From Lifesaver to Abuser: My Journey as a Teacher

In this personal essay, the author shares her journey as a teacher and the challenges she faced in the American education system. She highlights the positive impact her own teacher had on her life and how it inspired her to become a teacher herself. However, she experienced a decline in the quality of education due to standardized testing and a lack of empathy for students. The author ultimately decided to leave the profession, recognizing the detrimental effects of the system on students' mental health and engagement. She calls for a shift towards fostering curiosity, connection, and engagement in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing students' well-being over test scores.