Skip to Content

Secrets

By: Author Jane Morris

On this page, you’ll find true tales of miserable moments submitted anonymously by teachers within the industry. If you’d like to join in on the commiseration, submit your own secret to share!

Join the fight and help make teaching better for all the educators who are just trying their hardest. All personal details will be redacted to maintain 100% secrecy and ensure your safety.

WARNING: Many of the secrets below contain potentially disturbing content from people’s very real and very traumatic experiences. The content can include themes of bullying, harassment, sexual and domestic violence, suicide, school shootings, and the worst the profession has to offer. If you are at all pre-disposed to being deeply affected by these topics, Teacher Misery implores you to not keep reading. Even for the sake of morbid curiosity.

Respect your mental health.

Top Secrets: January 2024

Top Secrets: November 19, 2023

Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - November 2023 #11
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - November 2023 #12
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - November 2023 #13
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - November 2023 #14
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - November 2023 #15
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - November 2023 #16
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - November 2023 #17
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - November 2023 #18
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - November 2023 #19
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - November 2023 #20

Top Secrets: November 5, 2023

Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - November 2023 #1
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - November 2023 #2
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - November 2023 #3
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - November 2023 #4
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - November 2023 #5
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - November 2023 #6
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - November 2023 #7
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - November 2023 #8
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - November 2023 #9
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - November 2023 #10

Top Secrets: October 2023

Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - October 2023 #1
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - October 2023 #2
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - October 2023 #3
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - October 2023 #4
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - October 2023 #5
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - October 2023 #6
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - October 2023 #7
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - October 2023 #8
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - October 2023 #9
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - October 2023 #10

Top Secrets: September 2023

Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - September 2023 #1
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - September 2023 #2
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - September 2023 #3
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - September 2023 #4
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - September 2023 #5
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - September 2023 #6
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - September 2023 #7
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - September 2023 #8
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - September 2023 #9
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - September 2023 #10

Top Secrets: August 2023

Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - August 2023 #1
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - August 2023 #2
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - August 2023 #3
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - August 2023 #4
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - August 2023 #5
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - August 2023 #6
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - August 2023 #7
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - August 2023 #8
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - August 2023 #9
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - August 2023 #10

Top Secrets: July 2023

Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - July 2023 #1
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - July 2023 #2
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - July 2023 #3
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - July 2023 #4
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - July 2023 #5
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - July 2023 #6
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - July 2023 #7
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - July 2023 #8
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - July 2023 #9
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - July 2023 #10

Top Secrets: June 2023

Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - June 2023 #1
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - June 2023 #2
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - June 2023 #3
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - June 2023 #4
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - June 2023 #5
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - June 2023 #6
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - June 2023 #7
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - June 2023 #8
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - June 2023 #9
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - June 2023 #10

Top Secrets: May 2023

Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - May 2023 #1
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - May 2023 #2
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - May 2023 #3
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - May 2023 #4
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - May 2023 #5
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - May 2023 #6
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - May 2023 #7
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - May 2023 #8
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - May 2023 #9
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - May 2023 #10

Top Secrets: April 2023

Teacher secret that reads - Our awful principal bullied teachers to the point where one of our teachers committed suicide and listed her as one of the reasons on the note he left behind. The family sued the district and she was not fired, but moved to central office to work in HR. Every time our superintendent livestreams an announcement.
Teacher secret that reads - Hr posted a job opening for an "anticipated vacancy" days before having a meeting to let me know that I would not be invited back to teach next year. I got an email two hours later saying that since I'm nonrenewable, I can't use up my days off without a sick note, or else I will not get paid. They did not tell me why my contract won't be renewed because apparently I have to request it in writing. I produce solid test results, I have good evals, AND great rapport with students.
Teacher secret that reads - a parent called me irresponsible and a horrible person for taking her child's pokemon card away which made him cry uncontrollably. kids were fighting over the card and i gave it back after class.
Teacher secret that reads - i was told by my principal that i needed to work on my accent because i sounded too latino.
Teacher secret that reads - During my first year of teaching, I had a class with very difficult behavioral problems. I made the mistake of asking admin. for help and was told, "Well, you're new here so you're pretty much at the bottom of the totem pole. You have to be here a good while before you can earn the good kids."
Teacher secret that reads - We were just told we will have no electricity and no heat for the next three school days. But they said the light from the two windows will be enough for learning to continue.
Teacher secret that reads - We are told to practice ‘self care’ but then we’re told we have suicide awareness training with No announcement in advance of a sensitive subject. I have witnessed my mother attempt suicide, my grandfather committed suicide, my siblings have been suicidal, and MY ex passed due to suicide. the complete lack of concern for our mental health is clear.
Teacher secret that reads - How many times can I send a student out for calling me a n***a, and they get sent right back?
Teacher secret that reads - Each month one grade level is required to host a “staff bonding” experience. Last week NOBODY showed up to paint shamrocks after school and our principal had a conniption over it and sent an angry email scolding us for not participating.
Teacher secret that reads - I am being forced to get a license outside of my job and contract, and if I don't get it, my job will be terminated. I don't have $15,000 to pay for it. No other districts in my state require this license for my job. First words out of the union president's mouth "can't help you". What do I pay you for?!

