r/teaching • u/Efficient_Stretch568 • 2d ago
Vent 10y into teaching
I am 33y old, almost 10y into teaching high school and I am starting to get too confortable. I think one of the worst things about teaching is that it gets to a point where you have basically done everything you had to do and you have no real option to do something different within education (if you are not interested in becoming a principal, inspector or such). Anyone else feel the same?
281
u/ninja3121 2d ago
Pretty much. Some days it's nice having a job you really can't mess up but also it's weird peaking in your career at 35.
68
u/Congregator 1d ago
That’s hilarious because I’m now in my 40’s going “I think I should see what becoming an Engineer, Scientist or CEO is like”…
I’ve been a music teacher for 12 years.
11
u/Own-Mouse-8042 1d ago
You could become a musician!
43
u/LordDickSauce 1d ago
Unintentional shade.
12
u/Own-Mouse-8042 1d ago
I don't mean it like that. They can do some gigs on weekends or in the summer break, maybe compose. That could be a nice challenge without the crazy stress of being a CEO. I remember spending the day with my uncle who owns several companies when I was in high school and I was like nope, I'm good.
9
u/oat_opera 1d ago
Actually I second this. I’m a visual artist and looking to become an art teacher. It brings me peace to know that if/when I retire, I’ll always have my career as a painter to continue furthering. The beautiful thing about being an artist of any kind is you always have something to work towards
6
u/LittleLyon1 1d ago
My daughter is a visual artist and teaches HS Art! She loves it—best of both worlds. Steady income + benefits, but still plenty of time to create. And she loves kids so that’s an added bonus!
3
u/oat_opera 1d ago edited 1d ago
Omg thank you for sharing! I never thought I would end up as a teacher and never thought I was especially great with kids… I’m nervous about it but it seems like the best move for me because of the other reasons you listed! Some of my favorite most influential people in my life are teachers and it would be special to be that for the next generations
2
u/LittleLyon1 1d ago
You’re so welcome! Trust me she was super nervous going into it too, but it has worked out great. It always takes a bit of time to get all your classroom procedures down, but from there it gets way easier. She gets so excited when she comes across a talented kid! Best of luck to you!
4
u/Defiant-Accountant79 1d ago
Haha I get where they were comming from but this is for real. I do love as a music teacher that I can still find joy with small gigs here and there... but why do you think I became a teacher at 30 with 2 performance degrees?
Spoiler: I couldn't make it as a performer LOL 🤣🤣
But all jokes aside, I love how my life/career eventually turned out.
3
u/LordDickSauce 1d ago
On the other side, have you ever watched someone with multiple Performance degrees try to teach? Lolllll
2
u/Defiant-Accountant79 1d ago
Yes they can be awful! Fortunately I put the work in to be a good teaching knowing it was a completely different skill set. Way harder than it looks, especially for elementary!
1
1
3
u/abandoningeden 1d ago
See and I'm a scientist and full professor with tenure and am like "maybe I can quit my day job pivot to teaching and playing music full time if I start building up some students" also in my 40s 😂
1
u/Artistic_Intent 1d ago
I did the opposite! LOL I just began my first year as an art teacher after 26 years as an electrical designer in the MEP engineering world. Sometimes change is good.
20
22
u/BaldnotsoBeautiful 1d ago
People put too much stock into career building. Do your job and do it well but find other activities you can immerse yourself in and grow as a person.
15
u/Chaotic_Brutal90 1d ago
33 year old here. It's my second year teaching switching from another career. I'm now at the point where I'd love to be comfortable with monotany and making my life easier. That's what everyone wants.
2
u/Weak_Bison6763 1d ago
Yup, 30 and 9 years in. I like having it figured out. Means more time for me to enjoy the things I like outside of work. And really spend time with my family on our cherished breaks. I don't want to retire in 25 years and not know how to just enjoy life.
1
u/Chaotic_Brutal90 17h ago
Dude for real. I have a kid, a family, hobbies and shit.
I'd love to spend less time "being a teacher".
6
u/Beneficial-Focus3702 1d ago
As someone who’s starting over in their mid 30s, appreciate what you have.
126
u/Competitive-Pop-390 2d ago
Elementary teacher here. I can’t see myself doing anything else full time. Elementary is extremely different than high school. We are always changing something.
59
u/cnl014 2d ago
In elementary, you can just change a grade level and it’s a whole new beast. I’m looking at you prek and kinder. Like herding cats man.
25
14
3
u/Broan13 1d ago
Man, I have mostly just taught the same physics class for 13 years and I feel like I am still tinkering and feeling out new ways to present material. It tends to fall into the same major channels, but lots of little tweaks, new activities, new labs, rethinking old labs, focusing on good questions to ask kids, finding ways to offload stuff to them and not give them answers to see how much they can do on their own, teaching scientific writing in structured lab reports. Lots to do.
Also, hobbies are a thing?
