From the Desk of a Former Teacher
What I Noticed and The Wisdom I Gained from my Time in Education
Picture it. Southern California. 2002. It was the summer before my 8th grade year and the school board moved the first day of school to the last full week of August. As a reasonable teenager, I was completely devastated and grabbed my journal. In my reflection, I lamented over this decision and mentioned how it was unfair to teachers since they aren’t paid well. Four and a half years later, during my senior year of high school, I would drive up to my high school to see my teachers wearing red shirts and holding up picket signs. During my Creative Writing class one day, my Creative Writing teacher once said, “The contracts are unfair. We’re in training all summer. We’re fighting to be paid fairly.”
By the time I finished my Master’s degree, technology was fully immersed in student’s lives with tech companies like Google and Facebook opening schools throughout San Jose, CA. Compared to my time as a K-12 student, the classroom had completely transformed. But the problems my teachers faced remained when I entered the field. As we see more and more educators leaving the field, reflecting on why I left has become something of a hobby. With this piece, I intend to share what I noticed during my time in education and the wisdom I’ve gained since leaving the profession.
What I Noticed
Feeling pressure to have a second or third job is normalized in education. Even if you receive stipends or have a dual income household, plenty of teachers have a form of supplementary income.
Wisdom I Gained
If you’re scraping by financially, it’s okay to look for work at a different district or look into other professions.
What I Noticed
Teaching is political. Removing yourself from your politics is near impossible, regardless of whom you support.
Wisdom I Gained
Having political opinions shouldn’t be held against teachers/educators. Unless you’re doing harm through your politics, like targeting/attacking marginalized or racialized communities.
What I Noticed
A lot of educators are bullies and they are one of the reasons people leave.
Wisdom I Gained
Boundaries are really important but they won’t prevent another educator from being vengeful. Get everything in writing. Everything.
What I Noticed
You do some form of anaerobic or aerobic exercise all day. So much walking, squatting, lifting, and running all day.
Wisdom I Gained
WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES AND SHOES!
What I Noticed
Gaslighting is the foundation of making teachers and educators stay.
Wisdom I Gained
Build a community. Go to therapy/put in the work. Join the union available to you. TALK about your experiences. More people are dealing with the same things as you than you might realize.
What I Noticed
Teaching can be alienating. Sometimes you don’t speak to another adult for 6 hours.
Wisdom I Gained
Having friends in education is a gift, a major gift. But having friends outside of the field is beneficial too. You need to talk to other adults throughout the day. Even if it’s in a text during your break.
What I Noticed
Teachers are stressed out, regardless of how long they’ve been in the field.
Wisdom I Gained
You cannot “self-care” your way out of exploitation. But, you should have access to a mental health professional to be part of your support team.
What I Noticed
Teachers are some of the most creative, compassionate, and insightful people on the planet.
Wisdom I Gained
Teachers and educators should be paid above the living wage of where they reside. Without them, society will crumble. Give them the trust and respect that is so freely bestowed upon athletes, celebrities, and politicians.