I have finished up my second year of teaching and I love teaching and my job. However, I am saddened by the way that society is treating our teachers right now and I am not willing to risk my life or my health for my job. If we are in person, I am strongly considering resigning. I have a Bachelors Degree in Math and a Masters in Math Education. Does anyone have ideas for career change options from teaching? I would also be willing to go back to school for another degree. I love working with students so I would love to do this in a safer way. I was even considering speech pathology.
I don't have any advice re: jobs, but I am in the same boat. If I don't get a new job or my district doesn't do hybrid/distance learning, I am strongly considering quitting or asking about teaching online instead of being in person. I love my job, but I do NOT want to get COVID because of it. I've been lucky (and safe) so far; I'm not risking my life or future health over this. Good luck to you!
I would only point out that a temporary leave from teaching may be necessary, since it looks as though there are several really good COVID vaccines in the works, with somewhere around the beginning of 2021 as a date that seems reasonable for vaccine to be available. This virus is not going to be eradicated, but vaccinations will take away the great fear that COVID now brings to mind for almost anyone. Assuming that between natural exposure and vaccinations, the number of people who will be at serious peril will dwindle. I have great faith in the development of effective vaccines. I don't understand getting great vaccines but refusing to be vaccinated.
Not really ideas for what you could do. Maybe some sort of transition to data science...? Mostly, I just wanted to commiserate. I very likely won’t actually quit my job, because, like vickilyn said, this should only be temporary, and I also really like my school district. This is the district where I could see myself staying until retirement. But, like you, I’m very concerned about returning in person right now. I have not even seen my family, and I don’t go out in public for anything except necessary doctor appointments or walking around the neighborhood. I can’t imagine going back to work when I don’t even feel safe seeing my parents, ya know? So, anyway, you’re not alone in your feelings or concerns. I’ve been daydreaming about the possibility of quitting, but I think I’ll miss it when this all passes.
I feel the same way. I generally enjoy teaching and my school. But this whole situation shows us how teachers are treated and I’m not ok with it. I don’t have any risk factors and I’m young, but I do not want to get sick and damage my health. I talked to a friend yesterday who transitioned from teaching to coding and really enjoys her job and is much less stressed.
Use the bureau of labor and statistics site to drill down to different occupations for math majors. It will give you an idea where your degree can fit. Also, because you have taught and are good at analysis, often you can move into software or business analysis.
I know there are statistician jobs people with a math degree often have but I'm not sure how widespread they are. Maybe state/government jobs. In regards to speech pathology, that's a whole different animal. You'd probably have to start from scratch with that one.
I had a math teacher in HS who was laid off and went to work for an insurance company- something about predicting how many people would get in accidents and die each year . My parents knew him outside of school. He said he loved teaching but he made a whole lot more money working in insurance. You could always look for a temporary change as well and go back to teaching in a future year if you wanted to. Has your district said anything about remote positions? Around here, everyone is offering an online only option for parents who aren't comfortable sending kids back in person. Things could change, but at this point in my district it looks like the numbers of parents who are saying they want online is higher than the number of teachers saying they want to teach remotely. So in our case they'll likely be looking for people to switch over even if they're not high risk/don't have a medical reason. I don't think being an SLP is safer at all. In my district, they're putting kids in cohorts for classroom teachers so that their risk is minimized, but specialists are still seeing everyone. Our SLP will have kids K-6, obviously from multiple cohorts that she needs to see, and at least twice the amount of students as classroom teachers see. And ours really has it so good compared to the SLPs in both of my former districts. In both of those districts, the SLPs all had at least 3 different schools they worked in each week, so talk about a lot of exposure. My sped director brags about how each school has their own in my district, because it's so uncommon. At least my district is requiring masks 100%, no excuses from anyone. However, many places are making exceptions for younger students, students who can claim medical exemptions, and students with disabilities, and I could easily see many saying kids should take off masks for speech therapy so it can be more effective. Besides all of that, a speech pathology degree is a really rigorous program that will take several years. By the time you're finished I would hope this will all be WELL behind us!
Our official plans haven’t been released yet, but at least one teacher has already resigned, stating that she had too much anxiety about returning when it’s still unsafe. It’s really happening.
I am in MA...the union is talking about collectively refusing to return. One teacher told us that she is not stepping foot inside the school in September. I'm lucky that I have other options...and it is no worth it to me! My union is progressive and strong. I am hopeful that they will say no. All teacher except one at my school want remote learning for the fall.
My district sent out a survey about our opinions on returning and one question asked if we're planning on coming to work in August or if we were considering retiring/resigning. I see several resignations in the board meeting minutes for July. I have a lot of anxiety over returning as well. I am really hoping we start remote, but most of my state is not, so I highly doubt it. I definitely need this job though. It sucks all around. We shouldn't have to risk our lives for our job.
I am just wondering, will teachers who wish to teach at home be able to do so remotely? Don't get me wrong, I know this isn't a panacea to keeping all teachers and staff safe. I am just wondering about the situation in your state/district regarding this question.
We've had people asking about resigning too. One person actually did. I thought that the board might waive the fee they usually charge when a person breaks their contract, given the circumstances, but it looks like they are still charging it.
Our official plan is getting presented at the board meeting this week so I don't know what it is, but so far they've alluded to hybrid. There has been no mention of teachers being able to teach at home, since kids would still be in class 5 days a week, just not every student every day, so teachers would have to be there all 5 days.
I have been thinking about getting back to journalism, but there are hundreds of layoffs in that field too. Maybe I'll write a book
I walked away from education last year after 28 years, before COVID, basically because of all the negativity and hoops for teachers. Not retired. I was fortunate to not have to work due to my husband's income. Recently however, I have been approached by several families about schooling their children. Some tutoring the activities and curriculum the school provides. Others doing completely my own thing. I'm not sure what to charge these families as the two scenarios are entirely different. I'm telling you this because maybe private educator is an option for you?
Hi, Just wondering how things turned out? Teaching is a noble but challenging field. But there are tons of opportunities for math teachers as well as extra stipend pay. I mainly have taught elementary and middle school math my entire career. (20 plus years) However, I recently made the transition to a different field out of the classroom but using the same skills that are needed to teach. If you (or anyone else) want more information on how I made the transition feel free to email me. lolaa22003@yahoo.com Please reference A to Z Teacher Stuff forum.
Actually, this post is really helpful for me. Especially regarding career activities. I am a teacher who studies English and mathematics but wants to learn computers and their languages from any Ecommerce Website Development Company or Institute. Please anyone who can help me regarding this issue, please let me know about more details.
I've recently looked through the Universal Technical Institute reviews and started thinking about doing its technical training courses. It seems that I can gain new skills and knowledge there to change my career path.
Agreed, there are some things in our job that can be really draining. Sometimes I contemplate going back to writing my book. After all, I was recognized as one of the best essay writers in my side gig. Maybe someday I'll transition to it full-time. I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to quit teaching altogether. I think I'll continue helping students in one way or another because I enjoy it.
