Many people seem to think I should continue my "career" in education, despite the several animated reasons I usually provide not to in response. While I've always thought "BECAUSE I NO LONGER ENJOY NOR WANT TO TEACH" seemed perfectly reasonable, others seem to think they know what's best for me more than I do. Even funnier, some people refuse to even believe me when I inform them that I'm leaving education altogether.

Well, I have news for them. Today I was offered the chance to take over a classroom that recently lost their teacher, and I turned it down. Surprise, surprise: I did exactly what I said I'd do.

First of all, sorry, mom. But I have vehemently said that I no longer want to teach, many times.

There are several reasons why I rejected this offer. Here are some of the better ones.

The class argued and fought tooth and nail over every event, assignment and announcement the entire day. I'm so sick of stubborn bratty kids it's not even funny and I never want to deal with that on a long-term basis ever again. Plain and simple. At least as a substitute, I know at the end of the day I'm leaving that classroom and never have to see them again.

Even though the principal wanted me to stay, nobody gave me any tools or information for taking over that class on a long-term basis. There was no gradebook or attendance book. I never even saw a class list, yet was still expected to produce the names of those absent! Let's say it all in unison: "wtf? how... what? HELLO?"

The administration and support staff argued with me and acted unnecessarily officious in front of the kids. Instead of helping me deal with said brats who refused to cooperate, thus making it impossible to run a class, they'd call into question my decision to write a discipline report. Sometimes they'd fail to even show up at all. Yeah, this is the type of support I want.

The principal never asked me if I wanted to return to the classroom, he just told me I would be, in front of the kids. Wait, I know you! I've had you as a principal/boss before! I totally know this one! This is where my input gets disregarded and I'm treated as if I don't count, right? This is the part where my authority gets overridden through public ridicule and near-impossible disciplinary procedures, right?

The fact that the previous teacher left suddenly leaves me wondering what the class did to make her leave. The fact that every other substitute has had problems with this class for the past two weeks and haven't returned says a lot, too. The fact that the school now thinks I'm some kind of super teacher, simply because the students were in their seats and working when the principal walked in at 9:20, makes me wonder what kind of teachers and what kind of school environment they're used to. Plus, if the principal is so easily and quickly impressed, he'll be just as quick to change his opinion and his attitude toward me.

I was a good teacher. No, I was a great teacher. Before ever setting foot in a Chicago Public School, I loved teaching and did it well. There are too many factors in Chicago Public Schools that prevent me from being that teacher.

So, sorry, Mr. Principal. You may not want to make untrue statements like that to a classroom full of students again, because as it turns out, I won't be returning.

Before anyone starts suggesting looking in the suburbs, let me stop you. NO. I've been there too. In fact, keep your career suggestions to yourself. Actually, comments are closed. Deal with it.

listening to: the futureheads.
in my sink: a pot, a spoon, a fork, a plate, a bowl.