I recently made the most difficult decision I have ever had to make. After months of stress, anxiety and feeling as though I was being treated unfairly, I resigned from my position as a kindergarten teacher. This was not a decision I took lightly. I dwelled on it. Dreaded going in for months. I became physically ill and my body could no longer handle the stress, yet I still tried to push on because of the kids.
Once it got to the point that I had a serious mental breakdown one night, my boyfriend suggested I put in my two weeks. He couldn’t see me like this anymore and knew I couldn’t take much more. I wanted to leave on a good note. I wanted to let my students know that I love them, no matter what, and that I would always be thinking of them. But the situation escalated rather quickly and I felt I could not return to the environment that made me uncomfortable and brought me so much anxiety any longer.
Due to some snow days and this escalation of the situation, I was not able to say ‘goodbye’ to my students. This was the most difficult part for me. I became a teacher because I loved children. I wanted to make a difference in the world and really teach. But it didn’t work out that way for me. No matter where I end up, I will continue fighting for better education in our country. I will volunteer in my son’s classroom; I will be on the PTO, even the SBDM if possible. I will be active and involved to ensure that my son is receiving the best education possible, and that all teachers are receiving the support they deserve and feel appreciated at all times.
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