I love teaching, but must admit this year has really taken a toll on me. I’m feeling really blah and not sure if I want to come back next year. I’ve taught for 24 years and I’m not sure I’ve ever felt this low. The year has been rough with COVID, but I’m also teaching 2 subjects, 3 grades and 4 levels in middle school. I am certified in math and teach 7th and 8th, but have plenty of hours of in English, so I got stuck with one section of 6th ELAR this year too. Overwhelmed! Anyone else?

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I would check with your union. I was doing that also, and then I found out that our contract only allows 2 different classes and if they want me to teach more, then they need my approval. I always said yes because I didn't know any better. Until, a coworker said no, and they didn't ask him again. So, the following year I said no, and it has made a difference.

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There’s nothing worse than administration who is not supportive, doesn’t care about the workload, and treat teachers like fifth class citizens.

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Same here. I teach 4 different classes a day in 5 different locations. I’m tired and worn out. Everyday a new struggle. I enjoyed reading this post. Helps to not feel all alone in this. My colleagues have there own room and teach the same subject all day. I’m wishing retirement and hate it. I loved my job once and want that to return.

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I thought I was the only one feeling this way. After 25 years, I am ready for a different path. I am totally burned out as a teacher during this pandemic.

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I’m 30 years in and feel the same way! I only have 18 years in TRS so I can’t afford to retire yet but believe me... I’m trying to think of alternatives. I am completely spent and am working non stop. I still love being with the kids but it’s the endless prep for in school and virtual students that’s killing me. I’m hoping virtual students will be forced to return to school soon!

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Got a new principal a couple of years ago who reminded us all to choose joy. It was our theme that year. We made signs of our own choice to remind us. I have to make a choice to find something to bring some joy to myself and my students. This year has been "Stronger Together." We are reminded to help each other and to seek help from colleagues. I still struggle at times, but try to remember these things. If you don't find the support there, I hope you find it somewhere.

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I hear you and understand. I have 4 preps (chemistry, physics, physical science and astronomy) at a rural high school. I agree completely. Feeling overwhelmed also. But I love my job and my students. They are what keeps me going. Small schools need good teachers. I feel like all I do is work. But it is getting more manageable each day. I hope you can stick it out as better days should be ahead. Now all I need is to think this myself

likefunny

Okay teaching English not tracing 🤣🙄😳

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I share your angst. This is year 36. I'm almost done with my dissertation, and not sure if another year will be beneficial. I switched grades this year and have never (physically) seen/met my students. It's kind of strange because I feel somewhat disconnected from them, almost as if they're not real, yet I know they are. We're being ordered back in a week but still won't see students until next month. I'm not certain if I will remain on staff until our June 15 end date. If summer school is mandated...I'll retire. That would be a sad ending to an absolutely fantastic career.

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I pivoted to teaching families ways to save money for college and retirement, pay less taxes, part-time, and I love it! It is amazing to be appreciated. Business is expanding and we are adding new people.

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I’m so grateful for my union! It is in our contact no more than 3 dif courses allowed... fight for reasonable contract!

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Be very thankful for GREAT union . My inion said there is nothing in our contract that says anything about how many dif classes you can tech. Basically said sorry and have a great year. Hybrid adds to the mess as setting up and cleaning before and after (cleaning) takes about 10 minutes. That is if all the technology goes as planned. I’m stressed just thinking about it. 🙁😩😫😖

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Everyone feels like this in some way. If adults are feeling this bad... think about the kids. They are really down right now and depending on US to be the light. We all need to look back at why we started. It was hopefully for one reason... the youth.

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That all sounds like too much. If I were in your shoes I'd look long and hard at trying to find a bigger school were you can have fewer preps and pad that retirement a few more years.
I'm at 16 yrs, had planned to retire at 25, but that is a long time from now.
Good luck to you.

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Started in teaching late, and a relentless commitment to saving.

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I understand. Last month especially tough for me.
I lost three loved ones. My job has grown increasingly demanding. I’ve been feeling burnt out since October.

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You are so close to retirement benefits. Try to hang on.

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Make some worthy fill in the blanks song lyrics. Play and have fun

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You can lose your license teaching outside of your field! Is this a charter or private school? We are overworked and underpaid. $15/ hr min wage will put people with much less education and degrees making as much, if not more than some teachers. They deserve $15 and we DESERVE and need to start DEMANDING MORE!

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I have 27 college hours in ELAR, which allows me to teach it. 😏 However, I purposely did not get certified in anything but math for a reason. 😉

Hang in there! I’m just trying to picture how sweet it will be when school goes back to normal. I have to believe it will. I’m many years in this profession, too. I can’t really start over doing anything else, so I’m holding out hope while taking care of myself as much as possible.

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For the last 10 years I've taught High School math...everything from Alg1, Geometry, Alg2, PreCal, AP Cal, AP Stats, QL, etc...Also, I've had sheltered ESL classes in many of those subjects. For the 2020-2021 year I was displaced. I found out 1 week before the contract date that I am teaching now at a middle school, grades 6-8. I am teaching EAST-Lab, Leadership, and Robotics, all new subjects, new grade level, new building...then there is the virtual thing. OMG, I am so worn out trying to figure out how a kid is going to build a robot they don't have possession of. Through no one's fault, I was out from Sept 15 to Jan 5 to have FIVE surgeries. I am so lost I don't know what to do. I am getting very depressed about the whole year. Things better turn upward soon!

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I’m so sorry. Hugs

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Sorry it take so much time and energy to prep during distance learning!!!

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I feel your pain - four levels three grades in my middle school. We are going back full time in a few weeks too!

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Wow. Get thru this year. You have got it tough
We are all burnt

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Agree. 💯

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This is my 24th and I'm teaching 4 different subjects of 8th grade general education and 4 subjects of high school self-contained special education. Because the 8th grade group of students includes IEPs, I am the gen ed teacher and intervention specialist which is more paperwork than I can ever manage. I just want to go back to my self-contained group of students again. Currently teaching all of those classes and writing 12 IEPs. Just trying to keep it together the rest of the school year. I feel your pain. Hopefully you find a light at the end of your tunnel. Hang in there!

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