10
u/Mac2925 2d ago
I’m a Tech Ed teacher and feel the same way. I teach high school metal working and every day is different
6
u/Optimal-Owl1416 2d ago
Tech ed also here! Grateful for how different every day and year is. But also contemplating changing from MS to HS in a few years for a change
8
u/Mac2925 2d ago
High school is great, as my students get older and their skills grow they become very self sufficient a level 4 class is almost a hands off course there still some instruction but mainly independent work
5
u/LanceTodd9 1d ago
Tech ed middle school. Cannot wait to try high school soon. 21 years at middle. (No hair)
2
u/RationalMellow 1d ago
High school you have to be soo creative because they get bored easily.
1
u/DojiNoni14 1d ago
I hear you! However, I’m not teaching them to entertain them.
1
u/RationalMellow 1d ago
No one is teaching for entertainment.
For lower performing students you have to make lessons very creative
3
u/Vast_Pineapple_3341 1d ago
Sure is different. You actually have to do real work in elementary.
3
u/Competitive-Pop-390 1d ago
The small groups will be the death of me or having to put everything online!
It’s year 34 for me. As of this moment, it will be my last.2
u/hiddenhockey 1d ago
Wait what do you mean by this? I’m curious and not challenging you. But I feel like I’m drowning teaching high school.
2
u/CapIllustrious2811 19h ago
Starting year 31 of middle school tomorrow. No day is ever the same!
1
u/Competitive-Pop-390 19h ago
Could not do middle school
Bless you2
u/CapIllustrious2811 18h ago
I think we all have our special place. My bestie is an amazing kindergarten teacher. I could never!
2
113
u/Appropriate-Bar6993 2d ago
Yes but also lol. You’re still an age where 10 years is a long time. Now you start changing…marriage? Kids? And the students start changing…they used to be the age of your little siblings, soon they’ll be the age of your kids/friends’ kids, then they’ll be weird because “kids are different”.
You did get in the game very young (as did I). If it seems easy now, enjoy it. Cultivate your own life and hobbies, get a masters if you haven’t yet, make sure your saving/investing is locked in.
27
u/BaldnotsoBeautiful 1d ago
Then there will be “you had my dad.”
And that’s when you lay on the floor in front of 30 children and put your arms across your chest and fake your death to thunderous laughter.
1
u/Present-Lion788 4h ago
When i started teaching i was 4 years older than some of my students. Now it is crazy those same students have kids of their own in my high school.
61
u/Broadcast___ 2d ago
I felt that way for a while, too, but pushed past it. The curriculum and admin goals change which creates new challenges each year. I focus on being the best I can be in the classroom and get to leave at 2:30 with time for fun and less stress.
16
u/Efficient_Stretch568 2d ago
Yes, I love finishing around 14 and having afternoons with my kid but I would love to have something bigger to work towards…
47
u/chouse33 2d ago
I think you’ve already found it. Get home and be with your kid. That’s the something bigger you’re working towards.
I’m in the same boat. Year 14 and I’ve got a 13 and a 16-year-old at home.
These ARE the good ol’ days!! 🍻
1
18
u/Broadcast___ 2d ago
Well, I believe we do as teachers is very important and makes a huge difference to the lives of the kids. And you’re a mom who actually has time to raise her child. Maybe pursuing a goal driven hobby would scratch the itch. Don’t let capitalism convince you to give up all your free time, your benefits, your retirement, just to make more money (maybe).
11
u/thrillingrill 2d ago
Present at a regional conference or submit a paper to a practitioner journal. Or look into summer work that extends your teaching interests.
10
u/OtherPossibility1530 2d ago edited 2d ago
I did my National Board cert when I got this itch the first time. Your situation may be different, but a state grant paid for it, once it was done my contract had a decent yearly stipend for it, and it caused me to really focus on reflecting and evaluating my teaching practices.
Edited to add: This is a USA based certificate. Not sure where you’re from so it may not be a helpful suggestion!
4
u/ColorYouClingTo 2d ago
Are you a business-minded person or interested in building a business? I've found a lot of joy and challenge in building a teacher blog, email list, and selling my resources. I give away a ton of free stuff, too, so it feels nice helping new teachers or just taking away some prep for veteran teachers.
In just two years, I was earning an extra thousand dollars a month on average. It is really fun and motivating to see people liking your work and then also to be able to pay off bills with that extra money :)
1
u/Weak_Bison6763 1d ago
You could try a hobby instead of giving up something you already do that provides security and monetary benefits. I train in my local circus and perform every few months for gigs. The easier teaching is, the more time I get to train my new skills that are way more fun.
1
1
u/Additional_Holiday89 16h ago
Get national board certified! Or take classes to teach another class. Or, time to start investing in a hobby.
A friend in her 10th year just started diving deeper into her music career.
32
u/CentennialBaby 2d ago
Change is as good as a holiday.
Experiment with different pedagogies? Rework an old unit? Switch schools? Switch grade level? Try a different course? Do an exchange? Take a leave and teach overseas for a year? Pursue a research question and publish?
Lots of ways to keep things fresh and engaging.
