Okay, I guess don't know if you really should quit or not. But for those of you who want to quit because you feel discouraged and you feel like you might not be effective enough, don't quit just yet! I suppose this is mostly for first/second year teachers- though veterans aren't excluded. I posted on this site a few times during my first year of teaching and then forgot about it. I remembered the site a few months ago (years after my first posts) and was surprised to see how discouraged I sounded in all of my posts. I was close to quitting because I thought I just couldn't be a good teacher. I was getting so much negative feedback and extra responsibilities seemed to be piled on each day. I thought I just shouldn't be a teacher, I wasn't cut out for it. Hindsight is always 20/20, and as it turns out I was actually just in a bad school. It was a toxic environment that seemed to thrive on negativity. Yes, I had plenty to work on as a new teacher, but new teachers need encouragement not what is often given. I moved to a new school and it's a completely different experience. This school focuses on encouraging teachers and being realistic about what is expected of them. It's a much better fit and I'm much happier as a teacher. The point is, if you're a new teacher, don't give up just yet! You might need a new school. You might need some adjustment time. But chances are you're a good teacher with good potential and if you quit now you'll be depriving your future students of the chance to have an experienced talented teacher later on. Try to avoid those who don't do anything but gossip and bring others down. What really matters is the students, and if they know you care about them and they are improving or you are doing what you can to help them improve, then you're a good teacher. And we need you! That's all. I guess this is an anti-rant to make up for the rants I made a few years ago Good luck first years!
So happy for you! Good post. Some people on here have never experienced toxic schools and aren't always very nice when replying to those who are in tough situations!! This may help some of them realize it can be the environment.
My first school was a living nightmare! My 2nd school was better but I switched districts. One year ago was one of my worst years. I came thisclose to quitting. The only reason I didn't was because I didn't know what else to do and I didn't ant to be a statistic and quit before year 5. Like the OP, I'm glad I stuck it out, I'm actually looking forward to this year
Thank you for this amazing post! I recently taught in a toxic school. Colleagues were consistently bullying and gossiping. I'm looking forward to this next year and to be free of them (although I will miss the kids!).
I never realized how toxic my old school was until I changed to a non-toxic school. The politics, secret meetings, admin bullying, cliques, etc are really damaging and psychologically draining in a way I've never experienced before.
Great post! I had the same thing happened to me and I am so much happier at my new school! People seem to actually appreciate me. What a concept, right?
That is so great, and I totally agree. My first district was very toxic. One principal was fired and the other was just horrible to new teachers. After five years, I actually left the field, thinking it was just horrible and I didn't want to do it anymore. Fast forward five years: I went back and got my MS after working in the private sector, was immediately hired at a high-performing school, and had the time of my life. My principal loved me and thought everything I did was wonderful. I would still be there now except that I stayed home to raise my kids for 10 !!!!! years. Hence my job search now. The school you are in makes a huge difference. I think some people who are fortunate enough to be in really great places don't understand how awful it can be if you are in a toxic place. I'm so glad things worked out for you!
I'm so sorry that you were having a rough first year, but think it's awesome you took the time to give back to others feeling frustrated. I wish I had known about A to Z my first year teaching...I used to go on Yahoo Answers into the education section and there was so much negativity there, that I abandoned my account and just struggled in silence. I didn't find A to Z until about the end of my third year. Anyhow, I think you're right. Teaching is so discouraging in the beginning and the environment can make all the difference.
Great thread! Don't give up. You are in a great profession. Yes, there are so many challenges, but as long as you do your best that's all you can do.
Coming to this forum really did help me the first year. I'm sure if I hadn't experienced a bad school I would have read a post similar to mine and thought the poster was just a complainer, but the responses I got were all encouraging. That really helped. It's so sad when a first year teacher gets put in such bad environment because they are left thinking that it's really them and they must just be a bad teacher. I'd had a positive student teaching experience so I leaned on that when I thought I must just be a terrible teacher, and remembered that at some point someone thought I had potential. So, others who were in a toxic school, did it affect your health? I felt like I was in a constant state of anxiety, always sick, nauseous, tense, couldn't sleep. I went to the doctor several times thinking something must be wrong, but once I switched jobs it all went away. I made up my mind to be as encouraging as I can to new teachers, even if they really aren't doing so well (because how can you be perfect at first, anyway?). I don't doubt others on this forum have made the same kind of commitment, based on responses I got before when I was struggling. Isn't it funny that we are told again and again to always focus on positives with our students and counter any negative things we say to students with tons of more positives...yet it's not often done the same to us teachers? At least we have the students! I don't miss my old job at all, but man I miss those kids.
This is so true. My first year of teaching, I was bullied mercilessly by the admin. My second year of teaching, the admin was so much more laid back! (Different schools). Kids can also be different too from year to year.
I know the feeling! I just recently accepted a new position at a school where I first got my start. My prior school increasingly got worse and I dreaded work so many days. For two years I haven't been that excited about work. But this year I am returning to my original school with a new principal. I truly have a renewed spirit and mindset. I'm super excited and I'm looking forward to the different cultures that are represented in this school.
