I Quit Teaching. Now What?

After almost 20 years in the classroom, I left my job as a high school teacher. I wanted to share a bit of how I came to this decision and why I'm INCREDIBLY excited about what is next.
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MY BOOK: Teach Your Class Off

WEBSITE:

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Where to follow my on social media:
INSTAGRAM: @realrapwithreynolds
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Mail: P.O. Box 11 Gloucester City, NJ 08030 USA
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[deraldswain]

Dude I'm in my 5th year of teaching and you have no idea how bad I needed you that first year. You got me through it. Thank you.

[spklyunicorn]

I taught for 20 years, 10 of those years at the same high school. I watched it slowly transform into an ultra-modern, parent-pleasing, machine. NOTHING like the school I knew. I had to leave. It broke my heart, but I just couldn't do it. Kudos to you for listening to your guides and diety. Wishing you much success and peace in your heart. Thank you for all you have done and all you will continue to do. Hugs.

[androschizo]

The “You Belong Everwhr” sign behind you goes for teachers. We belong everywhere and anywhere we put our minds to because teachers literally can do any job out there!! We are educators, creative directors, program managers, psychologists, and so much more!! More power to you

[m.augustin]

You are amazing and so needed in this world. May The Lord bless you and your path🙏🏾

[RachelStribling-zo]

I just found your channel and I’m so happy to find out you are a follower of Jesus! I start my first job teaching this year and in my interview I wasn’t afraid to share my faith with the Principal and found out he was a believer as well. So I’m very hopeful for my first year in teaching and feel supported. I’m following your channel. Thank you for this!

[melaniedejonge]

I know this was a heartbreaking transition for you if it’s still bringing you to tears three months later. And as someone who went through something quite similar at one of my schools, I know that it’s a genuine trauma. To see something that meant the world to you, something so special, something you helped build dismantled piece by piece until it no longer exists for all intents and purposes…yeah, that’s rough stuff!

At the same time it’s nice to see genuine excitement for your next endeavor, your next phase. You are going to do so much good!!!

[sandytoes]

Amen to following Jesus with reckless abandon! Amen to listening to the Holy Spirit! 🙏🙌💖 I found your videos almost two years ago, embarking on a teaching degree to start a second career. Now, weeks away from my student teaching, I could use your inspiration more than ever!! Can't wait to see what's next!

[XeRnHillz]

Heyyy Reynolds it’s Muddaththir I am definitely sad to see you leave the classroom you were beyond such an inspiration to me as a student. You are actually one of the reasons I became a teacher. You showed me how creativity, imagination, and care play such a big part in the classroom and I couldn’t ask for a better teacher you are truly great at what you do and showed me with drive and determination you can do what you set your mind to. Now get on out there and help us teachers be the best we can be.❤

[KellieAlston]

As a teacher educator for 18 years, I can say that not only are teachers leaving the profession, but fewer and fewer people are majoring in education. I appreciate you for knowing your limitations and when it is time to pivot. You are a gem and I am certain that what you will pour into teachers will be everlasting. Congrats to you on this new phase of your life and impact!

[Souza_Tiu]

It’s wild to see a school be okay with letting a teacher like you leave.

[caschpmn]

I have struggled as a classroom teacher this year and I needed this today. This is year number 19 and I have often told other teachers that the only thing I want to do is have students come back to my room and know that I a still there. And, that I am there for them no matter what. I think there are a lot of teachers out there, new and veteran, who will benefit from what you have to offer. Thank you for stepping into this new place in life and helping others continue to make a difference in the life of our students.

[megfhl]

I’m so sorry about the situations that made you leave teaching. I’m a brand new teacher and I’ve been learning so much from your channel. Thank you for listening to Gods direction, and speaking into the lives of teachers now!

[jacobroberts]

REYNOLDS!
I’m a 5-year teacher at an inner city-style school in central Louisiana. You have been such an inspiration to me, you got me through so much and encouraged me so much.

As a fellow Christ-follower, I cannot tell you how much this speaks to me. My situation, though I’m not nearly as experienced as you, is frighteningly similar. What with COVID years, crazy administration/teacher turnover, hard times, etc.

As a teacher who’s still in the classroom, and will be for as long as I can (especially with a wife and daughter to provide for) I’m so happy to hear you’re doing what you’re doing.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Keep on keepin on, you’ll inspire us for years to come I’m sure.

God be with you Brother, Maranatha

[coniekrause]

You made me cry with such joy! I'm a follower of Jesus, too. I'm sitting here weeping with gratitude for what God is doing in your life. I'm in the autumn of my life, and after all these years of teaching English Language Arts, you have inspired me to carry on and do what God calls me to do . . . for a few more years. I'll be praying for you. Thank you, my brother!

[joshuawolf]

It's safe to say that the thumbnail/title of this video gave me a mild heart attack, especially as someone who has thought about quitting several times in his very short (currently on year 3) education career. But your videos have always helped me through the tough times. After seeing the whole video I can say that I can't wait to see what this change allows you to do for the teacher community! Thank you for everything you have done and everything you will continue to do going forward!

[robinbruntil]

Been teaching for 23 years and I’m going to try and get to 30, but it feels like it’s just getting harder! Your channel has helped and will continue to inspire.

[KnCmSSCeRrSs]

I’ve been a teacher for 9 years and have looked to you for cultural guidance and practical tips for the last 5 or 6. I even had to watch one of your videos in an MLL training and I was like “hey, I already saw this!.” I appreciate you giving your rationale for moving on to the next step. Best of luck to you! ❤️

[elizabethnelms]

You have inspired me so much as an elementary teacher over the years. I can't wait to see what you have to support teachers in the future!

[faniamoreno]

I always had a feeling you were a brother in Christ 😄 your way of teaching shows it. your videos got me through a tough teaching season a few years back, that tough year I listened to them in the morning while I prepped before the students arrived and you made a difference. Thank you! God bless this next season of your career.

[deannaowens]

Hi CJ! I applaud you for following your heart. I left teaching last year. I just couldn’t do it anymore. My heart wanted it. I just couldn’t handle the lack of leadership. I have taken more time to devote to my new career and pursuit of a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. I will graduate in May, and am currently working on my application to earn my PhD.
I wish you and your family the absolute best life has to offer. ❤️