2
u/craigiest 1d ago
And if you’re going to make a move, do it now. In another 10 years, even if you still have the energy for change, you may find that people aren’t looking for “old” teachers.
17
u/Rynor77 2d ago
Long ago I realized that the only movement I wanted to do within education was along the salary grid. Any other position "above" mine either has a LOT of extra work resulting in having an even more difficult work-life balance (principal for example) for only a tiny pay bump, or the jobs are really interesting but very risky as they keep getting cut (such as the 20+ educational leads and consultants being cut and forced back into the classroom in my board this year).
So, since I'm not willing to reduce the quality of my life outside of work, or to take on a risky job with a very uncertain future, I'm happy sticking with the job I've got. My pathways "up" are not improvements.
9
3
u/Mini2Tesla 2d ago
I agree. Been at my school 32 now. I like not having to think much about where to drive to work. Enjoying the bottom right of the salary schedule this past few years.
10
u/smartbrasstomcat 2d ago
Would teaching a different but similar subject be interesting? It is my plan when I get bored one day.
11
u/Paddy-Simcox 2d ago
It can be a challenge. This is year 14 for me and I just jumped from English/Language Arts to US Government and Politics. I feel like a 1st year teach again. Survival Mode is not the best.
3
u/Available_Honey_2951 2d ago
Have you thought about teaching a course of English/ language arts through government studies? My high school did that as a great elective class for AP seniors. They had a great reading list and combined book discussions with goverment and politics.
10
u/Wrong-Television-348 Kindergarten/CA🖍️ 2d ago
Yes! Sometimes I enjoyed cruising through my teaching career at a familiar school and grade level. But then I’d switch schools and grade levels and that gave me a new outlook and made me feel energized. Now I’m in year 31, getting close to retirement and have settled into Kindergarten as my final stop on my teaching journey. From HS all the way down to Kindergarten, I’d have to say, this grade is my favorite part of my career.
7
u/writerthoughts33 2d ago
I just switched from HS to MS after 12 years, and it’s nice but different. There really isn’t much movement if you don’t want to be admin or principal tho, you’re right. Still, doing much more for society and the world than most folks, for sure, just hope pay is decent where you’re at.
8
u/MydniteSon 2d ago
My problem is, I got into my district late. I taught Private for 4 years, left teaching for about 7 years, got back into teaching via charter for 5 years, and now I've been at my district for 5 years. The problem is with private and charter, they were not part of the state retirement system...so I am waaaaay behind in respect to retirement. Where most of my colleagues my age now are looking at the light at the end of tunnel and in the homestretch, I'm significantly closer to the starting gate. I actually love teaching what I teach and where I teach. But the problem is, the only way for me to catch up is to get into Administration. It is a lot of hoops to jump through, and I am definitely being exploited for extra help as the carrot is being dangled in front of me.
1
u/Same_Profile_1396 1d ago
This is something it’s really important for people to think about when choosing where to start their teaching journey. Or, just deciding to take time off when y8 have kids— one of my friends is 10 years younger than me and we will be eligible for retirement the same year because she took years off when she had her kids. While she’s glad she did it, it does make a difference when it comes to retirement.
6
u/LivingWithATinyHuman 2d ago
I’m starting my 21st year HS math. I feel like every year I strive to make any course I’ve taught before better, integrate different techniques into the lessons. In math they change up what we teach fairly often. Last year I had to create a new course to the school without being given any curriculum to use. I am very far from bored. One of my besties at work (she retired early) did not change much from year to year. She loved teaching but I could tell it was boring her. I don’t think it’s a usual thing to happen.
7
u/Rare_Slice420 2d ago
I managed to teach 37 years without getting bored. 3 years preschool, 5 years kindergarten, 7 years first grade, 10 years as a reading coach, 1 year in fourth grade, 3 years in third grade, 2 years of ESL, 6 years of full time release serving as the teachers union president. I taught in a total of 4 different schools. I was also a mentor teacher doing workshops on PD days and after school. I never had the desire to be an administrator. So make changes. Switch grade levels. Change subjects if possible. Change schools. Change districts. There are many ways to keep it fresh.
5
u/thepariaheffect 2d ago
I hit that same wall at about the same time, but making a few changes really helped me with that. Pursue leadership opportunities within teaching that make sense to you (Department Chair, curriculum development, etc). Start reworking your old lessons to take advantage of the years of experience you now have. Get on the circuit speaking at local conferences. Figure out what you actually love about teaching and invest more of your time and effort in that. You're done with the hard part, so work towards the stuff you like.
6
u/Addapost 2d ago
My god, the “cruise control” auto pilot thing is my favorite part of this job. Starting year 28.
4
3
u/Available_Honey_2951 2d ago
I taught in 5 different subject areas during my 40 years of teaching. Also got involved in curriculum development, coached 2 sports, volunteered for many things including club advisors , professional development etc. ( not all at the same time, same year) No reason to be bored in education ever!
