Cast the first clog. . .

dansko, originally uploaded by celiathepoet.

    Another blogger points out how many teachers are leaving, undersocring the point I tried to make last Sunday. The official turnover rate is 14-15% annually. That doesn't include the teachers who choose to transfer to less challenging schools.
    I don't blame anyone for leaving, I just wish the boss would ask why?
    I'm not surprised at how many young teachers burn out so quickly. New York City does a great job of grinding all the hope out of the young, like a despair machine. But I don't think they hold all the blame. What about those Upper West Side liberals who roll their eyes at kids in big T-shirts, while they wear danskos? Aren't we all part of the comfort culture? It's the teachers who have to stand outside of this culture- consciously put ourselves into extreme states of discomfort for the possible good of our charges.
    I hope all my fellow teachers are enjoying the last days of school, and I hope you come back again in September. The machine needs your hope.