Fed up with the politics in schools

[Giggles]

OK - so, I keep telling myself that I give myself 2 more years of teaching - aiming at 10 years. I just don't htink I am going to make it. Every day, every year - there is more and more to irk me about this career. I LOVE teaching children. I love being a teacher - I don't even mind the pathetic salary so much. It's the politics - union stuff, contract stuff, this and that nonsense that I am tired of. I know that every job out there is going to have it's politics, etc., but I'm so tired of working for school districts and naive teachers who won't stand up and fight for ourselves. I just feel like I need to get out and try something different to see for myself that the grass probably isn't greener. I just need new scenery.....I don't know........However, I feel stuck. What is there out there to do coming from a teaching career? I'm not worried about pay cuts anymore - however, I do have a 4 year degree and lots of work experience - I feel a fair starting salary isn't too much to ask - but won't take 12-15 an hour. I'm talking starting at 30,000????

Any ideas on new careers?

 

[ogteacher]

Hi,

After 12 years of teaching in public school, I got fed up and applied for a teaching position at a wonderful private school. I had to take a paycut, as privately funded schools don't have the same resources public schools do and also because our school tries to keep tuition affordable. I have never looked back. I feel like I can really teach and am not encumbered by the whims of the administration or the politics that had frustrated me in earlier teaching jobs. If you love to teach, don't throw that away. Search for something more rewarding.

Chris

 

[MC.]

Teaching

I know it can be frustrating. I have to make a conscious decision not to let these things bother me and it is really hard! But, if you love teaching and truly enjoy the children, it is a choice you make. Is it better or worse in certain districts? Maybe you can switch? Private school?

If you are seriously considering a change of careers, how about at a book publisher? A family member who is a former teacher works for Harcourt. She really enjoys working there and seeing the new materials being published. A lot of publishing companies hire teachers b/c they are in the education field and can give input. I don't know what the qualifications are, but what about a advisor in a college? Private tutoring? I often dream of other careers also.

 

[Giggles]

new careers

Are you in FL? or your family member that works for Harcourt? I am in Central FL, right downt he street from one of the Scholastic Book Fairs headquarters - that's a DREAM of mine and I've been sending my resume for 2 years. We also have Harcourt in Orlando, same thing. No responses. I'm to the point where I will take a cut to be a secretary, just to get into a company to move up in.

I've realized that I'm done because of my attitude. I just don't care anymore and I'm tired of being held accountable for things I cannot control and get no support in attempting to control. I used to push and push those unmotivated students and stress myself - now I just don't care anymore - they don't care, so I don't. I'm not being the best I can be because of that, I think.

 

[Hifiman]

If anyone finds a job anywhere where politics is not involved please let me know.

 

[MC.]

To Giggles

Yes, she lives in Orlando. She has been working there for years and seems to love it. I'm sorry you've had no luck. Keep trying, but maybe in the meantime look for something else. That is if you are positive you want to give up teaching.

 

[Giggles]

career change

I finally did hear from Harcourt. Well - I applied online without attaching my resume and after a couple of years, someone has finally asked me to send my resume in! That's a good thing, right!

Also - I got a call yesterday to interview for a Director of Education position at Sylvan learning Center. It's a little bit of a drive for me, but might be worth it.

I'm anxious to go and find out more!

 

[lis3569]

I so feel the the same way you do. The politics get in the way of doing what we need to do! We are never applauded for all we do but rather look at and told what we need to do different or more of. It is frustrating and exhausting! I know I wont be in teaching for 30 years! If our pay and benefits get cut... I will be looking elsewhere too. I have always wanted to work for Mailbox magazine, but you have to live in NC i think. Good luck finding a job. Keep us posted.