Thank you so much to “Math Teacher” for participating in my interviews! And a big thank you to ALL the math teachers out there for teaching students this difficult and important skill. The few times I had to sub a math class, I ended up sweaty and the students ended up confused.
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A Note About These Interviews:
I taught seventh grade for almost twenty years and was constantly surprised at the difference between what friends, family, parents, neighbors, and community members imagined my job was like and what it actually was like. The few times I had the privilege of inviting a friend or family member to visit my classroom, they always left wide-eyed and exhausted. The purpose of these interviews is to allow the world a glimpse inside the lives of current educators. Now that I’ve quit teaching, I want to do what I can to support all the teachers still fighting the good fight, and I don’t want to forget what life is like inside a school.
All questions are optional. For confidentiality and privacy purposes, the name of the teacher’s school will not be published, and they may choose how they refer to themselves. (Full name, initials only, or even simply “Teacher.”) Participants have been asked to refrain from using student names or to change names.
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Interview With Math Teacher:
- What is today’s date?
February 24, 2023 - How old are you?
35 - How many years (total) have you been teaching?
11 - In what city and state do you teach?
Austin, Texas - What is your current salary?
(did not answer) - What grade(s) and subject(s) do you currently teach?
7th Grade Math - How many students do you teach total?
190 - How many conference periods do you have per day?
1 - If you teach multiple classes, how many students are in your smallest class and your largest class?
Smallest = 23, Largest = 33 - Tell us about your day today.
Today I taught three different lessons, called parents regarding behaviors in class, spoke to students regarding teen drama, watched an episode of the office during lunch to regulate after a particular hard period, made 100000000 copies and then graded 190 assignments. After work, I am attending family dinner at my mom’s house and then wrapping three birthday presents for the three birthday parties we are attending tomorrow. - What’s the best thing about being a teacher?
The students - What’s the hardest thing about being a teacher?
The students - What one thing would make your job better? I’m sure there are many, but if you could choose only one, which would have the biggest impact?
If admin would step in and defend us when we are dealing with combative parents. A simple “Please do not speak to my staff in that tone” would go a long way to make me feel actually appreciated and valued. - How satisfied are you with your current job? (1 = not at all satisfied, 5 = very satisfied)
2 - As of right now, do you plan to continue teaching next year?
No
Teacher, I want to tell you something, and I want you to listen. You are amazing. You are creative and smart and hardworking and beautiful. You are valued by those who are paying attention, and you deserve so much more than you receive from society. You are a superhero, and the world is a better place with you in it. Thank you for everything you do for your students, your community, and your fellow teachers. I appreciate you and this glimpse into your world. ❤️
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If you are a current teacher who would like to be interviewed for my blog or if you know a teacher I should interview, contact me!
Carie Juettner 
Apparently this young woman had a rough time. That’s a pity. A good friend of mine longed to teach but when he finally finished courses and had a position, he couldn’t handle his young students. He didn’t’t get the support he needed. My experience with 7th and 8th graders was one of the best years of my life.
There are so many variables at play that affect a teacher’s experience. And things have changed a LOT in recent years. I loved teaching 7th grade for many, many years, but eventually too many things caused it to lose its spark for me.