Retired teacher says profession has changed drastically since 1998. It explains why teachers are quitting

Teaching is often seen as a job that is relatively easier to carry on with for a long time. What people often ignore is the amount of burden that is put on the teachers just like their students. But surprisingly enough, teaching used to be a laid-back job in the late 90s according to a veteran teacher. But the school curriculum has changed ever since then and life is harder not only for the students but the teachers too. Teacher and mom Kelly Gibson who goes by @gibsonishere on TikTok made a video to draw comparisons between how teaching became a difficult task between 1998 and recent years.  

"Let's do a comparison," Gibson started her video. "My first year of teaching in 1998 until this year and all the things that have changed. My work hours were 8 to 3, we had class time from 8:15 to 3. Now my work hours are 7:30 to 3:30 and we have a class starting at 8:05 and going until 3:20. In 1998 my workload was 5 classes each day with 3 different classes to teach because I teach high school." But things have changed a lot since then. Gibson has to take 6 classes and 1 advisory class. Then 4 to 5 different classes before which she has to prep. 

She gets 1 planning period which she gets 4 times a week. "Do you know how many standardized tests I had to give in 1998?" she questions her viewers. "None!" But she has a lot more to worry about now despite not teaching juniors or the primary testing grade in her state, she is required to conduct three standardized tests per year. On top of that, Gibson has to deal with bus duty, weekly staff meetings, monthly department meetings and active shooter drills too. Her biggest gripe is managing Individualized Education Programs or IEPs for students with special learning needs. 

"I like the push-in model but keep this in mind for what I'm about to say. About 95% of them are not in our classes which means no IEPs and no accommodations. We are given no extra time to deal with their IEPs. How much extra duty did I have to do back in 1998?" Gibson wondered, stressing the fact that as a teacher, she is taking way more load than what her job requires from her. Gibson's video resonated with many parents, teachers and students in the comment section who agreed that teachers are doing way more than just teaching these days.

@art_teacheridrawit agreed and wrote, "Yes agree 25 years here. I think we have no time to enjoy what we teach. As a creative person I like making lesson plans- now we have to add so much to them, it’s no wonder our kids are ADHD." @emilymack36 shared, "I started teaching in 2018, and I cannot imagine your description of 1998. No wonder I feel like I’m drowning and it’s because we are." @57lespauljunior added, "I agree, started as a Public Educator mid 90 and the workload is crazy and not sustainable! I'm observing young Teachers quitting 3 years in due to the insanity of work and dealing with parent emails."

You can follow Kelly Gibson (@gibsonishere) on TikTok for more videos on education and parenting.