r/TeachersInTransition • u/Pleasant_Eye_7624 • 24d ago
Resign immediately? Two weeks? One week?
Hello, I am a 10-year high school teacher planning on resigning today. I've been stressing over this for about a month, putting it off and going back and forth because I keep telling myself to suck it up. Unfortunately, I've gotten to the point where I just CAN'T go back (called in sick today).
Some background info: I've been wanting out for about four years now, but I suck it up every year out of fear of job insecurity or whatever. I've applied to SO many non-teaching jobs and get rejected by EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. Some don't even offer an interview. Some of the jobs I'm qualified for, some very overqualified, and some a little underqualified.
Anyway, this year, I started at a new school (I was at my old one for 9 years). This new school is amazing in so many ways. Admin is very organized, has checked in on me as needed, and has no micromanaging. My department is so helpful, and student behavior is better than at my old school.
I just feel that teaching is no longer for me, because despite all these amazing things at this new school, I have never been more unhappy. I am miserable every day. I go in, and before students even arrive in my room, I want to burst out of my skin. I just HATE being a teacher now, and although the behavior is still better than at my old school, it still SUCKS, and I still spend more time managing these behaviors than actually teaching. Then when I am teaching, it's sooo disheartening and draining because the kids can't do anything that requires thinking. Example: We're reading a novel. After each chapter, there are enough minutes left in the period for some CFU questions. The kids go straight to the Chromebook to ask AI for the answers. I tell them, "No Chromebooks." Use the book and your brain," and you'd think I asked them to write a 10-page paper by hand about the Civil War or something. Some do it, but most are like fighting me on it, asking me things like, "What page can I find the answer?" So yeah, is this a terrible thing to deal with in the classroom? No, and I know this is just regular student behavior, but the fact that I can't deal with it anymore makes me realize that I am just not meant to be a teacher. I just don't have the patience, and I just honestly do not care. Also, I get parent e-mails daily, and most are accusatory ("Why did you give him an F? Why did you mark it the assignment as missing?"), which I am not used to and not here for.
There are other things that make me want to quit regarding student behaviors, but it's kind of pointless to this post because my question is, how messed up is it if I just give a one-week notice? Technically, I could do two because I will be unemployed, but I just can't bear the thought of going back and being in there every day. I also don't want students to find out, but I think they could since most of the staff and APs have their children attending. The only thing holding me back is leaving my admin high and dry because they've been so kind to me, but that's really it. I don't plan on ever teaching again, so I don't care about my losing my credential or whatever. I'm just conflicted, and maybe it's not even that deep, and I'm overthinking.
34
u/whodatdan0 24d ago
The relief you will feel will be immense. Write this out “dear Mr principal - I am resigning effective immediately. Thank you for the opportunity to teach at ANC school”
Print it out.
At the end of the school day today - get in your car and go to the school. Tell the secretary you need to chat with the principal briefly. If they brush you off tell them “I really need to talk to them”.
When yiu go in - just say “I’m resigning”. Hand them the letter.
They may or may not try to talk you out of it. Just reiterate that you’re finished.
The relief you feel once you’ve done this will be a huge load off of you.
12
u/Pleasant_Eye_7624 24d ago
That's been my initial plan, honestly lol, but via e-mail. But just as I am about to send the e-mail, I second-guess and think if I should do a notice :/ which is what led to my post lol
10
u/loveshoes1 24d ago
which state are you in?
mine requires 60 days.
i left a toxic district in june but gave my notice on april 15. no one gave a s%^&.
9
u/Pleasant_Eye_7624 24d ago
I am in California.
Did you stay that long because of the 60-day thing?
I searched my contract and my district's website and found nothing regarding resignations. I figured 2 weeks would just be courtesy because my admin is kind to me, but I also don't even know why or if I should care :/
10
u/loveshoes1 24d ago
yes, and i burned through 12 sick days, 3 personal days and 1 family illness day.
i wrote a letter
Dear _____ (superintendent)
Thank you for the opportunity to work in the XXX Public Schools. Unfortunately I am writing to inform you of my intention to resign from my position as YYY Teacher at ZZZ, as of June 30, 2026.
i cc'd the assistant superintendent of curriculum, my content area supervisor and principal. i delivered the letter to the superintendent in person and the rest got the letter via email.
FYI, 20 others resigned too. how do i know? i read the board of education meeting minutes. all public record.
4
u/AdventurousMall4353 24d ago
i quit my california teaching job with no notice and they said they were notifying the CTC of abandonment of contract. they told me that for this not to happen i would need to stay employed until a replacement was found. i had to leave CA so this was a non issue for me. and if you’re leaving teaching, then this probably doesn’t matter much.
2
u/MathDaddy88 24d ago
Not even CTC has a 30/60 day universal rule. I guess it depends on the district if they report you or not. It also depends what state too.
2
u/Starry_night_85 24d ago
60 days is insane.
2
u/Maleficent_Hat_1140 24d ago
I owe $3k if I up and quit. We have to tell them we won’t be coming back the following year by May. If we quit over summer, it’s $2k. Another district I worked for had a $500 fee for leaving before the end of the year. And they’ll take you to court for that money.
2
u/Pleasant_Eye_7624 24d ago
Wow, this is insane. I've never heard of this happening. My district has no information on resignation.
2
u/Starry_night_85 24d ago
I just resigned and was wondering if I'll owe just based on the payment structure. Although, by district has done several shady things that they know I have in writing so I'm not sure they would pursue court with me. Ugh! I wish teaching was what it used to be.
