Before You Go
Welcome to The Great Teacher Exodus.
All across the country, teachers are leaving education. Year after year, more and more teachers are putting down their pencils, jumping career paths, and seeking peace and freedom.
I understand why.
The increasing fear after each shooting.
The pure burnout after years of giving and pouring.
The open doors and opportunities that are awaiting your arrival.
There’s no shortage of reasons to leave education.
In fact, the cons may outweigh the pros at this point.
However, I want to encourage you before you go.
Keep your eyes on the impact.
Remember your why!
*Insert eye roll*
I think teachers get tired of hearing this phrase, because they think it means, “Ignore the other issues and just look at the impact.” That is not what I mean. I mean think about what got you started. Think about what makes your heart soar. Think about what stirs you and fires you up.
Why do I teach?
Because I love the next generation.
Because I want to leave the education system better than I found it.
Because I believe high schoolers have potential that needs to be pulled to the surface.
Because I want my son (currently two years old) to live in a world of purpose and passion.
That all happens in the classroom.
The classroom is where purpose is found and passion is birthed.
The classroom is where leaders are formed and learning occurs.
The classroom is where character is modeled and molded.
Sounds like a dream, but it’s one that I strive to bring to reality.
I’ll never forget something a seasoned teacher told me during my first semester of teaching. While the department gathered for lunch and shared ideas, she told me, “You’re all bright-eyed and bushy tailed now, but don’t worry, that will fade.”
I may not be as eager as when I stated, but my desire to influence and impact students remains the same.
I was made to do this. It’s an honor to do this. I get to do this.
2. Keep your influences positive.
That positive perspective fades quickly in a negative environment.
We tell our students to check their circles. How are ours?
We have to be careful of the words we speak…and listen to.
Teachers love to talk, but sometimes we forget the power of our words. Proverbs urges us to use our words wisely so that we bring life, build up, and bear our burdens well. What you listen to will quickly become what you look for. What you hear will echo in your head.
The company we keep and the words we speak direct our minds and lives.
The way we speak about our job (and everything else) becomes all that we see.
Speak negatively and we will eventually only see negatively.
Speak truth positively and we will see clearly.
This won’t alleviate you of all issues immediately, but it will help you see accurately, think clearly, and take wise action. Check your circle. Check the content of your conversations.
I want to be around the people echoing, I’m called to. I’m honored to. I want to.
3. Keep addressing the issue(s).
The list of issues in education goes on…and on.
Pick a hill to retire on. Then, work to resolve it, not just rant about it.
Maybe standardized testing is your arch nemesis. Research. Find solutions. Speak up.
Maybe you believe in the flipped classroom. Implement it. Stand by it. Share it.
Maybe you feel every student needs flexible seating at times. Rally behind it.
Find the cause that will keep you moving forward and work to create solutions.
I believe strongly that every kid has unlocked potential that needs to be pulled from within them.
I set aside class time to reflect, set goals, evaluate performances, and look forward.
I spent extra time researching colleges and careers specific to students.
I am driven by driving students forward into their full potential.
What drives you? What fires you up? What stirs your teacher heart?
Each day you can remember, I am making a difference.
4. Keep your identity firmly planted.
During the first week of school, I asked my freshman classes, What makes you you?
They were not allowed to give me answers based on relationships, extracurriculars, positions, or titles, forcing them to go beyond a temporary sense of self. Try answering it for yourself.
I explained the benefits of developing a healthy identity:
They would face each day without deep insecurity and fear of rejection.
They would be more able to stand firm after failure and move forward.
They wouldn’t seek validation and value from peers or social media.
They wouldn’t mold to the pressure and persuasion from others.
Isn’t this true for us, too?
We have to know the root of who we are so that we can withstand the weeds of teaching.
Because I know who I am, I can handle the data meetings, evaluations, and opinions.
Because I know who I am, I continue to teach with integrity and all of my heart.
Because I know who I am, I face failure and work to find solutions.
Because I know who I am, I can filter advice and move forward.
Because I know who I am, I go to work each day with purpose and passion.
I am a good teacher.
I get to teach.
I want to teach.
I am making a difference.
