1. Life, as I wish it were Or, my brief life as a teacher

2. Learning is my passion, teaching my calling I made a lot of money I helped a lot of people I ran, biked, read, taught Sunday School, had fun with the family I make a lot less money I don’t have time or energy to help others See bullet point above Before I was a Teacher Since I’ve been a Teacher

3. Continuing Theme Lots of energy Many goals Super positive atti-tude Felt free Exhausted Just get to the finish Depressed, disil-lusioned, and deflated Feel “straight-jacketed” Before I became a Teacher Since I’ve been a Teacher

4. Long Ago Teaching has changed since I went to school. Teachers were respected Teachers had absolute authority Teachers seemed to enjoy what they did School was a safe place School was a warm place School was a caring place

5. Today’s school Teachers are on edge all of the time. Teachers get no respect Teachers have very little authority I’ve known very few teachers who enjoy what they do School is not a safe place School is not a warm place School is not a caring place

6. Today’s Teacher According to the National Center for Educational Statistics: Drop-out rates for teachers are higher than students Quality teachers are most likely to leave Have easier time finding employment Make more money in private sector

7. Is it me? Maybe, but I’m not so sure. Teaching in public school: 2nd most stressful job in U.S. (after air traffic controller) 25% leave profession after 3 years 50% leave profession by 5th year

8. What’s next? “Think I’ll pack it in and…buy a pick-up, take it down to LA. Find a place to call my own and try to fix up, start a brand-new day.” (Neil Young) I honestly do not know I’m not happy where I am I don’t have much more time I look forward to summer I need to make decisions I seek peace, from the One Who came to bring peace.