The struggles facing today’s educators are driving many away from the profession. One young teacher, a 19-year-old working in an after-school art program, recently left her position after just three months. Her experience highlights the challenges many educators face in a system that often leaves them unsupported and overwhelmed.
A Promising Start with Big Dreams
After graduating high school, the young teacher decided to take a gap year before pursuing further education. She spent time traveling and helping her family before landing a job teaching art in an after-school program. Creative and passionate about working with kids, she was excited to share her love of art. The low pay and long commute didn’t discourage her because she believed she was gaining valuable experience.
The Reality of Classroom Challenges
The excitement quickly faded as incidents of violence and bullying began to occur. During one incident, older students started a fight in the cafeteria, and she had to shield the younger children until the situation was resolved. In her classroom, younger students were often disruptive and disinterested in the art activities, preferring to scroll on their smartphones instead.
Lack of Support from Parents and Administrators
The challenges extended beyond the classroom. Parents frequently complained about minor issues, such as their children getting paint on their hands, which made her hesitant to plan creative projects. When she sought advice from administrators on how to handle severe misbehavior, she was told to “redirect” students instead of disciplining them. This approach left her feeling powerless to address the escalating problems.
A System That Fails Teachers
Her experience is not unique. Many educators report feeling unsupported by school administrations and parents. Teachers often bear the blame for students’ academic struggles, while being given little authority to manage classroom behavior. Writing up disruptive students rarely leads to meaningful consequences, leaving teachers feeling frustrated and burned out.
A Growing Cultural Issue
The challenges in classrooms reflect broader societal issues. Many teachers across the country report rising aggression, defiance, and apathy among students, with disruptions becoming more common since the pandemic. Smartphones and social media have added to the problem, contributing to distractions and fostering negative behaviors.
The Decline of Civility
Experts suggest that the decline in student behavior mirrors the erosion of civility in society. In previous generations, students faced strict consequences for misbehavior, but today, those standards are often absent. Children frequently bring behaviors learned online or at home into the classroom, where teachers have limited tools to address them.
Accountability as a Solution
Holding students accountable for their actions is one step toward addressing these challenges. Teaching boundaries and responsibilities helps children develop important life skills. Experts also suggest limiting smartphone use in schools to reduce distractions. Adults—whether parents, educators, or community leaders—must model respectful and ethical behavior for children to emulate.
A Tough Lesson and a New Direction
After three months, the young teacher decided to resign, feeling overwhelmed and unsupported. While her experience in teaching was brief, it provided valuable lessons about resilience and adaptability. She now plans to pursue a degree in illustration and design, focusing on her passion for art in a new way. Her story is a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic changes to better support both educators and students.