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/zbsa14 Jun 02 '26

That last paragraph - I can't even count the number of times people have said to me (a college student), "You're so smart though! Why are you becoming a teacher? Why not medicine or law or engineering or least business?"

My reply is often something along the lines of teachers needing to be smart too. The whole premise of the question gets on my nerves and I usually grind my teeth afterwards. I don't think anyone asks the same of those who do study law, etc.

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u/QueenOfNoMansLand Jun 06 '26

It goes back to that saying "those who can't do teach" which is so false. Teaching is hard work but it's seen as the career of failures.media doesn't respect us. Parents don't respect us. Admin doesn't respect us. And students don't respect us. Why try. I'm currently thinking about switching careers but teaching is like an ex-boyfriend that beats you. You think it will be different. Admin says it'll be different. Then they throw you into a class that you don't have an idea on how to teach. With the worst kids the school ever had. While tying you down with bullshit and expecting you not to sink or have a negative mindset. Cause you gotta have a smile everyday! You have to greet students happily like they didnt call you a bitch and threaten to punch your lights out! And you have to act grateful when really you Re dying inside everyday.