A few days ago
Juniper

For teachers (current or ex): quitting mid-year?

I am currently in my 5th year of teaching, and am doing some serious soul-searching. I am incredibly burnt out with my job, and have been for some time. Unfortunately, some changes (including a new principal) this year have really pushed me over the edge…I’m ehausted, miserable, not sleeping, constantly anxious, and I want to quit.

I’ve already found a job in another field (public librarian), but I was wondering: has anyone else ever been in this position, and actually gone through with it (i.e. resigning mid-year)? What were the repercussions, if any, within your school/district? I’d hate to find myself blacklisted…even though I am no longer interested in teaching, I cannot for certain say that that would never change, and the idea of burning my bridges completely is a scary one!

Any advice/personal experiences would be gratefully appreciated from persons who have been in this type of sticky situation before.

Top 3 Answers
A few days ago
Lauren

Favorite Answer

Discuss your feelings of burn out with a MD and see if you can get a medical leave of absence for a month or so and see if the LOA helps you feel better. If not try and stick it out till the end of the year because a switch in teachers may throw your students off and if your students have to do standardized tests it may cause them to lose preperation for those tests. If you feel you absolutely must leave then do so with enough notice to your principal so he/she can replace you.
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A few days ago
kiki
This is a real tough one. If at all possible, it would be better to finish out the school year. Did you sign a contract for the year? Does it say anything in it?

If you are really dismayed with the job, and don’t feel you can make it, perhaps you could give them a month’s notice. That would be enough time to find someone. There are lots of elementary teachers out there.

And as for your state of mind, I totally understand what you are saying. The job (especially with elementary) is demanding and exhausting….you should be commended for doing it for 5 years. Don’t feel defeated or guilty, it’s not for everyone. Good luck with your new job, if you take it.

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A few days ago
Anonymous
The big soul searching question is whether or not you would be content with your decision. The type of classes, which we as teachers experience from year to year is very diverse. As a teacher with 17 years experience, I have had many classes which have literally pushed me to stress leave. I have been thankful for the decision to go either way.

One thing to consider, is taking a year’s leave of absence. This would allow you to make a wise decision, work as a librarian, and rationaly evaluate you teaching decision. It would also allow you the opportunity to volunteer with schools of your choice and look for other employment options with your career.

By being a librarian, you would be allowed a greater social life. Work from school would no longer be broought home for the weekend. As my school principal says” Teaching is choosing a life style” For 9 months of the year we work our butts off.

A canadian teacher who has been there, but still loves teaching, Birdie

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