Introduction
This is the story of a teacher named Kha Chen, who, after three challenging years in the education system, decided to leave the profession. Her journey into teaching was marred by a multitude of challenges that eventually led her to make the difficult decision to quit. This narrative highlights the systemic issues she faced, the impact on her mental health, and the reasons behind her departure.
The Struggles of a New Teacher
Kha Chen began her teaching career in 2021, entering the profession with enthusiasm and a desire to make a difference. However, she was quickly confronted with the harsh realities of the job. One of the first things she was told as a new teacher was that many educators quit within the first five years. Despite this warning, she pushed forward, but her experience was overwhelming.
The workload was immense, and she constantly felt overworked and underpaid. This relentless pressure began to take a toll on her mental health. She described her first encounter with depression during this period, realizing the severity of her situation when she felt relieved after a car accident because it meant she didn’t have to go to work that day.
Mental Health and the Burden of Teaching
The demands of teaching became too much for Kha Chen to handle. She often found herself overwhelmed by the never-ending to-do lists and the constant need to meet deadlines. Despite being a hard worker, the sheer volume of tasks drained her energy and left her feeling anxious and exhausted.
The concept of maintaining boundaries and caring for one’s mental health was easy to talk about but difficult to implement in practice. When she attempted to prioritize her well-being, she faced judgment from others, who seemed to view her actions as a failure to meet the demands of the job.
Additional Responsibilities and Financial Strain
In addition to managing her own class, Kha Chen was frequently asked to cover classes for other teachers due to a shortage of substitutes. Although the school district offered a small compensation for this extra work, it was not nearly enough to justify the additional stress.
The financial aspect of teaching was another significant issue. Her first paycheck as a teacher, with a bachelor’s degree, was $2,300, which left her struggling to pay her bills after rent. She realized that for many teachers, surviving on this salary required either having a spouse who also worked or living with a roommate, a situation she found untenable.
Disrespect from Students and Lack of Consequences
One of the most disheartening aspects of teaching for Kha Chen was the disrespect she received from students. Throughout her three years in the profession, she was frequently insulted and called derogatory names, including being cursed at, called “fat,” and referred to as the “b-word.” This behavior was not limited to occasional outbursts but was a regular occurrence.
The lack of respect for authority among students was pervasive, and there were few meaningful consequences for their actions. When students were written up for misbehavior, they often did not care, knowing that the repercussions were minimal.
Toxic Positivity and the Denial of Reality
Kha Chen also encountered a phenomenon she referred to as “toxic positivity” among her colleagues. Many teachers appeared to be in denial about the challenges they faced, maintaining a facade of positivity despite the obvious issues. This attitude made it difficult for her to have honest conversations about the problems she was experiencing.
When she attempted to discuss her struggles, she was often met with resistance or was made to feel guilty for expressing negative feelings. This environment of denial and superficial positivity further isolated her and contributed to her decision to leave the profession.
The Issue of Cliques and Lack of Support
Another troubling aspect of her experience was the presence of cliques among the staff. She described the atmosphere in the school as reminiscent of high school, where teachers formed exclusive groups and often gossiped about others behind their backs.
This lack of camaraderie and support made it difficult for her to feel comfortable or secure in her work environment. Furthermore, the lack of support extended to the administration, which often resulted in a blame game where everyone pointed fingers at each other instead of addressing the underlying issues.
The Decision to Leave and the Future
After enduring these challenges for three years, Kha Chen made the difficult decision to leave teaching. Her decision was solidified after she was involved in a severe car accident. Despite the severity of the accident, she found herself relieved that she had a valid reason not to go to work.
This moment of clarity made her realize that the teaching environment was detrimental to her well-being and that it was time to move on. Although she is grateful for the skills she gained and the positive impact she had on some students, she acknowledges that staying in the profession was not sustainable for her mental and physical health.
Conclusion
Kha Chen’s story is a candid reflection of the challenges faced by many educators today. While she does not discourage others from pursuing a career in teaching, she emphasizes the importance of thoroughly researching the profession and being prepared for the realities of the job.
Her decision to leave teaching was not easy, but it was necessary for her well-being. Now, she looks forward to exploring new opportunities and sharing her experiences in future endeavors.
