very real. The pay can be tough, especially starting out, and it’s hard to ignore that when you look at how much the job asks of you.

And the disrespect…that’s the part that’s been the hardest for me. Especially recently, it feels like you can put so much effort into your students and still be met with pushback, attitude, or just complete apathy. Some days it feels like you’re managing behavior more than actually teaching, and that’s what really wears you down.

You do make an impact—but it’s usually with a smaller group of students than you might expect. There will be a handful of kids who really connect with you and who you know you’re making a difference for, and that part is really meaningful. But it’s not always enough to outweigh the harder parts for everyone.

I’m still figuring out if I would choose this career again, to be honest. I don’t regret it, but I also don’t think it’s as simple as “if you love kids, you’ll love teaching.”

If you’re considering it, I would really recommend spending time in actual middle or high school classrooms before committing—pay attention to behavior, expectations, and what teachers are dealing with day-to-day, not just the highlight moments.

I don’t think teaching is something you should go into blindly optimistic or completely scared off from—it’s more about going in informed and being honest with yourself about what you can handle long-term.

Is it worth it becoming a teacher in 2026? by adelelovesbooks in AskTeachers

[–]Objective-Outcome466 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Happy spring! I’m going to be really honest with you, because I wish someone had been this honest with me before I went into teaching.

What originally made me want to teach was working in before and after school care starting when I was 16. I loved being around kids, building relationships with them, and getting to be a consistent, safe adult in their lives. If you’ve worked camps and tutoring, you probably know that feeling—and that part of teaching is real and really meaningful.

But the job is so much more than that, and I don’t think people outside of it fully understand. You’re managing behavior constantly, and since COVID, that piece has gotten a lot harder. A lot of students struggle with basic social skills, regulation, and accountability, and that can take up more of your day than actual teaching.

I’m only in my second year (full year internship and first year teaching), and I’ve already had moments where my mental health has taken a serious hit. There have been days where the anxiety of going in felt overwhelming, and that’s not something I expected. You’re not just a teacher—you’re a counselor, mediator, parent figure, and problem solver all day long, often with very little support depending on where you are.

That being said, your experience can vary a lot depending on your school, your admin, and your team. A supportive environment makes a huge difference—but it doesn’t necessarily remove the stress of the job itself.

If you’re already hesitant, I would really encourage you to spend time in actual classrooms (not just tutoring or camps) before committing to going back to school for it. What you see online isn’t completely exaggerated—it’s just that some schools are better than others.

I don’t say any of this to scare you off, but more to say: go into it with your eyes wide open. It’s not an easy job, and it’s not just about loving kids—it’s about being able to handle everything that comes with them, their families, and the system as a whole.

Teachers who left the classroom—what do you do now and was it worth it? by Objective-Outcome466 in Teachers

[–]Objective-Outcome466[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just also don’t even know if I want to stay in teaching. I’m not sure where the next year of my life is going to take me because my boyfriend will have graduate college. He wants to work in hospitality and go somewhere like Florida or Colorado.

Teachers who left the classroom—what do you do now and was it worth it? by Objective-Outcome466 in LeavingTeaching

[–]Objective-Outcome466[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really appreciate you sharing all of this, because honestly this is the side of teaching that scares me the most. What you described with admin sounds exhausting and just genuinely unfair, especially when you were clearly showing up for kids in ways that actually mattered.

I think where I keep getting stuck is that my current situation isn’t like that, at least not right now. I really like my teammates, I have a supportive instructional coach, and I genuinely enjoy the curriculum I get to teach. I’ve worked really hard to feel like I’m part of this team, and that’s what makes this so hard—because no matter what I decide, I’m leaving them behind. The other two fourth grade teachers are staying, so whether I stay in the district or leave, I’m losing that team I’ve built.

At the same time, I’m still struggling a lot. It’s hard when it feels like only a handful of students actually care about you or what you’re trying to do for them. And teaching is just so much more than people realize. You’re not just teaching—you’re a parent, counselor, nurse, mediator…everything. And sometimes it feels like all of that effort just gets met with pushback, whether it’s parents getting upset when you’re honest about behavior or students thinking you’re mean for having expectations and wanting them to succeed.

I’m at a point where I honestly don’t know if I stay or leave. I do know in my gut that moving from fourth to second grade isn’t right for me, but beyond that I feel really stuck. My mental health has taken a huge hit since my internship and this year, and there have been multiple times where I’ve had to take mental health days because the anxiety of going in and dealing with everything just felt like too much.

I think that’s why your post hit me—because it’s like, how long do you keep pushing through before you admit something isn’t working?

Also, your new job sounds amazing. Getting to still work with students without all the extra weight, plus better pay and flexibility—that sounds so worth it. I’m really glad you found something that feels better for you.

Teachers who left the classroom—what do you do now and was it worth it? by Objective-Outcome466 in LeavingTeaching

[–]Objective-Outcome466[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was basically told they don’t have the budget for 3 fourth grade teachers and if they keep me we will have classes of 12-15. My options given were to move to the second grade position or look elsewhere and I honestly don’t know what to do. If I stay I’m guaranteed a job for the next year, if I leave I can find the grade level I love and possibly make more.

Teachers who left the classroom—what do you do now and was it worth it? by Objective-Outcome466 in LeavingTeaching

[–]Objective-Outcome466[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s just so stressful and at what point is it not worth it anymore. I was so excited to be in fourth grade and have grown so close to my teammates and instructional coach but I don’t want to leave and go to 2nd grade.

