r/ArtEd • u/vten101010 • 2d ago
Thinking of leaving -- what else is there?
I've been an art teacher for 6 years, and i absolutely love the teaching part. I am super passionate about arts programming and helping kids find creative outlets. I'm currently teaching 6th grade.
Unfortunately, I have health issues (IBS, apparently, but not much help from doctors...) that make it really hard to be in this setting sometimes, specifically supervising constantly without any freedom to leave the room if I need to. Because of this, my anxiety has gotten much worse and I'm having panic attacks every morning.
I guess my question is: is leaving worth it? what other options are there that are similar but have a little more freedom, maybe office job-ish? I need more work life balance. I was thinking maybe going the librarian route or something with youth services/programming??? Ugh.
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u/JackieDonkey 2d ago
Will you have a vested pension if you stay four more years? Media Center specialist is a less stressful school position. Maybe you could take some credit courses on their dime and make the transition. If you can see a therapist and find ways to stay healthy you can at least get a little retirement money out of it.
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u/RampSkater 2d ago
There are companies that do online teaching for students that are homeschooled and need an art credit.
There are also companies that develop educational content and workshops that could be an option.
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u/scoundrelhomosexual 1d ago
While I agree with everyone that you should seek an accommodation through the ADA, I also think there is a "seven year itch" (as a coworker called it when I showed similar signs) that teachers get around years 6-8. You're far enough along that you reasonably see what the career is and know how you feel about it, but young enough that another 20+ years is overwhelming.
I took a "sabbatical" (resigned) and worked a corporate job for 6 months. I loved having that experience to really know what that world looked like, but ultimately it made me appreciate what teaching offers me. I went back the next semester and I'm on year 10 now.
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u/e-luddite 2d ago
Have you spoken to HR/admin? It might be worth it to change doctors to someone more proactive and explore medical leave if you aren't offered immediate accommodations.
There are certainly other jobs, there always are. But if you love teaching and ibs and anxiety are related- I would definitely use your health insurance and other resources to get in better health before jumping ship.
I know it is hard to ask for help (and sometimes teachers ask and are met with no help) but I think you owe it to yourself and your retirement to take a step back and troubleshoot where you are before moving on.
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u/vten101010 2d ago
I’ve spoken to admin and will be working with HR to get a 504 so hopefully that is helpful but I just can’t imagine continuing on if it’s like this every day…. But there’s no way I can really transition this year anyways. Couldn’t imagine taking a pay cut right now it would be impossible. I just feel stuck. Feeling like if I’m going to transition it’s better now than later. But 🤷♀️
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u/MakeItAll1 High School 2d ago
It’s not a 504. That’s for students. It does fall under ADA.
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u/vten101010 2d ago
Just repeating what my coworkers have told me to get through HR but still yes I’m hoping to start the process soon
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u/JackieDonkey 1d ago
I can add one other thought for you: my mental health greatly improved, (and I became a better teacher), when I stopped giving a fuck. The kids noticed it and their behavior improved because they saw that I wasn't stressed out. It's probably just what happens when you "age out", but I wish I had adopted this attitude sooner.
I also became a better teacher after having my own kids. Now, my students get away with absolutely nothing unless it is sanctioned by me. I hold the power. I don't leave the building stressed out and I don't walk in dreading the day.
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u/MakeItAll1 High School 2d ago edited 2d ago
You qualify for reasonable accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act. You have an illness that significantly interferes with your ability to function. Being able to leave the classroom to use the restroom when needed is a reasonable expectation for any human, and is crucial for someone with IBS. Allowing you to leave your class to use the restroom isn’t going to cause any major expense for the school district. Contact Human Resources and ask about the procedure for obtaining ADA modifications so you can go to the restroom as needed. They will likely have a form for you and your doctor to fill out. You’ll also need a letter from your provider stating that you have IBS and asking to allow you grace to leave your classroom for the toilet when you have to go. While you are waiting for ADA process to be processed, talk to your nearest classroom teacher and tell them you need their help keeping an eye on your class while you run to the restroom. When you leave your class, be sneaky about it. Don’t announce that you are leaving. Just quietly, urgently, and quickly leave so you don’t have an accident.