I’m not sure how I’m going to do this, but I really don’t have a choice. It is an act of faith because I am unsure of what’s next. I don’t have any specific plans. I just know I can’t continue down the same path that I have been on for the last 20 years. My mental health, professionalism, and integrity won’t allow it. Unfortunately, I like so many other educators are being forced to leave teaching. We are being pushed out not so much because of over-sized classrooms and budget cuts. Not even because of a lack of resources and poor wages. We are being forced out of a career path that we love from a lack of courageous leadership.

As a former high school English teacher, I loved presenting content that made students think and question. I loved the debate, discourse, and discussion. I loved the collaboration and creativity that I saw when assignments weren’t fill in the blank and circle the best possible answer. I loved everything about standing before young, eager minds waiting for me to pour love, information, and the charge to be great. I loved it and I miss it dearly.
I am being forced out of a career that I love because my administration, school board, and community continues to fail me and others like me, those that teach, obviously not because of the money, but because of the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of the next generation. They fail me as a teacher, administrator, and professional. They fail to ensure my safety while I ensure other students are given an amazing educational opportunity. They fail to see my differences and celebrate them. They fail and thus, we are all failing, and our children will pay the ultimate price.

So, if you find yourself along with me, an educator that is leaving the classroom and looking towards entrepreneurship. Why are you leaving the classroom?