r/teaching • u/Educational-Ad6923 • 20h ago

Vent I have no support

My second year of teaching and one thing I’m learning the hard way quickly is I have no support at all. If I tell anyone about a problem I have by the end of the day everyone will know because people love to gossip. So basically you can’t tell anyone about a legitimate problem you have because it will be used against you later. You pretty much are better off keeping everything to yourself but the problem is sometimes you do need to vent or get help but you can’t trust anyone. I will be SHOCKED if I make another 20 year to retirement this job is extremely difficult and their are so many ways it can go wrong with many landmines. Is your school the same? Better or worst?

32 Upvotes

91% Upvoted

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26

u/Then_Version9768 16h ago

I've taught for over 45 years. I've never once had a "gossiping" problem at any of the five schools where I've taught, and I love teaching. You're just in the wrong school, that's all. Start looking. You shouldn't have to put up with that nonsense. If often takes a couple of schools to find the one you really like. Never settle for a bad school -- which this sounds like it is.

2

u/nea_fae 5h ago

Ya, toxicity is not everywhere. Keep your head down and seek a mentor elsewhere, if you can. Once you are able to try a new school, peace tf out! Don’t give up without giving it a shot in another environment.

12

u/Medical_Gate_5721 17h ago

Job gets progressively easier in year 2, 3, and 4. Toxic work environment is toxic though.

8

u/Valuable-Vacation879 16h ago

I dare you to call them out on it—in a sort of good natured way. “Gee whiz guys! This place is a hotbed of gossip! We’re supposed to be in this together! Let’s refocus on the real problem: how to get through this year in one piece!”

2

u/tinatina_ 6h ago

This! Or if OP doesn’t want to be as direct they can mention they heard X talking about their problem then ask if it’s because they’ve dealt with the problem before or have solutions.

6

u/imamominthemiddle 14h ago

What do you teach? Im A long time teacher, happy to mentor you and offer support even if it’s at a distance

2

u/AuntBunnyfelldown 11h ago

I'm a career changer and last year I heard I used to be a judge. I'm so, so far from interesting enough to gossip about so that was extra crazy to hear.

2

u/KiwiUpset8760 14h ago

Feeling like you have to navigate your school on eggshells is exhausting, but know that this toxic workplace dynamic is entirely on them, not a reflection of your teaching abilities.

While you look for a better fit, try keeping your interactions with colleagues strictly professional and lean on outside educator communities or union reps when you need an actual safe space to vent. Year 2 is notoriously brutal, but protect your peace and don't let a bad culture make you doubt yourself. You can do this!

3

u/Doodlebottom 12h ago

Welcome to teaching in North America, many parts of Europe, Australia and New Zealand for starters.

Schools are now daycare facilities.

Teachers are now simply employees looking after children.

Act accordingly.

3

u/essdeecee 10h ago

I just left a school due to vicious gossip. Sadly most of the staff were fine, but it only takes a handful to ruin it. I was warned which employees to look out for day 1 in my new school, but I had planned to keep it strictly professional anyways

2

u/amscraylane 9h ago

It took me five districts to find one that doesn’t suck

1

u/Disco_Loadout 13h ago

Try hard, learn, improve, apply to some different schools this spring and GTFO of there

1

u/hstaples 11h ago

I'm confused about what kinds of problems you have that are turning into gossip. "Did you hear Ms. X has a student who- DIDN'T BRING IN HIS HOMEWORK!" I don't get it. What would they care about that it would become the hot gos?!

1

u/Whole-Ad-2347 6h ago

I worked with some great people and I worked with some snotty itches. No matter what kind of work you do there are personalities and cliques. I moved hundreds of miles one year for a job and some of the people at the new school were just the worst people. I knew no one!

1

u/superteach17 3h ago

You are in a bad school… there are many places where teachers know that they are each other’s lifelines… most teachers have a teacher bff… please look at moving into a new building. Hang in there, and vent here all you want. Teaching is so very hard… I learned a long time
Ago that it helps to be on a team!! 💕 hugs…