WHY TEACHER ATTRITION HAPPENS

I'd like some advice and feedback on what is going on my school. The stress is killing me and I really want to leave mid-year but my superintendent has already threatened to take my credential. What steps do I need to take from here? I'm afraid to contact the union or anyone else, because they all seem in on it together. Here is my story.

Last year I was hired at a small mountain district about an hour from where I lived and grew up. I was a year out of college and finding a job in California was nearly impossible. I took a job and had a perfect year, literally. There were three other teachers at the school, who were very supportive and wonderful. I had 8 perfect children and I never had any trouble. I loved my job.

Then because of budget cuts, I was forced to move to the largest school in the district. I would be the youngest teacher there, by at least 15 years and I was told that part of the purpose of the move was to use my enthusiasm and positive attitude to try to raise the low moral of the school.

I had not had good experiences with the staff there and was not feeling really great about leaving the wonderful people that I had become so close to. I wrote a letter to our superintendent, positively expressing my gratitude for offering me the job and let him know how much I enjoyed working at that particular school. I also stated that I was saddened to hear about my transfer because I loved my present school so much. I went on to say that if the attendance numbers increased, I would love the opportunity to return or stay at my school, something we had spoken about. I had three or more teachers read it and they all thought it was pleasant and appropriate.

The first day of summer vacation, I was told I WOULD be moved by the superintendent in a not-so-nice tone. First day back to school to prep my classroom, which I was not told I could do until I called to ask when I would be able to, the superintendent comes in and corners me alone in a room and totally reams me about the letter.

He said really inappropriate and unprofessional things, which I've documented. When he turned to walk out, he pointed his finger at me and said, "Remember, I'm going to be here for a really long time...and you're not." I was horrified but thought I could stick it out.

Since then, the principal and a few of the other longtime teachers have done nothing but harass me. According to them, everything I do is wrong. My principal is in my room, or peeking in my window nearly every day. They criticize in such a way, that they could easily say that they are just trying to help me, which makes me question the validity of my problem. I've been told to observe other teachers, to see "how it's done." I even have a single parent, who I later found out is friends with the principal, causing me problems, and tattling on me over silly things, like not using certain books, which aren't even required. I got in trouble for that too. I'm always in trouble for something.

Every morning I wake up and my stomach is churning and sick. I'm terrified when I see the principal because I'm worried about what I'm doing now that isn't good enough. Just today, I got a letter, pointing out all my mistakes the principal has noted in her previous observations. I used to love observations, because I felt pretty confident. Now, I feel sick about them. At the end of the letter, I was told that asking questions proves to be taking initiative. I need to seek out "wise" people such as the other two teachers who are always finding fault in what I do. I stopped asking questions long ago, when I started being ridiculed for what I was asking questions about. I really want to resign midyear, but I am so scared to do this.

Someone please let me know what I can do about this. I'm very unhappy and my family life is suffering. I've put on 15+ pounds just since school started three months ago.

California Teacher

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