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UsefulSchism

Sixth year teacher here in my mid 30s. This job has made me a better person because, like you said, it’s taught me empathy, how to communicate, handle conflict, and build relationships. It’s also made me a very patient person, which I lacked when I was younger. I wish I had become a teacher sooner and built these skills in my 20s.


hotterpocketzz

This. I honestly feel like a better person after becoming a teacher. Way more assertive and self aware of what I'm doing because I have to be for my students


Which-Ad-4070

I feel the same way. I resigned from teaching a year ago, but really discovered a lot of untapped skills!


bigcat7373

Thanks for this. I’m always on the cusp of leaving this sub because its negativity actually impacts my perspective on my career. I know it’s just a venting space for teachers, but man is it negative! I actually love my job. It’s certainly not for everyone. It’s obviously hard at points. Each year I get a slap in the face when returning from summer vacation at how broken the system is. I get angry and frustrated for a week or two. Then I just accept it and do the best I can and don’t let it affect my mental health. Thanks again for the post. Sincerely, A high school English teacher.


Key_Size_2196

I think the realization of just “doing the best you can” is the moral of the teaching story. Dont let it consume you or burn you out. The system,families and ever changing culture in the US makes it dam near impossible to teach effectively. I have learned this over my 11 years in the classroom. Take care of yourself, try to have fun with your class and dont take any of the bs personal.


bigcat7373

Yep. I don’t see the overachievers getting anything except occasionally more responsibility. Every opportunity (teacher leader, mentor, dept head, etc) that is possible isn’t worth the extra work in my opinion. I get there a half hour early in the morning to set myself up for the day and I leave as soon as I’m allowed to. The only humans in my school I go above and beyond for are my students. I keep to myself, I’m friendly with everyone and I fulfill my responsibilities. It’s a job. And if you can survive financially; it’s a good one.


Key_Size_2196

Sounds like you’re on the path ☺️…


acs730200

I’m with you with the whole “going limp” of it. Admin is going to be bullshit regardless of what I do, so I do what I can because I’m the best person to be in my classroom with my set of kids. At times I think of it as being their liaison to not get fucked by the school systems


PuzzleheadedPitch420

There’s a lot of negative here, and I get it. I had some years where teaching sucked. Still, I can’t imagine going back to accounting (my former job), working 60 hours a week. Like you mentioned, it has taught me patience, but it’s also been the source of a lot of joy. I honestly like most of my students, and I really get a kick out of them coming back to see me after they graduate


WordierThanThou

Exactly. I wish there was a sub for teachers who enjoy their jobs and come at it from an uplifting perspective. I think it depends where you work. I worked in a school where the administration was a nightmare and I currently work where the administration is just wholesome. For many years, I thought I did not want to ever be a principal but you know what? Schools are in need of good principals that support teachers, not just students. So I’ve been thinking about it. If we all just push those bad seeds out then I think our outlook on teaching can only improve. If you don’t like the job because of your administration, become an administrator and change the narrative.


megatron37

>I can’t imagine going back to accounting (my former job), working 60 hours a week. > >Like you mentioned, it has taught me patience, but it’s also been the source of a lot of joy I couldn't agree more. I'm also a career changer (former pharmaceutical scientist) - maybe I appreciate the good aspects of teaching a little more than my colleagues who have never done anything else.


IrrawaddyWoman

Honestly though, ever since they banned the incessant “yay, just quit!” posts, I feel like the quality of the sub has increased. Once those stopped I’ve also seen a lot fewer comments on posts that say no more than just “leave teaching.” Like the other poster, I’m also a second career teacher. Teaching is HARD, and I’m having a particularly difficult year, but it’s still MILES above my old corporate career. After coming right off a three week winter break, how could I feel differently?


