Second career ending

[Hindmost]

After a 12-hour day last week, it was not a good time to contemplate changing careers. But the time has come. After teaching seven years, I am not going back next fall. I have such ambivalent feelings about this decision knowing that I will regret leaving the classroom. It has been such a great experience working with a quality group of teachers and a fair number of quality students. But I am sooooooooo tired. The shortcomings have started to greatly outweigh the benefits.

I have to confess that Generation E is starting to get on my nerves too. The “E” stands for “entitled” or “excess esteem.” (You can add you own definition to the “E” however.) In the US, we seem to have worked on students’ self-esteem for so long, they don’t respect authority enough. I am also reminded about a conversation with Mrs. Beady I had back at Newtonmas, the kids today don’t seem to have a passion for learning. Obviously not all feel that way, but too many for me to handle at my advancing age.

I am in awe of teachers that could handle all the work for over 30 years while maintaining enthusiasm and quality teaching for so long—and I have seen a quite a few. Teaching is the best and worst job I have had. Good luck to those that continue to teach.

glenn

 

[196]

After a 12-hour day last week...

Those 12-hour days show your dedication. Have you considered "slacking off" to 10-hour days for a semester?

...kids today don’t seem to have a passion for learning

I'm just getting started with my second career - in teaching! It is a tough job.

I don't remember displaying my passion for learning when I was in school, but I do remember the teachers who inspired me - they were dedicated, and seemed to always be at school. They probably put in 12-hour days.

I hope you change your mind. I've seen teachers in other schools whose "prep" consisted of reading the textbook for ten minutes before class. We need more people like you around to light the spark in that one kid.

What do you teach?

 

[rebecca]

Man, I feel sorry for the kids who are going to miss out on having you as a teacher, but I'm glad you're moving onto something you'll like better. Something....closer to Boston, yes??

 

[Soapy Sam]

Out of curiosity- do you consider 12 hour days exceptional , or normal?

12 hour shifts are the norm in my line - and stuff generally runs over.

 

[rjh01]

What are you going to do with the rest of your working life?
Do you have another job lined up? Or even alternative career?
Have you discussed it with your friends and family? Do you have their support?
Have you thought about alternatives to changing careers?

 

[athon]

Out of curiosity- do you consider 12 hour days exceptional , or normal?

12 hour shifts are the norm in my line - and stuff generally runs over.

The problem with teaching, at least in my experience, is the nature of the majority of the work.

I might have 4 - 5 hours of contact time a day. That means about 5 hours where I am running a class of adolescents. It is seriously draining if you do it properly; you're engaged and having to perform several things at once. In non-contact time you're marking or supervising (again, mentally at 100%) or planning.

It's also emotionally draining. You're spending time playing a role. Ask any actor - playing somebody else (an authority figure + psychologist + security guard + lawyer + expert) and getting involved with the kid's lives while doing so takes so much energy.

I often pulled 10 hour shifts during my night shift days as a medical scientist. It was long and hard, but nowhere near as draining as those same sorts of days as a teacher.

Glen, I sympathise completely. If you're tired, it's because you've done the right thing and applied yourself. Kudos to you. The kids are going to miss out, unfortunately, and that's a sad thing. But I understand. Teachers last 30 years because often they resort to teaching those lessons which are 30 years old. 30 x 1 year of teaching, basically. Seeing them operate in the classroom, often you can see why they've lasted. They don't emotionally committ. The kids know it.

Hopefully you'll channel the energy into education in another form.

Thanks for the effort, mate.

Athon

 

[Jaggy Bunnet]

The problem with teaching, at least in my experience, is the nature of the majority of the work.

Can I echo this?

In my old job (professional services) I regularly worked long hours on projects to tight deadlines. 12 hour and longer days for extended periods of time were not unusual.

I also did some facilitation on training courses. Most of those started at 9 or 9:30 and finished by 6. The people attending them were generally very motivated to be there, very bright and very keen to participate. I still found it more tiring than doing a longer day at my normal job. What it would have been like with a mixed group of abilities and people who had little interest in learning I shudder to think.

 

[Alt+F4]

What grade do you teach? I have 13 years on the job, but I teach high school which is much, much better than K-8.

 

[Larry Barrieau]

Hi Glenn,

Thanks for teaching for the time you did. I know talking with you several times this past year I could sense the integrity that you brought to the job.