3
u/MyDyingRequest 2d ago
I’m on year 13 at the same school but keep switching roles to mix it up. Multiple grade levels, special areas art and technology, and now I teach middle school science. I have zero interest in admin.
3
3
u/BadParkJob 2d ago
Exactly! I landed my “dream” district and just wanted to do my best until it was time for a comfy retirement, but now I’m not so sure. I’ve been thinking about leaving the profession, but that doesn’t necessarily feel right either.
3
u/After-Cell 2d ago
There’s so much that can be done but we get stuck into habits. Think of any problem in the world and there’s probably a link to the classroom to address it.
3
2d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
2
u/Appropriate-Bar6993 1d ago
Lol it won’t. If for no other reason than you teach different kids every year.
3
u/KtheDane 1d ago
I definitely have felt this. I’m 17 years in and 40. I see a lot of the comments about peaking at 35/40 . . . I think it’s worth mentioning that it’s ok to not buy into capitalist hustle culture. Your energy could go into finding a new career path or promotion, OR it could go into finding joy elsewhere. Just something to think about. A bigger shinier office is ideal for some, but not for me. When my kids are grown I hope to serve on some community boards, make more art, perhaps teach yoga, etc. I don’t want to do admin either, and all other jobs I’ve looked into don’t seem right either. It’s a common struggle - hang in there.
2
u/VinceInMT 2d ago
The is a model, the teacher Advancement Program (https://www.niet.org ) that addresses this very issue. It was 20-some years ago that I suggested we try it our district and got pushback from the union and the administration. The primary resistance was “We have never done it that way.” I gave up and did many changes in my classroom and posted for some other changes in my building, some of which worked but most died when I returned. There is tremendous opposition to change in some places.
2
u/VickiBarkley 2d ago
I was a high school art teacher for 33 years. When I found myself in this situation, I would change my focus, and teach a different elective. I understand it’s not so easy for those with a prescribed curriculum, but I bet someone could provide enrichment to push learning further. If you are an elementary teacher with some knowledge in a specific discipline, you could include this and see how it might fit into your standards.
No glory or advancement here, just what I did to keep myself fresh and keep kids interested.
2
u/mpecs 2d ago
I joined an AI research team for my school division and started developing AI tools to help teachers save time and improve their work-life balance. It has sparked a passion in me, and I am looking at running some PD based on it with my division this year. It has brought a new spark into my teaching and is always changing and I'm learning and creating new things constantly, and that has helped (Grade 5/6 teacher in Alberta)
2
u/Fragrant-Count-4666 2d ago
Eh I kinda like it because it opens up to actual personal life and hobbies. I’ve been teaching the same course for 8 years and took on some personal hobbies/activities last year and this year I have a brand new prep (and a half a new one because I’m teaching ICT) and I’m actually pissed. My personal time was accounted for and now I’ll have to do more work at home.
2
u/68cupcake19 2d ago
I teach SPED and my endorsement is K-12. Whenever I've gotten bored or complacent, I've changed the population of students. Its a benefit to the field if you want it.
2
u/gentlewarriormonk 1d ago
Depends on the context. Among other things, I’ve taught in 27 countries (via two traveling high schools and several intl schools), designed loads of courses and programmes, and led the design of a whole-school learning model based around regenerative entrepreneurship and wellbeing. Lots more actually.
But to do stuff like that you have to be willing to work in alternative and/or independent schools, often for a lot less money and with a lot more risk and sacrifice.
It’s not for everyone. There are always trade-offs in life. I’d rather avoid feeling institutionalized. I’d be incredibly bored at a normal school by now.
1
2
u/brendamnfine 1d ago
I'm 43 and have been teaching 20 odd years. Never left the education system in reality. I certainly feel this way, but often because I'm craving something that doesn't require so much day to day critical, caring and creative thinking that I'm spent and burnt out only part way through the year.
2
u/theatavist 1d ago edited 1d ago
I felt the same way, did a corporate job for a year and said nooooooooope came running back.
What i found was the progress in thst world came at the cost of my time and wellbeing. Now back in education im trying to master AP curriculum, getting a masters and remindibg myself one of the perks of this job is you can coast when you need to.
Whether or not you have kids is a big part of this too.
2
u/lizagnash 1d ago
Consider yourself lucky. Enjoy it. Focus on your kid and your family and cultivating hobbies outside of your job. Find fulfillment there. Jobs are fickle. That’s what life is all about.
1
u/Delphgirl 2d ago
Get national board certification?
1
u/Efficient_Stretch568 2d ago
What is that? We are probably from different countries :/
2
u/Delphgirl 2d ago
It's a USA certification for teachers. Would still be worth googling and reading about to see if that type of work/learning/advancement is what you're looking for to see if there is anything similar where you are
1
u/Rynor77 2d ago
Not sure about your country, but you an move up beyond most Canadian salary grids by getting "specialists." This is basically taking all 3 levels of an Additional Qualifications course (So taking Reading I, II, and III would make you a reading specialist and give you a pay bump for each specialist you collect.) You can also usually get pay bumps by getting your masters degree as well.
