Do you ever wonder if being a teacher is worth it? I knew teaching wasn't going to make me rich, but I thought the trade-off of a small income would be feeling that I'm doing good. However, I feel more like a glorified babysitter than anything else.

Never wondered at all. I've put up with my share of crap, no doubt about it, and I'm definitely not rich. I do make a decent living, though, and I know that I'm good at what I do. Kids leave my class better than when they come in, whether they want to or not. My program benefits the kids, the school, and the community. Personally, I'm smarter, tougher, and prouder because I've wrestled success from the jaws of stupidity. There are plenty of things that I wish would improve, but I don't regret my decision in any way.

Sadly, I see all paras highly underpaid and overworked! I depend on my paras especially because I’ve been badly injured from a student jumping my back daily several times a day with the illustrious vice principal coming in to play with him! After 1 school year, I resigned before Spring Break because they would take NO ownership in why I couldn’t hardly walk with one disc now sitting on another disc and shooting pain to my hip, knee, and down to my foot. Needless to say, I’ve hired a super attorney, and will be compensated highly for the hell i’m still living through in pain feeling like when I stand my back is going to snap in 1/2! That’s just the top of the iceberg with my injuries!
Did I want to go back to teaching? No, but it pays my bills! I’ve taught for over 38 years, and it’s all I pretty much know to do!
The politics involved in education have been around since the one room school houses, and that’s not going to change unless all of us get active in our unions, board meetings, and state politics- going to our representatives and senators. It takes ALL OF US, and we all know there’s strength in numbers! Do I have time for it? NO! I do it because the changes that have come about because of everyone’s involvement keeps me from working 2 jobs, being able to have social security taken out, and getting one class period per day for planning and duty free lunch! I can go on and on about the pros for belonging to a good strong union! Do your research- you get what you pay for- many won’t take your case if you end up needing their help!!! Be careful and talk with all union representatives! Good luck! My previous union did NOT do the job I was paying them for!

I can admit that being a teacher is not as fulfilling or meaningful as I had thought it would be. However, I don’t hate my job. It just doesn’t fill me with a sense of purpose.

Well, get out then. You need to have that self worth come from inside yourself. Do you think if the principal came by each day and gave you a pat on your butt, you’d feel fulfilled? Set specific goals you want your students to achieve. Celebrate along the way and you will no longer feel like a baby sitter! Promise!!!

Consider teaching at an international school, or a school with an international curriculum like IB. I teach English at a French school, where I am the only teacher that does not speak French. There are more and more international schools in America, as well as schools with IB programs.

It’s just going to get worse so. I’d see what the next year or two bring. I think the DOE cuts start in 2026. Most states do not have the funds to cover all of these cuts. It’s anyone’s guess what programs stay and what programs are cut in the different states.

I am sorry to hear your story. It can never be appropriate for a student to doing anything physical with a teacher, especially jumping on her back once let alone several times a day. Admin clearly did you wrong! No question! God Bless you for trying so hard and against all odds. Take care.

Blessings.