I’m a preschool teacher currently teaching a class of 6-year-olds who will be transitioning to primary school next year. I recently informed my principal that I’ve decided to leave because I was offered what honestly feels like my dream job something I worked really hard for!
My principal asked me to reconsider and stay until the children graduate. She said it’s such a crucial year for them and that having another teacher change midway through the year could feel unfair and disruptive.
She also mentioned how difficult it would be to find someone willing to take over a graduating class halfway through the year.
What really got to me was when she said I should “put the children first.” I understand where she’s coming from because I genuinely care about these kids, but hearing that made me feel incredibly guilty and selfish for wanting to leave.
Ever since that conversation, I’ve been feeling insanely conflicted. I feel bad for my principal, who now has to deal with parent communication, finding a replacement, and all the extra stress that comes with a staff member leaving. I also feel terrible for my partner teacher, who may end up carrying more of the workload during the transition.
guess I wanted to ask other teachers/people in education how would you honestly feel if your colleague left midway through an important school year like this? (Please be as brutal as possible I want to be hit with reality)and have any of you been in a similar situation before?
EDIT: thanks for all the reassurances!!! I am bound to quit no doubt but my notice is 3 months how do I quit on good terms and also face my Collegues and boss in 3 freaking long months! Any advice on dealing with parents reactions :”)
Don’t know why by this issue is eating me alive and causing me so much anxiety urgghhh