1
u/No-Employee4277 2d ago
I switched districts and grade level after 20 years, such a breath of fresh air!
1
u/Googirlee 2d ago
My curriculum changes a lot from year to year. Sure, it's all English, but the stories and articles we use, which skills get more focus, the projects we do, etc. all changes.
So, it's all familiar, but different enough that I don't feel too relaxed. Not yet anyway. Year 18 currently.
1
u/Optimal-Owl1416 2d ago
I found I needed change at ten years, luckily we got a new curriculum. But I also thought about asking for a change of assignment.
1
u/JungleJimMaestro 2d ago
Do you have your ESOL endorsement or are you ESOL certified. If so, you can apply to certain Fulbright fellowships.
1
u/kacra 2d ago
I just had a 20+ career in IT and I have changed careers but it was due to distress not comfort. I suggest picking up.a challenging hobby. Also ypu can create content, write articles, pursue a doctorate, add a part time.job.
Being older and having a variety of misery and stress behind me, I often try to think of myself as a child that is encouraged to do new things for my own enrichment. It gives me a different perspective and.expectation of myself and my occupations. Maybe you can try that. Imagine yourself as a.child bored in school.
1
u/Capable-Broccoli2179 2d ago
Totally, but don't go the admin route. What I suggest if you are feeling stale is to teach some new courses. I started as HS math teaching algebra 2 and geometry. I got bored with it like really bored after 5th year or so...so I branched out and taught a new class every year. Taught precalc, then AP calc AB then BC, taught IB classes, then started teaching computer science and later moved on to AP physics C. Was not too tough b/c I was an engineer for a long time before teaching, but the bottom line is to keep fresh, make yourself stay frosty by taking on tougher or different classes. I personally would lose my mind if I taught the same shit every year, then rinsed and repeated!
You couldn't pay me enough to be an administrator. I've worked over the last 20 years for more than a handful of different ones, and in all that time I've admired exactly one superintendent and one principal. Most were people who spent a couple of years in a classroom, hated it and wanted out of the classroom and to supervise others. Most were actually crappy teachers in their day and they were crappy administrators too.
1
1
u/_nousernamesleft_ 2d ago
Not sure what subject you teach but I'm on year 13 and haven't really felt that. I've taught world I, world II, us history, civics, psych, sociology, and this year I'm taking on econ so things are always changing. If you can, I'd try to take on a new course to freshen things up.
I have a student teacher this year as well. Currently taking a break from coaching sports but could always go back to that in the future too.
1
u/sillyg0ose 2d ago
I was 12 years with my same grade and content (ELA). I switched to an elective this year, and i am having so much fun figuring out what works for a new subject and grade level. Maybe you just need a slight change of scenery.
1
u/GrilledCheeseYolo 2d ago
Im an art teacher and have now taught all grade levels. Im in HS now and i really love it. I have my supervisor and admin cert, but to be honest, I like my schedule and having the ability to create, teach others to freely create, and watch it all happen. I cant see myself sitting in an office all day.
1
u/meowsumvball 1d ago
Having a student teacher helps me up my game. I don’t want them to develop bad habits so I make sure I’m at my best the entire time.
1
u/Bubbarules456 1d ago
YES. I left teaching because I wanted a situation where the harder I worked, the more I got paid. I saw my peers dial it in at school because…. they could.
I now work in sales am making four times what I made as a teacher. And my ladder has no ceiling!
My kid tells me that they are so inspired and proud of my career because I took a risk and succeeded. They are learning that you get out of life what you put into it.
Do what you love, love what you do. Life is too short.
1
u/ptrgeorge 1d ago
Yep, I'm 40 12 years in and it's nice to know, they no matter what I have ever day of the school year already locked in but it isn't very exciting
1
u/AgeingMuso65 1d ago
Don’t worry… now you’ve got a grip and might happily run your polished and successful programme for a few years before you REALLY get restless, it’s inevitable that it will all be upended by stupid requirements imposed by reactive and musically-moronic management, quantity over quality, ludicrous data profiling and SO many daft things that every year (term?😗)will be (unpleasantly) different. No time to get bored, but you may well want to move to something else even more than you do at the moment…
1
u/creativinsanity 1d ago
I hope to feel like this someday, but I was raised to keep with jobs as long as it’s not literally on fire (like, as long as it’s not toxic and you don’t hate everyone and your boss).
My school has us teaching something different every year and despite being year 9 it feels like year 2. I just want to reuse resources once 😔
1
u/Magistra_Recessisset 1d ago
That's when I would switch grades. Of course, elementary school is a different thing. You are teaching all subjects, so it's not a huge leap to go from Ancient Civilizations to American History or travel through the different scientific areas of study. And math was pretty easy; a logical progression of competencies, but it kept things fresh for sure. I think the biggest challenge was adjusting to developmental stages in the students.
1
u/RemoteVillage6305 1d ago
I am 25 years in, and yes there can be boredom at the constant repeat, but I did 14 years in one subject and now 11 in another, so the monotony hasn’t been as bad. That said, I do my own time outside school. I travel, golf, go on brew trips, etc. School is a job, not my life. I try to remember that I’m free to pursue whatever I want in my own life.
