Why I Quit Teaching After 18 Years - Some Advice for Teachers

This is my story about quitting after 18 years of teaching and why it was one of the best decisions of my life. I also offer a bit of advice for other teachers out there.

This is probably my 20th time trying to do this video. I'm not sure if I'll ever find the right words, so I'm just going to post this one.

My point is that if you do decide to quit, I think opportunities exist for you.

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This video was produced by Jerred Z (That's me!). Becoming a photographer and photography teacher has been a transformative and positive aspect of my life, and I truly want more people to experience the world in the way I’ve learned to.

Every day is more beautiful, no matter where I am, because of photography.

Thanks for stopping by!

You can find more of my work here:

[jMC]

As one of your previous students, i can confirm they suffered a loss when you walked out man, good for you though! Glad you freed yourself 🙏🏿

[therealronniej]

There is no teacher shortage. There’s a shortage of respect and proper compensation for teachers. Mad respect for you 🙏

[LLS]

"Society expects teachers to just stay there and take it", words so true.

[queenofwater]

I also was a high-school teacher for 20 years, Theatre and English. I was going to stay until I was 65; however, the post-Covid year was so horrifying I chose to retire early. I had never been treated so badly by so many students and parents in my entire career. The bad behavior was beyond disrespectful, but included a great deal of criminality as well. In the first semester back from online school, there was 60, 000 dollars of vandalism. It was impossible to teach due to the feral behavior. I watched 17 year old bodies throw 2 year old tantrums when simply asked to comply with normal classroom structure and behavior. I reached a point that I came to believe that I was not the best person for them. I was too nice; they needed a drill sergeant.

[williamwilson]

I retired from a career in law enforcement at 48, and started teaching criminal justice classes in a high school 5 years ago. I can say with 100% honesty, teaching is much harder, and more stressful than being a cop was (and I was involved in a few shootings). The level of disrespect for my and coworkers by students, parents, and administration (mostly board level) is crazy bad. I'm getting through this year and I'm out.

[cynthiagermaine]

I taught from 1988-2018. Yes, admin gaslit me into thinking students’ lack of motivation is my fault. Parents are down right brutal and do their share of gaslighting.

[calicatus]

I don't want more pay nor more technology, I want students who want to learn and work, who want to get along with others, and parents who believe I am not their enemy.

[eriannad]

You remind me of one of my favorite teachers whom quite literally saved my life. I am now 26 years old, among the oldest of "generation Z", I sit here weeping. I weep because I know I'm one of the lucky ones. the kids in school now? I weep because I don't see hope for the kids today. Thank you for serving this industry for 18 years. I'm sorry the world has become this way. If you read this, thank you for your time, and speaking out about this difficult topic.

[victoriabiel]

I survived 30 years of teaching and retired with a full pension. I don't think there is a single teacher out there who hasn't dealt with some form of abuse from this profession. Retiring for me was like coming out of prison. I don't miss teaching at all, and knowing what I know about this job I would never do it again.

[donaldmorrill]

You have to be a teacher to know how this guy feels. I pulled the plug after 23 and a half years and retired.

[JeffreySmith]

I graduated high school in 2003. I went to public school at an all-white school in a working class exurb of a major city. They were just teaching us the test back then and I know from friends who are teachers today that it's only gotten worse. We've given up on teaching basic math and reading comprehension skills to young people. We've given up on asking parents to do their part to raise decent young adults with values and respect. I don't know how we have any teachers left when you factor in the gangs and general sociopathic tendencies of young people these days. When they're not content to brutalize one another, they're attacking teachers with zero repercussions.

[michellelindsay]

I’m a preschool teacher and your story really spoke to me. I’ve worked in early childhood for over 20 years and I am tired of all the expectations that surround me everyday

[cadamsm]

I wish you all the best. I did my 30 years, and like lots of others, stayed in for the kids—and also that magical retirement check! The day after school ended 5 years ago now, I went to the principal with a reasonable request. I had been teaching the AP history classes, but started my day with the ‘special Ed’ history class. I told the principal I was getting a bit too old to handle all the challenges that come with SPED, and felt a younger, more energetic teacher might be what those kids need. They refused this minor request from a successful veteran teacher, so I stood up and said this is my resignation…I will go and write it up formally. The looks in their eyes was priceless, like I wasn’t allowed to quit. Probably the best thing I ever did!

[sammi]

I just cleaned out my classroom yesterday after quitting teaching last month, and boy, did I need this reminder after that emotional turbulence. “The kids will be alright.” Thank you.

[DrakeBrunette]

Teenagers are getting so much worse and it’s scary… Teachers can’t do anything to properly discipline these kids. Many Parents are overprotective or inattentive and don’t want to take responsibility for their “little precious angels”. And the Superintendents/Principals are more concerned with liability issues & lawsuits than they are to making the morally rights decisions for these kids proper development… we’re fostering a generation of far too many rude, entitled and delusional young people. And it’s looking like it’s going to get worse before it gets any better.

[NVS]

I'm a student right now, and I like to watch teacher content and see what you guys and gals have to go through.
All I'll say directly to you is: You deserve it. You deserve better.
Anyways, I always try to be the good kid, I know the sh** these teachers are going through, and I feel you. I FEEL YOU.
Just know, there will always be one kid that will feel you.

[susanmorgan]

17 year veteran here. I walked away as well. My stress level was in the stratosphere. I walked away 3 days before the beginning of the school year, when I was told I would be teaching "how to do math for testing purposes" ( I'm an art teacher) . Along with absolutely no back up from administration, best choice I ever made!

[darthbiden]

I’m 18 and just graduated high school, I will definitely agree, my generation is so rude and arrogant that it’s not even funny, half of them don’t even know basic us history.

[nathanieldrake]

This is heartbreaking - this man is probably on the top of many a student’s list of favorite teachers -take inspiration and give love to teachers everywhere

[shawngoldman]

I am 15 years in, and am thinking of quiting. I have been assaulted physically and am always almost always stressed out. There are fewer and fewer reasons to stay in the job. Good for you man.