Why Teachers Are At Their Breaking Point by Christine Lomax

A 20 year career in special education is over. So very quietly over. As if it never even happened.

I broke contract.

The breaking point was not the illegally signed/forged documents, inadequate placement decisions, or blatant disregard of federally mandated timelines-- all of which I discovered shortly after I started working for a new school system this year. Those things I could continue to fix and work to get completed in a legal way.

The breaking point was not being ordered, with having just about every health issue that would have a negative outcome if I got Covid-19, back into the classroom while GE teachers had a choice to work remotely.

The breaking point was not being given a classroom with students from K, 1, 3,and 4 and being told I had to have comprehensive lesson plans for each grade level and for each subject (and I taught ALL subjects).

The breaking point wasn't even the fact that teaching from my desk to 4 virtual students while simultaneously teaching in person to 6 others students was exhausting both physically and mentally.

The breaking point was being told, in writing, I could not sanitize an area--or myself-- after a student violated Covid-19 protocols (leaving his socially distanced area, mouthing others personal property, sucking on objects around the classroom, spitting, not wearing his mask, touching everything, hugging me...etc). Yes. I have it in writing.

There's a fresh history of trauma--my dear friend and colleague (work husband) Rob A. died of Covid-19. He had saved up 3 years of sick days and was 4 years away from retirement. They forced him back in the classroom too. He could have literally called out sick everyday for the next 3 years and taken early retirement. But he died. They didn't even close the school for a day to mourn or sanitize.

I know I'm not alone in my trauma.

So on March 12th. I broke contract to protest the life-threatening conditions for my students, my coworkers, and myself.

It was heartbreaking.

It felt like nothing but darkness.

Then there was light!

Since leaving I've already had 2 job offers! Both offers are outside of education. Both are remote positions. Both are making a minimum of 18k+ more than I was making after 20 years of 60 hours work weeks (and trying to pay off student loans)! And one of the positions offers...wait for it...overtime. Wait.. Let me say that again with GLEE... OVERTIME!!! The hiring agent and I both had a good laugh over the shocked look on my face when I asked her to repeat "overtime". There's also potential growth within the both organizations...with company sponsored training!!!!

One position is with a highly recognized insurance company and one position is in compliance for an online education organization.

Bummer sidenote: The base requirement for these 2 positions? A highschool diploma. What a kick in the gut.

So...Yes! YES my BATS! There is a life outside of teaching! Literal L.I.F.E. And apparently it's a big one!

And I'll be okay.

I'm submitting this because we, as educators, are truly in desperate need to fully understand our worth. We are also truly in need of respect for our own health and welfare. Maybe not your school system, but definitely for the ones I've worked for.

I'm not suggesting anyone follow my path. However, if you do choose to do so, line up your options before you leave. Make sure whatever letter of resignation you hand in is strongly worded in defense for the safety and well being of your students. Then leave. Leave quietly or with a bang. You only get one life. This is not a dress rehearsal.

Best of luck my BATs in SpEd !! Godspeed.