Eye-Opening Experiences Highlight the Disturbing State of the US Education System: Teachers Deserve Significant Improvements

Teachers Share Heartbreaking Stories That Made Them Want to Quit

Teaching is a noble profession that requires dedication, passion, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on students’ lives. However, it’s not without its challenges. We reached out to teachers from the BuzzFeed Community and asked them to share instances that made them question their decision to stay in the profession. Here are some of their heartbreaking stories:

1. A teacher called campus security to remove a defiant student from the classroom, but they never returned. Instead, the student started recording the teacher on Instagram live, making the situation even more difficult.

2. While supervising the car rider line at dismissal, a teacher tried to prevent a student from running towards moving cars. The student’s mother, instead of appreciating the concern, started screaming profanities at the teacher and later complained to the principal about their “behavior.”

3. In a tragic incident where another teacher in the district passed away, the principal showed a lack of empathy by mentioning the wrong name and prioritizing finding a replacement over supporting grieving students and staff.

4. A middle school art teacher faced a parent who wanted a detailed explanation of every missing assignment in a 45-minute meeting, despite all the information being readily available on Google Classroom.

5. A teacher reported a student who threatened to sexually assault them, but the school administration failed to take immediate action. The principal dismissed the threat as a joke, leaving the teacher feeling unsupported and unsafe.

6. An eight-month pregnant teacher was insulted by a deputy head who called her “fatty,” showing a complete lack of respect and professionalism.

7. A middle school music teacher dealt with numerous discipline problems and lack of support from administrators and parents. When two students attempted to pierce each other’s noses in the classroom, they faced no consequences, leading the teacher to resign.

8. Many teachers expressed frustration with micromanagement, petty comments in observations, and changes made without their consent by principals and assistant principals.

9. An EFL teacher working at a summer camp was ordered by the camp leader, who had no teaching experience, to wear a clown costume in class. Refusing to comply, the teacher decided to quit.

10. A teacher who played music during passing periods to create a positive atmosphere was told by the principal that happy kids are hard to control. Feeling discouraged, the teacher decided to change schools.

11. A student threatened a teacher and their family because they couldn’t bring their backpack into the classroom. Despite a restorative justice circle, the student faced no consequences and was moved out of the teacher’s class for the rest of the year.

12. During the pandemic, a teacher became involved in advocating for better safety measures. However, their principals obstructed their efforts, leading to a toxic work environment and ultimately prompting the teacher to leave.

These stories shed light on the challenges that teachers face daily. It’s crucial for schools to provide a supportive and safe environment for educators, as they play a vital role in shaping the future generation.