I’m done with seniors

I woke up this morning and decided I’m done with seniors. I’m done teaching AP. I’m done with the stress and the workload. I’m done with the grade anxiety and the parent emails. I’m done being a part of a system that pushes students into the ground.<br><br>I teach English, and I decided seniors will have one assignment a day. Otherwise, they can do what they want. I’m moving to a choice model. I’m giving them a lot of autonomy and letting them make the choices.<br><br>It’s been an excellent choice. My students are happier. I’m happier. I’m more relaxed. I don’t have to fight with them about working.<br><br>I told them yesterday that I used to care a great deal about my academic reputation. I’ve been an award-winning teacher. I have seniors who want me to teach them prep for Ivy League schools. I used to feel like I had to provide them with the highest level of academic rigor, and now I realize that’s bullshit.<br><br>I still have some days left this semester, and we’re just going to coast. Next semester, we’re going to be creating projects. I’m doing what’s best for them, what’s best for me, and what’s best for the world. <br><br>And I couldn’t be happier.