I agree with what you said about Generation E. Instead of treating them like they're kids with a job to do (learn!) we are told to treat them like they are little, very special, adults. It comes from the coddling, well intentioned, but non-parental parents, and from the Superintendents and other administrators who are afraid to confront the parents. These administrators are just covering their asses and taking the easy way out. They know very well what we should be doing in education but put it aside in order to stay out of conflict and keep their jobs.

Your choice will end up being the best one for you and Laura. I on the other hand rather enjoy traipsing to the principal's office every couple of weeks to explain why he got a nasty parental phone call about me.

This will be an interesting and odd group of kids to follow. I fear that it won't turn out very well.

Good luck to you guys!!!

 

[Hindmost]

Those 12-hour days show your dedication. Have you considered "slacking off" to 10-hour days for a semester?


I'm just getting started with my second career - in teaching! It is a tough job.

I don't remember displaying my passion for learning when I was in school, but I do remember the teachers who inspired me - they were dedicated, and seemed to always be at school. They probably put in 12-hour days.

I hope you change your mind. I've seen teachers in other schools whose "prep" consisted of reading the textbook for ten minutes before class. We need more people like you around to light the spark in that one kid.

What do you teach?

I really don't want to discourage you from teaching...it has been rewarding. It is a tough job however. When I switched from engineering to teaching, I knew it was going to be long hours and hard work since my wife was a teacher and I saw first hand what she had to do. I teach high school physics in a small school in Ct. It is a good job as far as quality of my classes and school environment.

My high school days were in the early 70s and it was a passionate time due to the war and social issues. I went into engineering because I loved math and physics...not because I thought I would get paid well. Students today are selecting majors based on how much money they think they can make or something they can do easily. Some students just want sports related careers..they think they can make it to ESPN. It could be my perspective, but I feel students are looking for easy majors that might pay off.

One of the major reasons I am leaving is so I can spend more time with my wife. I am tired of the passing in the living room while I head off to grade or prepare for the next day.

glenn--I should be grading labs instead of posting...

 

[Hindmost]

What grade do you teach? I have 13 years on the job, but I teach high school which is much, much better than K-8.

11-12th grade physics...A really good thing to teach, but I have to fight seniorities quite a bit. Especially during the last quarter.

glenn

 

[Hamradioguy]

Glenn, having chatted with you a bit I can only say students headed to 11th and 12th grade in your school will be the worse off for your leaving. Can't blame you. I saw much the same thing substitute teaching a bit recently, And a ham friend who taught high school electronics a few years ago also left for much the same reasons you listed. He was constantly called into the principal's office and told he was teaching too much math and making his exams too difficult. Of course the students in his electronics class-with a few exceptions- were the ones who couldn't make it in the academic, business or general curriculum. He refuesed to "dumb down" his classes and finally quit in frustration.

But do keep one foot in it- do some special presentations for a school assembly or serve as a mentor for some students whom you could help.

 

[Hindmost]

Out of curiosity- do you consider 12 hour days exceptional , or normal?

12 hour shifts are the norm in my line - and stuff generally runs over.

When I worked as a startup engineer, I worked a lot of hours 12, 16 hour days etc. But I could still leave the job at work.

Depending on the teacher, 12 hour days would be common. I rarely get a weekend or vacation period with nothing to grade or work on. But I knew this going in.

glenn

 

[Alt+F4]

11-12th grade physics...A really good thing to teach, but I have to fight seniorities quite a bit. Especially during the last quarter.

I also teach 11th & 12th graders (Social Studies) and my motto is "11th & 12th grade is optional". I'm constantly reminding them that this is school, not prison, so if you're so unhappy.....just leave. Most of the time this reverse psychology works.

 

[Hindmost]

The problem with teaching, at least in my experience, is the nature of the majority of the work.

I might have 4 - 5 hours of contact time a day. That means about 5 hours where I am running a class of adolescents. It is seriously draining if you do it properly; you're engaged and having to perform several things at once. In non-contact time you're marking or supervising (again, mentally at 100%) or planning.

It's also emotionally draining. You're spending time playing a role. Ask any actor - playing somebody else (an authority figure + psychologist + security guard + lawyer + expert) and getting involved with the kid's lives while doing so takes so much energy.

I often pulled 10 hour shifts during my night shift days as a medical scientist. It was long and hard, but nowhere near as draining as those same sorts of days as a teacher.

