From One Burned Out Teacher To The Others...

The first job I remember wanting to have is that of a scientist. My grandmother bought me a science experiment kit, and I turned my playhouse into a science lab. I wanted to be an architect after that, until I discovered how horribly terrible I am at math. Around that same time, I saw how much fun my history teacher appeared to have as she taught us. She is the reason I decided to become a history teacher, and was one for nearly 13 years.

I treasure my first ten years as a teacher. My first three years were spent at a prestigious Catholic high school. Everyone was wonderful. The only reason I left is because my husband accepted a promotion out of state, otherwise, I think I would still be teaching there. I consider that school a utopia of schools, since they aren’t required to do all of the bureaucratic foolishness that public schools have to do. Also, educators make the decisions, not politicians. Everyone is held to a higher standard. There is no tenure. You earn your position every year. I think tenure is good, to an extent, in a small, rural area like ours, though, where the “good ole boy” network is rampant. People there think of you as bettering yourself for the good of the unit, rather than taking it as you’re trying to outdo them or make them look bad as many do here (which is something I encounter on a regular basis).

            A sweet student left a note on my board

                               Current Events Poster

I spent my next 8 years at a wonderful public middle school back home. I taught hundreds of precious eighth grade students, and taught with a faculty that was like family. This particular school was on the forefront of technology. Every classroom was fully equipped to be a teacher’s technological dream! I loved thinking of new ways to make the lessons fun, memorable, and relevant to the students. I loved dressing out for lessons, pep rallies and homecoming week. Sure, there were issues as there are everywhere, but it was great for the most part. My last year there, an incompetent “administrator” was hired, who was intimidated by assertive women. Also during this time, my patience was running thin with the bureaucracy of public education, some of the parents, and a few bad kids. Not all of the parents and kids were bad, but it takes about 10 good parents/kids to balance one bad. Looking back, those kids weren’t even close to being bad when compared to others in the county. 

        Modeling ancient Egyptian extra credit items

           The Lorax on Read Across America Day

As a result of my bad experience with that principal, I moved to a different system. The principal there was one of the best I’ve had. She was a true power woman, and I have a lot of respect for her. She did a lot for me and looked out for me. The culture there was much different and not a good fit for me. I say that tactfully. There was not much interest in learning in the classes I taught. I felt defeated. After a year and a few months, I knew it was time for me to make a career change.

        8th Grade Team on Read Across America Day

     Our Christmas Tree one year, always decorated with ornaments from students

I do not make sudden decisions. I thought it through and had the support and encouragement of my husband, family, and therapist. On my last day, which was a random Thursday in November, I accepted an outside sales rep position. The timing let me know that this was part of God’s plan for me. I don’t know how to explain it, but I felt it and knew.

                                  Pep Rally Fun

I enjoyed most things about that job and met lots of awesome people. In doing so, I picked up a year of sales experience. As I’ve mentioned before, I love cars. A new dealership opened in the county and I went to work there. I immediately fell in love with the car business. People ask me if I miss teaching. I miss the way it used to be. I miss the pep rallies, fun lessons, and the sweet kids. I do not miss being interrogated by administrators and parents over kids breaking handbook rules. I do not miss the endless, pointless paperwork. I do not miss being under a microscope in public and on social media. If my co-workers talked to each other the way some students talk to school employees, they would be fired. School employees are walking targets and scapegoats. I do not miss that.

The point of this article is this. If you are a teacher who is burned out and ready to do something else, DO IT! If you are thinking of becoming a teacher, either DON’T DO IT, or minor in business or some other marketable field. As I said, l cherish my first ten years. However, if I had stayed, I would be in prison, the cemetery, or as Karl Childers called it, “the nervous hospital.” I’m the internet sales manager at a car dealership now, and it suits me well. I really enjoy this role. I write the monthly internet sales on my glass door. I’ve been told twice that I should’ve been a teacher because I can write on the door so well, lol. My co-workers probably roll their eyes at my teacher-isms, but it’s who I am. I still have sticky notes, colored pens, and make “hand out” reminders. I haven’t had any complaints from parents, so it’s all good, chuckle.

                                      Cars are fun

Teachers, you are professionals with endless skills. You are college educated. You sell lessons and ideas to people every day, most of whom are not interested. You are organizers. You are IT gurus. You are planners. You are negotiators. You are activities directors. You are so many wonderful things, and you deserve so much better than to be miserable. As I learned immediately after my brother died, life is too short. Do what makes you happy. You are an asset to your community. Do not be afraid to make that change if you know you are ready for something different. I have no regrets. There are companies out there that would love to have you. Best wishes. You can do it. You will succeed. You are a lifelong learner.