Justice for Teachers Who Face Guilt for Leaving the Classroom
When I made the difficult decision to leave the classroom at the beginning of the school year to pursue an administrative position at a university, I was riddled with guilt and shame. My first set of students had me as their teacher since freshman year, and now they were seniors. I had told them I would stay with them throughout their high school journey.
It’s not uncommon for educators, who are often burnt out and eager for career growth, better pay, or to address personal reasons, to feel guilt when they choose to leave. However, guilt and shame are neither productive nor healthy. Teacher turnover rates are high, and my students had rarely had a teacher stay as long as I did. Here’s how I navigated this experience:
Leaving a Teaching Position: Five Tips for Managing Guilt
Acknowledge the Impact You’ve Made
Reflect on the positive contributions you’ve made to your students’ lives. Remind yourself that the care, knowledge, and energy you’ve invested will have a lasting impact. Great teachers leave marks that can’t just be replaced; your students have already gained so much from their time with you.
2. Focus on Your Own Well-Being
Burnout and overextension don’t serve you or your students in the long run. Taking care of your mental, physical, and emotional health enables you to bring your best to future roles, whether within education or beyond. A healthier, happier teacher makes a stronger impact.
3. Set Boundaries with Administrators
Guilt-tripping often reflects an employer’s challenges with staffing, not your personal commitment. If administrators try to make you feel responsible for issues outside your control, politely redirect the conversation back to your valid reasons for leaving.
4. Trust Your Decision
Choosing to leave is never easy, but your reasons are valid. Whether it’s about finding balance, prioritizing family, or pursuing new opportunities, your choice is an essential part of your personal and professional growth.
5. Offer a Smooth Transition Plan
Propose a plan to help the next teacher transition smoothly. This could include sharing lesson plans, student insights, or organizing resources. Knowing you’ve left things in good shape can ease feelings of guilt and show your continued care for your students’ success.
Even after leaving, I’ve found ways to stay connected to my students and their families. I still attend their ceremonies and milestones, remaining a part of their lives while prioritizing my career advancement and mental health. I’m learning that doing what’s best for myself doesn’t mean abandoning my students. If you’ve made an impact, your students and colleagues will see that.
As I went through my experience and shared my story, I realized I wasn’t alone—many other educators had faced the same struggles.
Leaving is never easy, but putting yourself first doesn’t mean you’re abandoning anyone. Embracing a new chapter in your journey benefits everyone in the long run.
There’s a need for a shift in education toward understanding teacher burnout and showing more empathy. Educators give so much of themselves, and we need spaces where their well-being is valued.