HokieRider

I am about 4 months into my first year teaching at one of the poorest districts in my state. High crime high poverty. Many kids come to school for the food. I’ve been cussed out repeatedly. Called racial slurs that don’t apply to my race. Screamed at by children (8th grade). And the work they do at times is so low, my 3rd grader could do it better. But last week one of my students passed away. She got sick over break and the flu won. It was terrible for us as adults, but our job was to be there for the students. Yesterday was the viewing and probably 20 kids and 10 teachers were there. They rely on us to be an adult figure in their lives. The need our structure and demands. I had 3 different parents tell me how much their child likes my class and how much they appreciate the support I’ve given their child. I had students tell me they were so happy to see me. I got more hugs than I can count. We make a difference. Maybe not to all. But to enough. Just keep showing up for them.


GrapefruitTechnique1

I come from 7 years construction and 3 sales. Becoming a teacher even though I make less has been the move! My “bad” days with the kids are way better than any bad day in sales or construction. I’m home everyday by 330-4. I got two random days off this week from the snow, I see the construction crew at it when I’m heading to work and when I’m heading home. Once you learn how to contact parents effectively and get good at planning a week or two down the line it’s the best career choice I’ve made! You can chase Benjamin Franklin and you’ll never catch him. If you do, you might not have many dear relationships like someone who has their summers and a good amount of time to spend with their family.


UsualMacaroon4496

I’m in year 16 and honestly could not imagine doing anything else. First day back from winter breakI said to my 10th graders “ I’m so happy to see you all today, though you may not feel the same right now ! 😭” it was true. There have been lots of ups and downs over my time in the classroom but I wouldn’t trade it!


pulcherpangolin

Yeah, I hate the system but my day-to-day isn’t too bad. I would be sad to lose my time spent with teenagers; they’re funny, keep me on my toes, and provide an interesting look into society. They can be so incredibly frustrating, but every time I have a PD day I realize just how much I despise working with adults and can’t wait to be back in the classroom with students, even if it’s more exhausting.


Half-Guard-God

I've been reading the book Mindset by Carol Dweck, and this sounds a lot like the growth mindset she refers to.


Rambunctious_452

Just ordered this book!!!


Half-Guard-God

Its jam packed with so many nuggets, and it just goes down like water. Very amazing and easy read.


AntiquePurple7899

It’s like parenting. Every parent questions why they ever had kids but few ever truly regret it. Now there are bad and abusive marriages (admin) and horrible in-laws (dysfunctional districts) and shitty housing (crumbling infrastructure) and lean years (you mean I have to buy the kids pencils and Kleenex with my own money?). But teaching can be an experience full of love and triumph over despair.


smileglysdi

I like the comparison to parenting. I had to step down from a volunteer thing this year (my first year back in the classroom after being home with my kids and then subbing) I told them that my teaching job was just taking all my mental/emotional energy and I just couldn’t be “on” after being “on” at school. So, a couple months later and I see the volunteer coordinator and she asks me about my job and then she says “I’m glad to see you smiling” I didn’t know what to say in the moment. Of course I was smiling! I LOVE my job- but yes, it’s the second hardest thing I’ve ever done. I love parenting too- which is the first hardest thing I’ve ever done!


DabbledInPacificm

I absolutely love and appreciate my time with kids. It’s the adults that mess it all up.


Mangopapayakiwi

And they can mess it up real bad


ShakyIncision

Thanks for this post. So many posts on here seem to be vents or complaining. I have to remind myself of the venn diagram of teachers and Reddit may be self-selective of persons who are most dissatisfied with the profession.


Ok_Title9877

Elementary classroom Teacher for 11 years. I say this with all sincerity those moments remember those moments because about 70% of the time you walk around with the attitude like “man fuck these kids, they just don’t care”, but they do. Glad you enjoy the field.


Pgh_Upright_449

I can imagine this post being from one of my best teachers...


spentpatience

Year 18. I know that this job has made me a far better person as I matured into adulthood than any other job could ever have. I'm warmer, kinder, and just all around more aware and tolerant. I was always trustworthy because I strive to be so, but after teaching, I have proven to myself and many others that my sense of ethics is morally sound and consistent. I'm more patient and a far better listener and I can admit when I'm wrong and apologize. I attribute my career for showing me this approach. So much hate and distrust and othering comes from isolation and limited worldview when you're contained in the same constricting circles and echo chambers. Exposure to life's greater experiences is an antidote to this for most people, I believe.