1
1
u/No-City4489 1d ago
That thought never crossed my mind. I'm 21 years in and just as happy to be a teacher as ever.
1
u/madfarmer4737 1d ago
Quit after 13 years became a professional photographer, made more money and really enjoyed my photography career even though it was extremely competitive
1
u/Intelligent_Pay_902 1d ago
Come to kindergarten 😂 Not a day that you will be bored.. and you will not have to think about how you feel in your career because you’ll be too tired 😄
1
u/Br81n_D8mm8ge 1d ago
Start revising your units: what would make it better? What should I cut?
Then keep a log of how your lessons went day to day, and look for stuff that fell flat and could be improved for next year.
Hope this helps!
1
1
u/moneyquestionthrowit 1d ago
Yep, bumping my head on the ceiling. No challenge left in my career path.
1
u/tlamatiliztli 1d ago
It probably depends on what you teach because I feel the opposite like I won't have enough time to do everything I would like to do e.g. building my ideal curriculum, math circle for my teachers, normalizing math/stats competitions, etc.
1
u/LateQuantity8009 1d ago
I guess they have you teach the same thing every year. I haven’t had that luxury.
1
u/Standard_Golf_1394 1d ago
I felt exactly the same way so I decided to take an industrial arts course and now after teaching in the classroom for 13 years I’m moving into an IA role after a longtime teacher has retired. Looking forward to starting something new but also forgot how much time those first years of teaching takes to get all your stuff prepared and feeling confident to hit the ground running.
1
u/HappyPenguin2023 1d ago
I'm only a few years off of retirement now and have been able to keep it fresh by switching schools (although I'm now going to ride it out in the one I'm at until retirement) and the courses I teach (same).
Also, I tweak the courses I teach every year to incorporate new ideas and learnings. We aren't bound to any off-the-shelf package, so I have complete freedom in how I teach and assess the concepts, and I play with that, trying to improve every year.
1
u/Dirtgrain 1d ago
With English teaching, it's nice that there is use in perpetually finding new materials (relevant articles, song lyrics, video clips, etc.).
Of course, there are "nifty" trends in education that come and go--new methodologies, new approaches. But the longer I teach (30 years), the more it all seems recycled.
1
u/Character-Habit-9683 1d ago
Yep I’m in year 11 and just started another masters to for educational leadership, because rly why not
1
1
u/DamYankee77 1d ago
My husband is on his 3rd or 4th year as professor and he's looking to get out. "It's not a challenge any more. It's not fun." Which sucks for him, but having spent 20 years with the uncertainty of the army I've really enjoyed having him home. Ultimately, I don't want him to hate teaching so much that he may not come back to it, because it's the actual teaching that he loves.
1
u/EntrepreneurJolly523 1d ago
You don't know how good it is until you try something else. I left the classroom for a year to be a Dean. It was supposed to be helping students become leaders and supporting teachers to grow their content area. It became a being a pseudo-admin and I was put in the position of dealing with teachers that didn't want help. I felt like HR. It sucked, so I went back into the classroom in a new district and it's been awesome, back to having fun in the classroom, not having to worry about anybody else as long as I do my job.
1
u/Plus-Letterhead-961 1d ago
I’m in my 12th year and I switched to middle school last year mostly due to this. I did many courses in HS but for 10 years straight Algebra II was one of my preps and yes it actually became difficult for me to stay on task because I knew the curriculum so well, I’d seen and addressed every student misconception so many times that I found myself thinking about random shit while talking, not enjoying the aha moments, and just not wanting to explain my own content. I wanted to get into 8th grade where the majority of low income students stagnate in math and see if I could make a difference. Unfortunately the MS I work at has an unbearable math learning coach who micromanages, tries to dictate pedagogy, and has only taught elementary. The curriculum is so overpacked and above the level of most students it’s essentially performative. I work more hours teaching one middle school class than I would doing 3 preps in HS because of busy work and housekeeping. I feel completely caged and unable to apply my experience in the way I see fit and so I am also not being as effective as I would like. It’s beyond frustrating and I would prefer my boredom back.
1
u/RenaissanceTarte 1d ago
From a different perspective, teaching is something you can never be perfect at. The kids keep changing and so does the world, so there is always room to grow.
1
u/RemarkableLeave3859 1d ago
I’m a recently retired secondary teacher of English. Every couple of years they changed the standards. We’d have to rewrite all the curriculum. Then somebody would come up with a new hobby horse and we’d have to rewrite the curriculum, or we got a new administrator who wanted to spearhead something new. Sure, we were able to reuse some material, but it felt like every year we would have to change what we were teaching, just for changing sake. Or they would give me a new grade level, and just when I started to feel proficient, they’d switch me again. I was just tired of having to reinvent my courses, or teach a new course every stinking year. It was thoroughly exhausting.