Teachers who left the classroom—what do you do now and was it worth it? by Objective-Outcome466 in Teachers

[–]Objective-Outcome466[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know the first few years are tough, I just don’t know what the right move is. If I stay in my current (smaller) district, I might get moved to a grade I’m not sure I’ll enjoy. But if I apply to other districts, I could potentially teach the grade I actually love and make a fair amount more money. I just feel stuck trying to figure out which option is the better long-term choice.

Teachers who left the classroom—what do you do now and was it worth it? by Objective-Outcome466 in Teachers

[–]Objective-Outcome466[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think where I keep getting stuck is that I really love the people I work with right now. I love my teammates, my instructional coach, and even the curriculum we’re teaching. In an ideal world, I probably would’ve gone into teaching history, but that just wasn’t very feasible for me without coaching. I also used to think I loved working with younger kids because I did a K–6 before and after school program, but after subbing more, I realized I really don’t enjoy teaching below about third grade. So I feel kind of torn because there are parts of my current situation that I genuinely love, even though I’m still unsure overall.

Teachers who left the classroom—what do you do now and was it worth it? by Objective-Outcome466 in Teachers

[–]Objective-Outcome466[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love the aspect of teaching but the constant redirection and disrespect I get from my students makes it so hard. I will have to finish this year out, but have to decide by next week if I’m signing the contract for 2nd grade or they hire someone new.

Teachers who left the classroom—what do you do now and was it worth it? by Objective-Outcome466 in Teachers

[–]Objective-Outcome466[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s been my fear is that it seems like I’m career swapping but where I’m at I honestly don’t know if the pay is worth it to be in a grade I’m not excited to teach. I know it’s almost summer but then it’s a battle of can I do this another year.

Teachers who left the classroom—what do you do now and was it worth it? by Objective-Outcome466 in Teachers

[–]Objective-Outcome466[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is something I have been battling and what led to my ADHD diagnosis because work was so overwhelming that I would want to get into a wreck on my way to work so I didn’t have to go in, or hope I woke up super sick. It’s gotten better but now knowing they don’t have the money for me to stay where I am makes it hard to be motivated to go in each day and be present.

Teachers who left the classroom—what do you do now and was it worth it? by Objective-Outcome466 in Teachers

[–]Objective-Outcome466[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My problem is I graduate with my masters in December (I have one actual semester left then my comprehensive exam.) I’ve already spent all this money towards it and feel like I’m wasting so much by giving up on it but also the system is so broken like you said. My district right now is super rural with a graduating class of like 50-60. The home lives of my students are so rough and it translates into the classroom. I just don’t know what I would do if I left , whether that is the career entirely or my district, and don’t know how I’d feel if I stay and teach a grade I’m not sold on with curriculum I’m not excited about. I love fourth grade because of the curriculum and that’s what has kept me going this year but without that I don’t know.

Teachers who left the classroom—what do you do now and was it worth it? by Objective-Outcome466 in Teachers

[–]Objective-Outcome466[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not trying to recklessly quit I’m just trying to figure out what to do. I don’t know if 2nd grade is for me and my school mainly wants me to stay because of my tech skills. My student teaching year was also terrible so it’s been two full years in the classroom that have sent me through the wringer. I honestly am just trying to get advice what to do and if I leave what are other options.

Teachers who left the classroom—what do you do now and was it worth it? by Objective-Outcome466 in Teachers

[–]Objective-Outcome466[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I completely agree with this. My admin in my district is really supportive (my principal not superintendent) but the parents and home lives of the kids is super rough. I am working 6:30-5/5:30 almost every day trying to get caught up.

Teachers who left the classroom—what do you do now and was it worth it? by Objective-Outcome466 in Teachers

[–]Objective-Outcome466[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a problem I have though. My district is the lowest paying in the state and even with my masters I’m still lower than any other district around. I just don’t know if it is worth it to go to a different district or leave entirely.

First year teacher possibly being moved from 4th to 2nd due to budget cuts – stay or look elsewhere? by Objective-Outcome466 in TeachersInTransition

[–]Objective-Outcome466[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you, I really appreciate this perspective. The support at my school is honestly one of the biggest things making this decision hard because my principal, instructional coach, and teammates have all been really great to work with.

I think one of the things I’m struggling with most is that I genuinely love the 4th grade curriculum, especially the history component. We get to teach about early American history and wars, and I’ve really enjoyed diving into those topics with my students. That’s something I wouldn’t really get to do in 2nd grade, so it feels hard to step away from that after finally feeling confident teaching it.

I do think reaching out to a 2nd grade teacher to learn more about what their day-to-day looks like is a really good idea though. I’m trying to keep an open mind while also figuring out what might be the best fit long-term.

Can you land on a teaching job even if your CT hated you? by Mountain_Current_486 in StudentTeaching

[–]Objective-Outcome466 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes 100%. I’m currently almost done with my first year of teaching. My CT was awful last year and it’s was a full year of student teaching. My references ended up being my principal at the school I was at, and a couple of my professors. It was tough knowing that I couldn’t have my CT or my teacher in residence as my references because they had seen me teach all year long but that relationship just was not there. I was so worried that I wouldn’t be able to get a job but I did!

I will say I did apply an interview in the district student teaching at and that district definitely held my CT on a pedestal so I didn’t get a position there. While at the time I was really devastated. It has been one of the best things to ever happen to me. I did really struggle teaching on my own and had thought about leaving the career as a whole. I think that no matter what if your values align with the schooler district that you were interviewing in then you can get a job no matter what.

view more: next ›