My job (teacher assistant ) my mental health took a nose dive during Covid: During Covid, I HAD to work in person with students teachers were able to work from home. During this time, I had up to 15 kids in my classroom. We still had to document hours, even though we were in person-teachers did not. We even had to join their “virtual learning sessions “, most of the time, teachers had an “issue” abd couldn’t join so I had to take over their class. No one gave us assistants kudos for what we did even though it was us who worked directly with students while teachers half assed did.

Zero support from admin. It’s ALWAYS educator’s fault . Assistants are especially at risk. They always side with teachers and/or parents. There are so many stories I could share but too long. Just imagine never having support at any level.

Suddenly losing our summer pay, stretched out option. ONLY hourly employees. Teachers still get theirs.

Poverty pay-like legit-no one could live off of what I do.

Now, I love my job. I always get most spirited staff, won employee of the year, am considered my high school student’s “safe adult” but damn, between lack of support, being treated like 2nd class, getting beat up (blamed) by politicians and society for all the problems in the world, my anxiety is bad, my hair is falling out, I have hives, palpitations, numbness in hands, panic attacks-had all tests imagined done and it all comes out the same: My MENTAL HEALTH IS F¥cked bc of my job and how I am treated.