Folks have asked me if I’d consider returning to teaching… I tell them my conditions… all grounded in my work experience outside of school… they tell me I’m unreasonable.

Follow

@garyackerman
Yes, I substituted (long-term assignments) for 3 years while getting my Master's Degree and taught for 5 years in the public school system (middle school math/science). On top of me not making enough money to pay my bills, the administration kept asking the teachers to perform duties they are not certified for, such as telling me to act as school nurse for students in my class that have diabetes. They wanted ME to do the finger sticks to test blood and give the insulin shots because those students weren't able to be trained to give themselves the shots! No freaking way! I told them I'd quit before I performed such duties that would put me at risk to be sued because I was not legally certified or trained to give that kind of care. I also had way too many admins tell me to change specific student's grades because their parents give a lot of money to the school each year. I said no, my student's are given the grades they earned. Then I quit and took a non-teaching job.

My health improved dramatically - physically and mentally. I now teach adults part-time in a technical trade school and have another full-time job where I can work part-time at home.

It's so much a better experience. No parents blaming me for their child's low grades (most of the time) or demanding extra assignments to make up for what wasn't done the first time. Decent pay for work given.

Sign in to participate in the conversation
Qoto Mastodon

QOTO: Question Others to Teach Ourselves
An inclusive, Academic Freedom, instance
All cultures welcome.
Hate speech and harassment strictly forbidden.