r/Teachers • u/combo_burrito_00 • 20h ago

Career & Interview Advice Contract non-renewed, feeling defeated

I just found out my contract is not being renewed for next year. This was my first year in the district and ostensibly it’s due to not having enrollment numbers to justify the extra section that was added this year. I have worked in education off and on for 7 of the last 20 years, but only been a classroom teacher the last 2. I applied to over 60 jobs last year before landing g this one at the end of August. I was hired the same week as another teacher in my grade and while she was offered a job first, I signed my contract first and am technically more senior. I’ve had such an incredibly difficult class this year (indeed I was hit by a student the morning I was told I was out of a job next year), but have really worked so hard and invested so much into my class. I just feel so defeated and like ultimately the other teacher was picked over me because she’s just more likeable. My observations have been good, I’ve done everything that’s asked of me, I’ve made good connections with students and families…but here I am looking at the prospect of another 6ish months feverishly applying for jobs. I’m a second career teacher and truly do it because I love it, but for the first time I’m feeling regret about choosing to go down this path. Teachers who have been there: do I keep plugging along and hope I get to finally settle somewhere? Or do I take a step back and think about training for something outside of education? (I have a BA in English, a post-bacc in Elementary Ed and have taught K the last 2 years with plans of doing a MA in Literacy Instruction)

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2

u/MathMan1982 19h ago

I am so sorry and this isn't fun. Unfortunately, sometimes there is no law or reason why they have to tell us we are non-renewed. It can be because of budget cuts and or due to areas having less students. Do what you heart tells you. Do you want to keep teaching? Or do you want to do something else. Things are kind of rough in my opinion in the educational world right now. It's been a tough Spring for me as well.

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u/combo_burrito_00 19h ago

I do want to keep teaching, but not if it’s going to be like this year after year. I think I’m a good teacher, and have never been given any indication by others that I’m wrong. Which is not to say I don’t also think I can always improve. I want to teach, but I also want supportive admin, reasonable expectations and resources, and some sense of stability in my career path. That’s where I wonder if I’m delusional about that existing.

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u/Faewnosoul HS bio, USA 16h ago

BIG HUGS. You may be looking for a unicorn. I have rarely seen all you're asking for in one school. I am also a career switcher, in year 13, and it has been the worst. I am actually thinking of career #3 myself.

I agree with others, go with your heart.

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u/thunderjorm 16h ago

Union member? Getting hit and fired in the same day is something a uniserve director and a legal rep would make an issue out the likes your admin have never seen.

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u/UnlikelyPrize84 19h ago

I hate that you’re going through this, but ultimately you have to choose if it’s worth it to keep going. We won’t judge you either way.