Resignation Letter From A Disappointed Teacher
April 19, 2007
Dearest Ms. So & So:
Your tiring efforts in striving for excellence here at G. James Gholson have not gone in vain. Your generosity will not be forgotten – I thank you!
If there’s anything this school lacks, it’s not great teachers, but teacher support and counseling services for students.
It is extremely upsetting to me that we work in a school system where the Superintendent has not visited, nor acknowledged our situation at Gholson, or even for Region to come in and tell us that we are not doing our jobs as teachers. I e-mailed John Deasy in October requesting that he visit and add more counselors in our building. I also warned that many teachers would leave. No response. I resent the letter, flagged, in early November; still no response. It is discouraging to be the center of the blame, as a teacher, for students’ behavior, and to have little administrative support.
Even I feel that students’ rights come before educators and administrators. This holds true for Kenneth M., who drew a threatening picture of me, and remains in my classroom despite documents I submitted to guidance in November, or direct authorization from you to remove him. This also holds true for Latiffany T. who hit Ms. Bunningh in her chest, amongst other incidents, and yet remains in the building. Last example being, Andre W., remaining in the building after admitting he sells drugs to other students throughout the day. In no way, do I pour all the blame on any adult in this building, but rather those that make the loop holes in the procedures and rules, which don’t allow for proper placement and punishment. In essence these kids are being set up to fail!
The values and procedures that are put in place for children are ridiculous! It is extremely frustrating to teach in a school system where test scores are weighed more than mental wellness, necessary life skills and etiquette.
It is my deepest apologies that I must resign from my current position at Gholson Middle effective April 27, 2007. The obvious lack of support has begun to take toll on my body, my soul and my home life, forcing me to choose between teaching and my well-being. After long consideration, “I” won. Yesterday, I was presented with a better employment offer, a promotion, and decided that it be best that I proceed forward now rather than wait until the end of the year.
Please understand that my reason for resignation is not directed to any of the students, the staff, or yourself. The system itself is entirely too confusing, unorganized, and unprogressive when it comes to the students. I know that my resignation will put unwanted weight on others as far as my students are concerned. The last thing I want is to make enemies; but it’s my wish that my resignation will come as a “wake-up” call that caring teachers are leaving because of the lack of support we receive from the system.
Sincerely
Beatrice McClearn
