It's gotten so bad in the US that some States are hiring teachers without qualifications. For folks who want to 'pay off their student loans' they can teach in undesirable districts. But of course, on the other side of the spectrum, there are AI schools, with no teachers but 'facilitators'.
I'm not sure societies, communities, you know people, understand what's happening here.
This is one of the reasons why I teach overseas, part-time. I've done full-time. I've also written a book about the dysfunction of a school. But these days, I've made my peace with the insanity. Of course, I have yet to go to work today... wink, wink.
Something similar is happening in the UK too from what I understand, in terms of unqualified teachers going into mainstream classes to plug teacher gaps. And I agree with you in that I don't think communities understand what is going on, or some of the impact.
Reading your message has reminded me of a conversation that I had with a student a few months ago when I was doing some supply work at a school. The student asked me how I got into teaching, and so I gave him a potted history. He then said 'Well, I'll need something to fall back on' if his other plans don't work out. Fair enough in some respects, but it also epitomised how the profession is seen in some ways. I am not criticising him at all, and I can hardly talk given that I have left teaching! But it did make me think about how the profession is seen, and how it might be valued.
And is your book about teaching published? I'd love to read it, if I can :)
There’s a lot to write about here, but yes, teaching is the only profession that’s not really considered a profession like being a lawyer or doctor. Burnout is real and, as you know, the #1 reason why folks leave.
You really nailed it with these lists, Sarah. Amazing what is the same the world over. There's not one I disagree with, but I think #10 on each list got me. I don't *wish* I was teaching right now, but I do think about it occasionally. I think it will always be, for me, a little murky because my exit from teaching happened during the pandemic and wasn't planned. That said, I definitely wouldn't be writing a novel right now if I hadn't left, and that feels more right than anything else at the moment.
That is wonderful to read that nothing feels more right than writing your novel right now :)
I am still not sure that teaching feels right, but it was interesting to 'listen' to how I felt when I saw the job advert. I did feel some excitement and a sense of 'I can do that', but I do worry that I would burnout again, and so I feel like a temporary is a good fit for now. Will see what comes of it (fingers-crossed!).
This is so interesting that you felt that way about the temporary role and applied! Can’t wait to hear more. I agree with so many points in your lists. I’ve had some lovely interactions with Y7 pupils today who were navigating exam week for the first time, but equally I deal with so much pointless bureaucracy! Part-time is definitely a good balance for me right now.
100% Sarah.
It's gotten so bad in the US that some States are hiring teachers without qualifications. For folks who want to 'pay off their student loans' they can teach in undesirable districts. But of course, on the other side of the spectrum, there are AI schools, with no teachers but 'facilitators'.
I'm not sure societies, communities, you know people, understand what's happening here.
This is one of the reasons why I teach overseas, part-time. I've done full-time. I've also written a book about the dysfunction of a school. But these days, I've made my peace with the insanity. Of course, I have yet to go to work today... wink, wink.
Something similar is happening in the UK too from what I understand, in terms of unqualified teachers going into mainstream classes to plug teacher gaps. And I agree with you in that I don't think communities understand what is going on, or some of the impact.
Reading your message has reminded me of a conversation that I had with a student a few months ago when I was doing some supply work at a school. The student asked me how I got into teaching, and so I gave him a potted history. He then said 'Well, I'll need something to fall back on' if his other plans don't work out. Fair enough in some respects, but it also epitomised how the profession is seen in some ways. I am not criticising him at all, and I can hardly talk given that I have left teaching! But it did make me think about how the profession is seen, and how it might be valued.
And is your book about teaching published? I'd love to read it, if I can :)
There’s a lot to write about here, but yes, teaching is the only profession that’s not really considered a profession like being a lawyer or doctor. Burnout is real and, as you know, the #1 reason why folks leave.
The book is about ten years old, so I want to do a post about it at some point. But in the meantime, the Amazon link is: https://www.amazon.com/missing-teacher-Lani-V-Cox/dp/1507524129 and the audio is avail on Gumroad: https://lanivcox.gumroad.com/
Feel no pressure to purchase. I can give you the audio for free, if you’d like. Just let me know. Cheers. xo
Thanks Lani! I have followed your link and seen it on Amazon but I do like an audio book. Got it on my saved list ☺️
You really nailed it with these lists, Sarah. Amazing what is the same the world over. There's not one I disagree with, but I think #10 on each list got me. I don't *wish* I was teaching right now, but I do think about it occasionally. I think it will always be, for me, a little murky because my exit from teaching happened during the pandemic and wasn't planned. That said, I definitely wouldn't be writing a novel right now if I hadn't left, and that feels more right than anything else at the moment.
That is wonderful to read that nothing feels more right than writing your novel right now :)
I am still not sure that teaching feels right, but it was interesting to 'listen' to how I felt when I saw the job advert. I did feel some excitement and a sense of 'I can do that', but I do worry that I would burnout again, and so I feel like a temporary is a good fit for now. Will see what comes of it (fingers-crossed!).
This is so interesting that you felt that way about the temporary role and applied! Can’t wait to hear more. I agree with so many points in your lists. I’ve had some lovely interactions with Y7 pupils today who were navigating exam week for the first time, but equally I deal with so much pointless bureaucracy! Part-time is definitely a good balance for me right now.
I agree, the interactions with the kids is one of the best things about the job (most of the time 😂).
I’d really like to find a part-time role, but they are really difficult to come by where I am and for my subject. Will let you know if I hear back 🤞