Glen, I sympathise completely. If you're tired, it's because you've done the right thing and applied yourself. Kudos to you. The kids are going to miss out, unfortunately, and that's a sad thing. But I understand. Teachers last 30 years because often they resort to teaching those lessons which are 30 years old. 30 x 1 year of teaching, basically. Seeing them operate in the classroom, often you can see why they've lasted. They don't emotionally committ. The kids know it.

Hopefully you'll channel the energy into education in another form.

Thanks for the effort, mate.

Athon

I still do love teaching...seeing student grasp Einstein's theories is just gold. Right now, I don't know what I am going to do...but I am going to take some time off --read a book or two and then figure out what comes next.

Too true: Kids can tell if a teacher is just passing time or is really into what they teach. Cynicism can creep into a teacher too fast. I have to quit before it gets me.

I hope it will toughen the kids up seeing a new teacher...understand that transitions are part of life.

glenn

 

[Hindmost]

Hi Glenn,

Thanks for teaching for the time you did. I know talking with you several times this past year I could sense the integrity that you brought to the job.

I agree with what you said about Generation E. Instead of treating them like they're kids with a job to do (learn!) we are told to treat them like they are little, very special, adults. It comes from the coddling, well intentioned, but non-parental parents, and from the Superintendents and other administrators who are afraid to confront the parents. These administrators are just covering their asses and taking the easy way out. They know very well what we should be doing in education but put it aside in order to stay out of conflict and keep their jobs.

Your choice will end up being the best one for you and Laura. I on the other hand rather enjoy traipsing to the principal's office every couple of weeks to explain why he got a nasty parental phone call about me.

This will be an interesting and odd group of kids to follow. I fear that it won't turn out very well.

Good luck to you guys!!!

I may have time to learn some blacksmithing soon Right now, I am going to be a kept man as Laura is going to support me. (but I have to cook and clean).

The situation seems the same everywhere...adiministrators afraid of parents. With the kids, I think we need to go back to "fear and guilt." I am worried that the next generation won't take responsibility well since they haven't really had to do so now. I have a lot of students that are going to do fine, however, too many feel the entitlement. (I asked a group of ninth graders if they had cell phones...almost all raised their hands. I then asked how they could afford the bill each month...snickers ensued.) I am glad you still enjoy the sojourn.

On the other hand, I can bring my potato cannon and tennis ball cannon to the next meeting in the woods.

glenn

 

[Hindmost]

What are you going to do with the rest of your working life?

I have to do something...don't want to talk in the past tense for ever.

Do you have another job lined up? Or even alternative career?

not this time.

Have you discussed it with your friends and family? Do you have their support?

Just my wife...she is all that matters and she supports me.

Have you thought about alternatives to changing careers?

Not yet. I have some time to think now.

glenn

 

[Hindmost]

Glenn, having chatted with you a bit I can only say students headed to 11th and 12th grade in your school will be the worse off for your leaving. Can't blame you. I saw much the same thing substitute teaching a bit recently, And a ham friend who taught high school electronics a few years ago also left for much the same reasons you listed. He was constantly called into the principal's office and told he was teaching too much math and making his exams too difficult. Of course the students in his electronics class-with a few exceptions- were the ones who couldn't make it in the academic, business or general curriculum. He refuesed to "dumb down" his classes and finally quit in frustration.

But do keep one foot in it- do some special presentations for a school assembly or serve as a mentor for some students whom you could help.

I am still ambivalent about quitting as teaching has been fun. Fortunately, I have always gotten support from the principal. I have refused to dumb-down my classes, but I have not been asked. My students drag their tails coming out of my tests. Hard but fair and definitely challenging. It is really too easy to tell when students don't study. Math skills are always part of my exams and homework. I have students tell me the math in my class is harder than their math class. I typically give a big "soooooooooo what's your point?" type of answer.

glenn

 

[Hindmost]

Man, I feel sorry for the kids who are going to miss out on having you as a teacher, but I'm glad you're moving onto something you'll like better. Something....closer to Boston, yes??

Hmmmmmmmm. Closer to Boston...maybe...right now, we are going to just do nothing--except I might paint the inside of the house. LJ is going to support the family and I will rest for a few months before we put a plan into action.

glenn

 

[Hindmost]

I also teach 11th & 12th graders (Social Studies) and my motto is "11th & 12th grade is optional". I'm constantly reminding them that this is school, not prison, so if you're so unhappy.....just leave. Most of the time this reverse psychology works.

I tell my students on the first day of class that physics is going to be one of the toughest classes they will take in HS. And I won't give them a day off and I don't get sick, so I will be in every day. A few students drop the class immediately.

glenn