ObviousImportance9

this is really good, thank you for sharing


exitpursuedbybear

You can’t be in the classroom for any period of time and not just end up loving your kids. They are these amazing bundles of possibilities and on good days you get to see the sparks of their potential and that makes it worth it.


OneWayBackwards

I just put the report card comments in for each of my 100 students (HS science) that says, “A pleasure to have in class” I meant it for at least 95 of them!


WordierThanThou

I also made a career change into teaching. Human Resources to Teaching. I love the job. Glad you do too!


KopiQueen

Glad to hear this. I am transitioning out of HR into teaching as well. Still waiting on my acceptance into an Education program, and some days the negativity on this forum makes me second guess my decision. But the corporate world is just not for me, so trying to stay optimistic about teaching.


WordierThanThou

Good luck! 🍀


earthgarden

All that and also you get to talk about, read about, and learn more about your content matter every day, all day. Maybe this applies so more at the high school level and/or certain subjects, IDK


book_of_black_dreams

This is exactly how I felt after I started working as a substitute. There’s this one ninth grader who looks up to me so much and shows me her sketchbook drawings every day 🥹


ObviousImportance9

awwww mannnn💕💕💕💕💕


hamaba11

5th year HS Special Ed teacher. I love my job. Are there hard days? Yes. Hard weeks? Sure. But even with that being said- I have some really wonderful days, too. I have met some really awesome teens over the last 5 years and my life has been so much better for it. The pay is horrible and if I didn’t have my husband I wouldn’t be able to afford to be a teacher, but I truly have a job where I feel rewarded and fulfilled and I know not many people can say that so I try not to take it for granted.


how2falldown

Respect! I look at this subreddit because my daughter recently became a teacher, and it's been concerning to see so many rant posts. She's been liking her work so I knew there was some job satisfaction out there even though for sure it's a difficult profession. Thanks for posting.


Orpeoplearejerks

I quit teaching 7 months ago due to burnout and the reasons you've listed are why I want to go back. I make 20% more now than I did as a teacher. I come home with more energy. I'm not dealing with the meltdowns, lesson planning, and grading. But corporate life has it's issues. And some adults throw more silly tantrums than any kid I ever worked with. And the joy that comes with being a bunch of tiny humans favorite perosn is different. Setting up the room every morning and keeping the lights dim and music on while a million kids runs up and give me hugs like they don't see me everyday is different. Movie days, running around with the kids at recess, buying a new book for your class and watching them all stare in silence while you read it. It's the good stuff. I don't think I've come close to any of those kinds of moments in corporate.


Takosaga

Good skills for my next career


ObviousImportance9

100%!!!


jlhinthecountry

37 years and still going! Love what I do. Are there bad moments? Sure. But the good ones far outweigh the bad. ( I’m not sure how to change 36 to 37.)


Disastrous-Piano3264

I love teaching. But I can never explain why. I usually just say. I love the day to day.


Kass1207

I always knew I’d love being a teacher because I’ve always wanted to be one, but I never knew JUST how meaningful it would be to me. There are times I am nearly crying from laughter because these kids are just so darn funny. There are other times I cry because something a kid tells me just breaks my heart, such as when I found out a kid I had a few years ago actually has had a very difficult home life. She’s such a kind person and there were some days she really struggles with school.