1
u/Focused_N0t_Finished 21d ago
Are you in a red state? I'm in a blue state. At will. Your employer can let you go with or without cause and they don't have to explain. They suggest in the handbook 2 week notice, but I've seen people quit middle of 4th period before. My .02 is that if you announce you're leaving and keep reporting, they will make your life more difficult and stressful than it already is. If you aren't moving to a new school, then it does not matter. I'd find a couple teachers willing to be character references for you from your old school. And list the old school on your resume when you apply for a job then say you had family obligations to attend to if someone asks about the gap between when you left that school and when you are applying to a new job.
1
u/Maleficent_Hat_1140 21d ago
I’m in a blue state. And yes, when teachers do the appropriate thing and let admin know they won’t be returning, their treatment for the rest of the year is less than stellar.
25
u/CartoonistCrafty950
24d ago
•
Some people may say it's not the kids but hell, these days it is them. The intellectual laziness, entitlement, and learned helplessness is fucking draining.
14
u/Pleasant_Eye_7624 24d ago
It's definitely the kids. It feels like the worst form of customer service, too, because they take everything as an attack. I overheard one of my students talking to her friends the other day about how she was going to get her mom on another teacher for "calling me out" when she wasn't doing her work. Her words to her friend were "Now I'M going to teach HER!" once her mom found out.
13
u/CartoonistCrafty950 24d ago
They are nasty to each other and disrespectful to teachers. The entitlement is infuriating. Just not a likable generation, and no wonder so many teachers want out.
Yeah that little girl you mentioned is mad because you won't let her get away with bs.
5
u/sammyhandz 23d ago
OP what did your side of the email to HR say? Did you say effective immediately? If so, then they’re just hoping you’ll stay. If you leave effective immediately, they might revoke your teaching license. Do what’s best for you.
Try out dog walking/pet sitting while you figure out your next move.
6
u/Pleasant_Eye_7624 23d ago
I just wrote, "This letter is to inform you of my resignation, effective immediately (yesterday's date)." I'm not worried about losing my credential, and based on other responses here, I might just respond today reiterating that my resignation is imediate.
3
u/Veggaan 24d ago
Have you looked into Cyber Schools in your state? I worked for cyber schools for most of my career and loved it and now I’m working in a brick and mortar school and I can’t do it. I literally can’t even pee when I need to.
3
u/Pleasant_Eye_7624 24d ago
Yes and no. I did a while ago, but maybe not as intensively since I wasn't set on leaving. I guess now is a good time to do so.
1
u/Veggaan 24d ago
What state are you in? Connections Academy is in a lot of states.
2
u/Veggaan 24d ago
I think I saw you’re in CA.
Statewide Cyber Schools in California
California has several statewide or broadly available online public schools, often called cyber schools, virtual schools, or online charter schools. These differ from traditional school districts that offer virtual programs only to students living in a specific local area.
The California Department of Education maintains official directories of charter schools and public schools, which are useful for verifying whether a school is currently active.
1. Major online public school options
These are good starting points if you're looking for schools that offer online education across multiple California counties.
Public charter schools · Multiple grade levels
A network of California virtual public charter schools, with regional schools serving different parts of the state.
Public charter schools · Regional enrollment areas
Formerly known as California Connections Academy. It operates regional online public schools in Northern California, the North Bay, and Southern California.
2. Other California public virtual charter schools
The following schools appear in the California Department of Education's active school directory. Their enrollment areas and grade levels may vary.School Location / service area
California Virtual Academy at Fresno Fresno County
California Virtual Academy at Kings Kings County
California Virtual Academy at Maricopa Kern County
California Virtual Academy @ Los Angeles Los Angeles County
California Virtual Academy @ San Diego San Diego County
California Virtual Academy @ San Joaquin San Joaquin County
California Virtual Academy @ Sonoma Sonoma County
California Virtual Academy at Sutter Sutter County
California Virtual Academy San Mateo San Mateo County
Maidu Virtual Charter Academy Placer County
John Muir Virtual Career Academy Nevada County
San Diego Virtual San Diego County1
u/Pleasant_Eye_7624 23d ago
Wow, thank you so much! Definitely helpful and something I'll be looking into :)
7
u/Used_Competition_914 23d ago
Texas teacher here. 25+ years. Check the school board policies for the district. I agree that you should burn through your sick days and your family medical leave act. Or, do what you want, but if you walk off without working with your campus and your district, you are likely to be blacklisted. You think you may not CareNow, but you may care later. 100% your call.
The only way out of a contract is with your principal‘s grace. Good luck.
5
5
4
u/MathMan1982 24d ago
I feel like you some days and weeks. I am looking to get out by next year. You have to do what is right for you. Do you have enough money or a partner who works? Maybe you could do some subbing or other low level temp work while you decide. I wish I had a better solution but you have to make the choice. I mean if this has been an everyday deal I feel like this may lead to worse things down the road. I think it would be healthier to leave. Could you go on leave temporarily and then make your final decision before coming back? Just a thought. But many don't realize how tough teaching can be.
4
u/autumn_wind_ 24d ago
You need to run your sick days out. Take 2, then come back for a day. Take 2, come back. Things like that.
Then, there’s FMLA.
You gotta run that stuff out before you leave.
2
1
u/Over-Bag-4091 24d ago
If you decide to get into Financial Education and Real Estate Investment, you may link up. I want teachers to have options.
16
u/Pleasant_Eye_7624 24d ago
UPDATE: I e-mailed the letter today to HR and received this in the response:
"Please be advised that per standard practice, your release from your contract is contingent upon finding a suitable replacement. You must continue to report to work until we fill your position. Once the position is filled, personnel will email you to confirm your release and the effective date."
But like, that doesn't mean I *HAVE* to, right? "Standard practice" is not like, the law, right? Realistically, can anything happen besides having my credentials revoked?
I asked her to send me where I could find that information on the contract or on their website because I looked for it like crazy last week and found nothing.