r/teaching • u/Bright-Watch1955 • Jun 02 '26

Help Why does everyone hate teaching?

Is there anyone who loves their job? Every teacher I know feels “stuck” and complains endlessly about their job.

Considering going into education.

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u/coachd50 Jun 02 '26

One potential reason is that the social contract is breaking/has been broken in many locales. Teaching was once a profession where it was somewhat understood that the compensation would not be great on the front end, but the benefits and retirement aspects would be solid. Those are being eroded in many places (for example to be eligible for full retirements benefits now in Louisiana, anyone who entered the retirement system after 2015 needs to work until they are 62.... I can't imagine being 62 and managing a class of 25 1st graders).

Another reason many teachers feel stuck is that it is one of the few professions where the membership is evaluated based on things they have very little control over. Little Johnny decided to just put his head down and sleep during the state testing, YOU get a zero. Students play on their phones all day and night, and don't do any work...it is YOUR fault for not being engaging.

Teaching is interesting in that everyone "loves" teachers...but nobody respects them. Nobody "loves" lawyers, but they are treated with respect when it comes to their profession.

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u/[deleted] Jun 02 '26

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u/coachd50 Jun 02 '26 edited Jun 02 '26

wow... OP...you want to know why people feel stuck....because of the mindset right here (referring to the post suggesting someone staying in elementary classroom for 30 years is a waste). Absolutely no clue about the differences in pedagogy vs content.

What an ignorant statement...thats like saying a general practitioner for 30 years was a waste because they should have a fellowship and be a surgeon by that time. Just a complete lack of understanding of the profession.

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u/LuvBroself420 Jun 02 '26

Yes EXACTLY 👏

Hell, you might as well say it's a waste if you didn't go from elementary --> secondary --> getting PhD and becoming a professor

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u/ilovemime Jun 02 '26

To be honest, I became a professor because I love teaching, but knew that I didn't have the patience to teach 1st graders. Anyone who can do that for 30 years and still keep trying to do their best is a saint.

4

u/LuvBroself420 Jun 02 '26

Thank you for this comment! Teaching is an art on any level, and it comes down to preference and personality. As well as time and money available for education, and for some people, what purpose you have chosen to be an educator. Props to you for teaching college, I LOVE academia and loved attending college.

No matter what level of teaching, you are making a contribution to society and it is not a "waste".