hi. i hate my job. i'm a teacher...should i stick it out 'till the end of the year?

Question

seriously, i'm teaching middle school in an inner city nyc school, and it's out of control. besides being cursed at daily, i have really had it! the kids are out of control, and i also feel ineffective as a teacher...no, ineffective is too sugarcoated, i feel like a failure.
so, should i stay till the end of the year and continue down this path of self-flagellation, or should i get another job. Mind you, this is my 4th year teaching, but first in the south bronx so i know i can teach , but i just think that teaching in teh inner city in nyc is just too tough. i'm too sensitive and nice...so. basically, wrong place, but should i stick it out? it looks bad on a resume if you quit mid year, but then again, it's horrible on my nerves and self esteem to stay...not to mention that the depression from teh job stress is starting to affect my relationship///

Answer 1

Ask yourself what is more important, your health & life or your work?
Make the right choise their enough schools, remember safety first.

Answer 2

First of all, thank you for being a teacher! Its a shame that you are working in such poor working conditions and being treated so badly. I can see why you are miserable. Right now you are at about the halfway point through the school year. Maybe if you focus on using this time to polish up your resume, and check out some other school districts in the area (or out of the area if you are willing to move).
If you absolutely cannot make it and the stress becomes too much, see if you can talk to the principal and find out what your options are - maybe he/she can offer some help with disciplining your class??
If they offer no help and you must quit, definitely give the principal two week notice so they can say you at least gave them time to find a replcement and when interviewing for another position, explain the situation as you really wanted to stay and finish out the year (as you are a dedicated teacher) but the stress of teaching an inner city school was having an impact on every area of your life and your health and you talked it over with the principal, gave your notice, but had to do the right thing for you.
Good Luck!

Answer 3

From what I know a person who teaches signs a contract to teach for a school year. If you left in the middle you'd be breaking your contract. I don't know if they took you to court if you'd be responsible monetarily for them for their hiring a replacement or not.

Many teachers feel the same as you do, where the principal does not back them to stop the bullying. But because of the bullying and the attitude of parents you feel a failure? That shouldn't be...that's not right. You're not a failure at all. Stick out the year and be sure to apply to school in another district for the following year. If you knew how badly we need teachers here perhaps you'd fly here tomorrow. Every school has their problems, every district has their problems. The problem is not you.

Sounds like you need support from other teachers for encouragement. Is there a group that meets near you?

Answer 4

Aren't you supposed to be the beacon of light for the troubled inner city kids like in all the movies? Isn't it supposed to take a village to make everything swell? Won't all the problems go away if we just paid teachers a little more (i know, everybody wants more money). Isn't this somehow whiteys fault, if he wasn't such a racist this problem wouldn't exist? Isn't it George Bush's fault? These problems never existed before he became president.

I know my sarcasm doesn't help. I applaud your efforts. I couldn't do it. Don't beat up on yourself. I know there aren't simple answers. But I would bet that if most kids had both a mommy and daddy at home it would be a good start. We really should encourage it in our society instead of just the opposite.

If its time for you to move on for your own sanity, then do so and don't beat yourself up for it. You didn't create these problems.

Answer 5

It is hard on students to have to change mid-year. But it sounds like many of these students are very hard on you. Do you have any counselors at the school who can facilitate something with your classes to encourage greater respect? Is there someone in the teacher's union who can give you some coping strategies? Surely you are not the only one who feels this way. You should almost certainly leave at the end of the year. Do you have any sympathetic colleagues? You don't say anything about them or your principal. I really encourage you to communicate with them so that if you do ultimately decide to leave it doesn't come out of left field for them.

Good luck!

Answer 6

Hate is a powerfull word and your use of it is very telling>Hey life as you know; is short you could get a job in New Orleines any time you like and the kids there are begging for teachers to come and help them learn>>>Anyhow listen to the inner voice<

Answer 7

Life is too short to be miserable and you are not doing yourself or your pupils any favours by staying if you are that miserable. Speak to your boss. Explain how you feel and that your really don't feel you can go on and see if they can do anything to ease the situation but at the end of the day, as has been said, your sanity is more important than your resume.

Answer 8

Since you are in a new environment, it stands to reason that you should stick it out for the year. Remember that these kids are trying to push your buttons. Adjust your methods. Also, these kids need you more than others you have taught. They are used to people leaving them. Their life is more difficult than you can imagine. Show them that you are fond of them. You might like it in the end. Don't do them the favor and leave. Don't expect the same of them as you did from past student bodies. Good luck!!

Answer 9

wow, I understand hating your job. I hate mine too. I'm a school bus driver and understand completely how things are out of control. My boss isn't always the most supportive on discipline. Do you have any support from the administration?

I would consider resigning but give yourself another week or so to make sure it is what you want. don't rush as you dont' want to regret it later. who cares about the resume. You'll get another job somewhere.

Answer 10

I would honestly quit, i'm sure there is something better out there for you. You are not a failure, you are a beautiful girl, just do something else, and make sure you stay happy!