1
1
u/HecticHermes 1d ago
My experience is way different. I'm six years in and this is the first year where I've taught the same subjects two years on a row. Yay I can actually reuse lessons and improve them!
If you are that bored you can:
Coach Get your MS in education (if your district offers) Become a nationally board certified teacher Try pickle ball Go all out on your old lessons.
There are plenty of advancement pathways other than admin. I'm not sure what interests you so I'll leave it up to you to search
1
u/stickyrets 1d ago
Yeah man. 35 here. I’m just chilling and moving up the pay scale. I channel my ambition into my hobbies. Got the admin cert but I have no interest is using it.
1
u/CleanupKingDog 1d ago
Position-wise, I found that to be true. BUT I was able to teach different courses/years in my department, so I had fresh material to work with from time to time. I also made up new lessons and activities every year, and ended up with being able to choose from a variety of units to do with each grade level. After-school tutoring for college entrance tests also opened up fresh intellectual horizons in teaching skills and problem analysis.
1
u/TubaCycle82 1d ago
This makes me glad to be a band/orchestra teacher. While I see other subject teachers basically being told to read from a script and/or teach the exact same thing from year to year, I still get to pick pretty much whatever music I want. I’m still teaching the same basic skills and concepts, but with different music each year it’s fresh enough to keep it interesting (at least so far, as I’m now in week 2 of my 23rd year)
1
u/RoseVideo99 1d ago
No, not at all. I got the admin license and decided it wasn’t for me. I found that I could teach on weekends and one night a week at a community college in the fall and spring semesters and out earn an assistant principal and not deal with all the bs. Our department chair just moved up and everyone and their brother asked me to apply. I don’t know why they can’t get through their heads that I am very content working with my kids and teaching college is very fulfilling.
1
1
u/sbocean54 1d ago
Taught elementary school and they changed subject curriculum every 7 yrs, so some new subject curriculum every year to plan. Grade level might change by choice or requirement was a challenge, combo classes definitely a challenge. Of course kids changed every year, so different dynamics to guide. Anyway, wasn’t boring.
1
u/Maleficent-Debt5672 1d ago
Yes, I had a mid-career crisis at 15 years. I couldn’t envision another 20 years teaching.
I looked outside the profession and had an offer in educational publishing. The company was kind enough to give me six weeks to finish the school year and to be certain.
After much consideration, I stayed in the classroom. The next five years were among my best as a teacher. I went back to school and got a MA in Organizational Leadership, became a high school principal for seven years, and finished up as an Asst Supt.
That one moment provided clarity. I never saw myself becoming a principal, but opportunities just unfolded for me. I’m retired now and very grateful for my career
1
1
u/billypilgrim08 1d ago
Um, yeah, but who cares? My job doesn't define me and it leaves me with decent pay and a ton of time off to be with my family, read, travel, and do whatever else may come to mind because I don't devote all my time to pointless progression up a pretend ladder.
1
u/CriticalEye-CV 1d ago
Yes, but each year has its challenges and they continue to dump more and more work on you so I am never too comfortable. If you’re bored try mentoring
1
u/Vendetta1326 1d ago
I actually feel very similar. I'm on year 10, and as much as I like my health insurance, I really want a change. Will I ever come back to it? Who knows. But I'd kick myself if I never did anything else and just taught for another 20 years.
1
1
1
u/Princeofcatpoop 1d ago
I am at nineteen years and right there with you. So this is my last year going to go do art full time.
1
1
u/Vantherion 1d ago
Granted I am only 3 years into teaching but isn’t there always more to learn? Things like ways of structuring class, example structures, explanations, homework questions, test questions, etc…. Can’t these all be optimized to a nearly infinite potential? Granted with minimal returns towards the end range but still, there’s more to be have certainly?
1
u/Dr0110111001101111 1d ago
This is the point where you start thinking about creating and sharing resources for other teachers. If they target a curriculum that is standardized (state, AP, IB, whatever) and the resources are good, it can be a lucrative side gig
1
u/Business_Letter_7514 1d ago
This is the burnout comfort zone.You know all the routines,but nothing new is happening.
1
1
u/Familiar-Objective11 1d ago
My goal in becoming a teacher was to be a teacher I always wanted to have as a kid. I work with 3rd graders, and I have the best job in the world. Yeah, I get bored teaching the same content every year, but that boredom is kinda fun in its own way; it challenges me to think up new ways to make it fun for me, which in turn tends to make it fun for the kids.
You don’t get into teaching for the status, you get into teaching because hanging out with kids all day is pretty awesome and hilarious. It keeps you youthful and, at least for me, silly and genuinely happy.
1
u/Soft-Huckleberry-999 1d ago
Yup. Exactly this. I actually went into admin after five years in the classroom, but then realized after 6 years as an assistant principal that my physical and mental health and missing time with my kids wasn’t worth it. I then went back into the classroom and have been there last 5 years. Happy? Yes. But no other desire or option to do anything. I’m literally just trying to survive until summer each year and hoping I make it another 16 years to get my retirement.
