This blog post is extremely real and personal. I am putting myself out there, and it is pretty scary!
I am writing to you, my cyber buddies, to share that I have left the classroom. Some would say that I am no longer a teacher. That seems kind of harsh!
I didn’t leave the classroom because I disliked teaching. I didn’t leave the classroom because I was burnt out or tired of the long hours and little pay. I wasn’t upset with my school or my administration. I didn’t leave the classroom because I was tired of the high expectations and lack of support and resources. I didn’t even leave because of the pressure of high stakes testing.
I love teaching. I love the kids with all of my heart. I had a routine and was leaving school at my contracted time every day. I wasn’t taking work home. My school and my administration were awesome and very supportive. Testing is no fun, but I never got my panties in a wad over it. I wasn’t a perfect teacher, but I loved learning and growing every year.
So why leave?!!!
It’s simple…
I left the classroom so that I can support YOU!
I want to create all of those resources that you have been asking for. I want to save you time. I want to do Facebook Lives to help you. I want to write blog posts to answer the questions you are emailing me about. I want to attend more professional development conferences, so that I can bring you innovative ideas to solve classroom challenges. I want to read books and give you even more strategies for creating an engaging classroom without killing yourself in the process. I want to answer all of your questions quicker. All of this takes time.
Not being with students every day is heartbreaking. I love those kids! But I realized that I can make a bigger difference for these kiddos. I want to support teachers so that I can make a difference in the lives of thousands of students each day. That makes me smile!
I promise that I won’t stop learning. I won’t stop looking for solutions to the challenges all teachers face. I promise to continue to be a resource that you can trust!
I am still a teacher. I will always be a teacher. Being a teacher is something that’s in my heart. I don’t need to have a classroom to be a teacher. Teaching is who I am, not where I am.
Thanks for supporting me on this crazy adventure! I am very blessed!
Have a Not So Wimpy day!
So amazing to read this. I am an instructional coach looking to go back into the classroom next year after 3 years being out. I truly miss the children and their open-mindedness. I miss the read alouds, the laughter and tears we shared. I haven’t enjoyed the experience of being a coach. I am constantly surrounded by negativity which is why when I found your site, blog, and TPT site, I latched on and it’s what’s keeping me above water this year. I wish I could have the positive viewpoint that you have when supporting teachers, but I have given it a try and just wish to be in my own space, doing what I know is best for my little guys.
Thank you for sharing and inspiring me!
I love your honest and I THANK you for becoming a teacher FOR TEACHERS! I have learned so much from you and when I get my act together, I hope to be able to purchase resources, rotate out centers easily and leave at a decent hour! Thank you for everything you do! You are AWEOME!