Thread by @thisisinsider

Teachers who have borne the brunt of the pandemic describe the toll distance learning has taken on them.

Five teachers share their experiences with Insider, some of whom have left or are considering leaving the profession.👇
insider.com/teachers-face-…

These teachers told Insider that the past year has robbed them of their favorite part of the job — interaction and connection with students — while requiring more administrative work and flexibility in the constantly changing pandemic era. insider.com/teachers-face-…

Dana Lizewski considered leaving her job a few years before 2020, but this past year cemented her decision.

After five years in a classroom, Lizewski decided to leave her job as a preschool teacher this month in order to prioritize her mental health.
insider.com/teachers-face-…

One central Florida teacher, who asked to remain anonymous, said she’s had to teach 3 different classes of students this school year.

Constant upheaval + extra work took a toll and eventually, she had to take a month-long medical leave of absence to have surgery.

A fourth-grade teacher based in San Francisco, who asked to remain anonymous, told Insider she would “retire if I could.”

She said while she’s received support from her husband, students and their parents, and the school’s principals, it hasn’t been enough to stop burnout.

A Fort Worth, Texas teacher, who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of reprisal from work, told Insider she felt so overwhelmed and stressed out she considered taking her own life.

She’s now on medical leave and currently does not have a return date.
bit.ly/3uZ8iLz

A @RANDCorporation survey of nearly 1,000 former school teachers found that stress was their main reason for leaving.

Of the 45% of respondents that left during the pandemic, 64% said they weren’t paid enough to merit the risks or stress of teaching. insider.com/teachers-face-…

All of the teachers told Insider they were expected to rewrite curriculum, be on call to answer emails nearly 24/7, and be prepared to adapt to unexpected changes throughout the year — often without much support from their school districts or communities. bit.ly/3uZ8iLz

As vaccines increase and life goes back to normal, teachers said they’re both excited and nervous for the next school year. They’re eager to see their students in-person, but are worried this “lost year” could mean playing catch up and more burnout. insider.com/teachers-face-…

Read the full story by @laurenfrias_ and @erinsnod 👇 insider.com/teachers-face-…

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or has had thoughts of harming themselves or taking their own life, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) provides free, confidential resources to aid in prevention and crisis situations.