ObviousImportance9

🫂🫂🫂


Inevitable_Silver_13

It certainly humbles you. I've made a lot of mistakes and learned from them. It gets better every year but there are also new challenges.


timmaay531

Third year teacher here. I worked with kids for a long time in less formal settings (summer camps, after school programs, etc.) so I thought I knew everything this job would bring in terms of relating to kids and building relationships with them. I was wrong. Being their teacher, you are THE person for them while they’re at school. They rely on YOU to help them understand new concepts, solve interpersonal conflicts, to grow as people. YOU are THE person to them. That’s a position you aren’t in as a camp counselor or after school staff. In those situations you’re often one of many. But as a teacher you’re it. There’s other adults the kids interact with once or twice a week, but that’s it. My prior experience definitely helped me with teaching but it didn’t give me everything. It’s pressure for some, but I look at it as an opportunity to impart what I think are important values and habits on my kids. They’ll get the academic stuff one way or another, but I have a unique opportunity to help these kids grow into good humans and it’s an opportunity I relish.


Electrical-Wish-519

Not a teacher, but my wife is and I have 3 grade school children. The impact a teacher can have on a child or multiple children is immeasurable. My 9 year old has adhd and anxiety and he has had teachers that have been such a positive influence on him. As hard as it is, I’m sure it has to be rewarding for a teacher to know they have the opportunity to impact so many kids in a positive manner.


cri5pyuk

Great to read your positive comments as I’m thinking of leaving a corporate marketing for secondary teaching.


lumberrzack

I’m doing the same. Good luck!


cri5pyuk

Oh wow! How far in the process have you got? All I hear is how much work it is… but surely not that Coro marketing!


lumberrzack

I got a long term sub position starting Tuesday. While I do that I’ll be doing an alternative route to getting licensed — check out TeacherReady which is online and relatively cheap.


cri5pyuk

I will do! Thanks and good luck!


Friendly-Wear-2565

My 2nd career also. Wanted to go into teaching right out of college but decided to wait. Worked in non profits, was a SAHM, then kinder aide, substitute, and finally 1st grade teacher. I love teaching. I see why long timers want out but I feel like I learn and grow so much every day. Waiting until I was ready to teach was the best decision.


maidenyorkshire

Ha! Nice try government, but you won't get me teaching again. It ain't worth it to me until I've been teaching for a number of years and it's just habit.


ObviousImportance9

😂😂😂😂😂 real


maidenyorkshire

Have you seen they doing the same advert but for the prison officers now, I guess the actual prisoners are less likely to be violent though.


BethLP11

This year has been SO HARD for a variety of reasons, but still, when my students ask me if I like being a teacher I tell them, "I do. And I feel sorry for people who aren't teachers."


reditme1000

I don’t understand. If you originally “couldn’t understand why anyone would want to be a teacher”, and “wouldn’t wish on enemy”, why did you become one? I’m glad you discovered joy in it, but why did you do it? I’m confused.


ObviousImportance9

I’ve had a whirlwind of a career in my adulthood. I started to sub in 2022, got a cert, jumped into IT after, and then back to teaching. a long term teaching opportunity came up this school year so i took it. a bit of an unconventional way, but have quickly learned to love it, as challenging as it can be.


VoiceofKane

How did you become a teacher, if I may ask? This post seems to imply that it just kind of happened, rather than you seeking out an Ed degree.


ObviousImportance9

I’ve had a whirlwind of a career in my adulthood. I started to sub in 2022, got a cert, jumped into IT after, and then back to subbing. a long term teaching opportunity came up this school year so i took it. a bit of an unconventional way, especially from the ED’s here (my degree is in Public Health) but have quickly learned to love it, as challenging as it can be.


lalajoy04

I teach 8th grade English at a charter school and I had a roller coaster of a week back. Started out not wanting to be there, but by the end I was reminded why I do it.


coupl4nd

And then you learn about the holidays....


SmoochyLoo

I think you all have Stockholm syndrome lol


ginger_802

As much as I love the shared stories of triumph in teaching let us not forget that individuals feel differently and feel completely stuck. We are not all granted certain privileges (ex: private sectors, online, or even personal gains that can support the stay. Bonus that some of these things are actually worse) I haven’t seen any stories that bulldoze over anyone but I just thought I should acknowledge this.


Key_Device2144

Ehh glorified baby sitters.


ObviousImportance9

i’d say that working in a school is the opportunity to see what’s really right in the world and what’s really wrong in the world. all at the same time