From Lifesaver to Abuser: My Journey as a Teacher

In this personal essay, author Cyndy Etler shares her journey as a teacher and the challenges she faced within the American education system. Etler highlights the impact of a compassionate teacher who saved her life and inspired her to become an educator. However, she describes the detrimental effects of standardized testing, lack of empathy, and the pressure to meet academic standards on both teachers and students. Etler calls for a shift towards fostering connection, engagement, and joy in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing student well-being over test scores.