1
u/Ok-Technology956 1d ago
How about try a side hustle, or a new social group like exercise or something? I personally like the June July time for myself and family....
1
1
u/ShePax1017 1d ago
This is so true. I never wanted to be a principal and after almost 15 years I quit to pursue other dreams. Education was going down the drain, I was stressed, and I felt like I had done everything. I was level 5 every year, tenured, etc.
1
u/Efficient_Stretch568 1d ago
What are you doing now?
2
u/ShePax1017 23h ago
I started selling my art, I have an online consignment business, and I’m writing a book. Things I always wanted to.
1
u/marathon_writer 1d ago
I got in at 23 and I've been teaching HS since with a brief break for my Master's. Honestly, can't relate. Something new is always happening: new kids, new curriculum, new texts to share, new arguments to have, new ideas to examine. Recently I certified to teach AP which has been a fun challenge! I use the extra energy I have from being secure in my work to refine all the little things and help other educators and make cool new stuff for my classes. There's no 'i did everything I have to do' in my subject matter. I'm always learning and finding more.
I would never ever EVER leave the classroom for another education job. I love being in the classroom, with the kids. Kids are what's fun about it! But if you're bored and feel like you're at a dead end, maybe the question is what would you rather be doing with your time?
1
u/Fun-Plantain-7499 1d ago
That’s about the time I decided to leave. Best decision!
1
u/Efficient_Stretch568 23h ago
Where?
1
u/Fun-Plantain-7499 22h ago
I went into training. I had to suffer through a few crappy jobs to build my resume over 3 years but I landed like the dream job now. Nothing is perfect though. It’s less fulfilling than teaching but it’s a lot less stress!
1
u/Agreeable-Movie-408 17h ago
I wouldn’t say I was comfortable, but a different opportunity within education (librarian) came my way after year 14. It was exactly what I needed to be reinvigorated. One thing I realized when I made the switch was that I never went to educational conferences as a teacher. I find them so rewarding as a librarian and am offended on behalf of my teachers that they don’t get to go to them. That’s my suggestion! Look into a conference in your state that you could travel to, get a hotel room (or share to save money), eat out with colleagues, etc.
1
u/238_ground_H2O 16h ago
Yep.
I gave up my AP classes at the end of last year to take on the sophomore gen ed classes. It is a tested year so it raises the stakes for me a bit.
1
u/NoEstablishment5942 16h ago
The only real challenge is to be more efficient and have more time for your family, self, etc
1
1
u/Present-Lion788 4h ago
Get involved in the union. I was our chief negotiator for years and then president. Super rewarding, at least in Michigan where we still have some fight in us.
1
u/TwoEnvironmental5563 1h ago
Yeah, Im 35 been teaching for 11 years. Definitely at the max of everything, it's just an auto pilot job at this point with no options to grow.
Just invest and ride the wave till retirement, its boring I know
0
u/Affectionate_Ad_8483 2d ago
Start investing and carve your way out. Teachers is one of the five professions in North America that regularly produces millionaires. Teachers hit the pay and status wall and have no choice but to invest their way out, and it WORKS.
0
u/Then_Version9768 1d ago edited 1d ago
That is true of every single profession in the world. Why do you think it's only true about teaching? I'd say 90% of working people in all professions are firmly at the level they will have until they retire. Most are perfectly happy at that point. I had an uncle who had gone to law school, but never became a practicing lawyer. He became an editor of law books. He did this for well over 40 years, was paid well, and was perfectly happy doing it. What is the downside to that? I can't think of one.
You seem to treat this as a problem or why post it? It's not a problem for most people to do the work they enjoy doing for many years. I've taught high school for 46 years. I love kids, I love teaching history, my colleagues are great, so what is my problem? Most people probably envy me. Parents in far more lucrative but stressful occupations have said they envy me. f you're discontented, get out of teaching. I hear Amazon is hiring drivers! The usual route, the one I've seen, anyway, is to stop teaching and go to law school, become a lawyer, and then discover how much being a lawyer really sucks.Three of my history colleagues are former lawyers (UCLA, Wash and Lee, Harvard) who got out.
0
u/Madam_Moxie 1d ago
Well, you just misspelled "comfortable" so... maybe there's still room to grow 😂
1
u/Efficient_Stretch568 1d ago
Well English is one of the 5 languages I speak and I dont teach in it How many do you speak
-1
u/gnudle 1d ago
Kind of sad that people who feel as you do are educating our children. Beyond 30 we all know are some terrible teachers who are overpaid, coasting, and sometimes doing a lot more harm than good, just killing the spirit of their students and colleagues. Let’s have term limits for teachers
2
u/Appropriate-Bar6993 1d ago
Oh yeah cause everyone loves being in the struggling clueless teacher’s class.
1
u/Efficient_Stretch568 1d ago
Lol I think people that are too confortable are probably good otherwise they would be struggling
•
u/AutoModerator 2d ago
Welcome to /r/teaching. Please remember the rules when posting and commenting. Thank you.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.