Top Secrets: March 2023

Teacher secret that reads - My district recently started honoring years of experience when hiring teachers. They did not do this when I was hired years ago. I am currently mentoring a first year teacher with the same 10 years of experience and the same degree and she is making 6K more a year. I requested a meeting with my superintendent and he said I am out of luck and would respect a decision to move to a neighboring district that would pay me 10,000 more a year than I make now.
Teacher secret that reads - Our principal made references to teachers "sneaking out" before 4pm (which is out scheduled time to leave). He then said, "You need to think about those factory workers in China and how they wait until the whistle blows and that's when they hurry on out."
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - March 2023 #3
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - March 2023 #4
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - March 2023 #5
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - March 2023 #6
Teacher secret that reads - A 6 year old girl in my class has had multiple referrals for stealing, violence, etc. Yesterday she stabbed another girl with her pencil 8-10 times in the arm. It was unprovoked and out of the blue. When I called for the counselor she screamed like crazy and threw herself on me so I couldn’t move. When she returned to class with the counselor she told me, “There are voices in my head. It’s the devil. He told me you haven't stabbed anyone before, why don’t you try!?” She retuned to class today with no consequences.
Teacher secret that reads - Last year I went on leave after my son was diagnosed with a terminal illness. My district told me my leave would be unpaid. Part of the way through my leave they called me to ask when I would be back because I now owed them money for being out.
Teacher secret that reads - Can we talk about pregnant teachers, especially in younger grades (i.e. Kinder), and how the kids punch their stomachs? I’ve been in multiple schools where this has happened and it seems like nothing is done.
Teacher secret that reads - Won teacher of the year for my school and was a top ten finalist in the largest school district In the state. They gave me a shirt with a big Mac on it and some other Mcdonald's gear. No certificate No thank you. Just McDonald’s swag.

Top Secrets: February 2023

Teacher secret that reads - At 8 months pregnant. A boy says to me,“I’m gonna stab you in your stomach and kill your baby!” His punishment? a crappy apology note that I was expected to forgive and forget.
Teacher Secret that reads - From the long list of unprofessional things my admin has done, using school funds to purchase pregnancy tests and then calling several girls to the office to take these tests HAS to take the cake. Complaints have been made to the superintendent and school board. This admin is seemingly untouchable.
Teacher secret that reads - My school needs a SPED teacher so I did what I needed to do to get certified, including paying for and passing the Praxis test. My principal told me she wouldn’t give me the job because I’m pregnant and would be taking maternity leave. I’m too afraid of retaliation to go after her for discrimination.
Teacher Secret that reads - I recently came out as gay. One dean was aware of this but none of my students knew. However, I had a student who was a powder keg in my classroom and she called me a f****** f@*o*. I wrote her up and emailed her dean (the one who knew I was gay), but she wasn't removed from my classroom or even reprimanded for 3 months.
Teacher secret that reads - My doctor told me in late October that I was seriously sick and needed surgery right then. I told my principal, who informed me that one time he had a cracked molar, and he had to wait until summer to fix it. I worked until winter break and had renal failure afterward because I waited so long.
Teacher secret that reads - After a loved one's graveside service, I made a comment to relatives that the cemetery must be a great place to work. It was serene and peaceful and no one talked back to you. My aunt later asked a cousin to check in on me because she thought I was in shock from grief. My cousin, also an educator, admitted to me privately they had the same thought. Anyone hiring?
Teacher secret that reads - I left teaching after getting reprimanded for sending a student to the office after he said he was going to stab me in the eye, and had an object right by my eye that easily could have blinded me. I love the kid and still talk to the family, but I felt the school was doing him a disservice with their lack of action.
Teacher secret that reads - I have breast cancer and will be having a double mastectomy. All I can think of is Yippee! I won't be in school!
Teacher secret that reads - Like many other teachers last year, I was falsely accused of sexual harassment by students because of viral "Bruh Moment" videos on TikTok.
Teacher secret that reads - During a poetry project, a student looked up information about the KKK. I called his dad and he asked me if his son knew he wasn’t supposed to look that stuff up. I made a sound because I was flabbergasted he would even ask such a thing, and he got mad because he thought I laughed at him. He called the principal saying I should be fired, then the superintendent, and the state board of education.

Top Secrets: January 2023

Teacher secret that reads - Behaviors in our school have gotten so bad that we can barely teach. Admin can barely do a lot of their job because they are constantly dealing with discipline issues. Nobody is telling our principal, but about 1/3 of our teachers are leaving at the end of the school year. I am a first year teacher and I'm so overwhelmed but I'm staying because I'm so damn hardheaded. I hope I don't regret this. It will get better right?
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - January 2023 #2
Teacher secret that reads - I told my admin. I was working on a counseling degree and would probably leave the school soon and all she said was, “Do you know of anyone good who could replace you?”
Teacher secret that reads - I have the sweetest group of students this year. We've been able to get so much done because there's essentially zero behaviors and they are all kind humans. It makes me sad to think of them moving on and the fact that next year won't be as great as this one.
Teacher secret that reads - I'm an early bird and caught the principal secretly taking gifts out fo people's mailboxes, taking the name tags off, and putting her own tags on as if she was the one giving the gifts. She saw me catch her, and the next day I was written up for wearing "inappropriate designs" to school. It was a Ralph Lauren polo shirt.
Teacher secret that reads - A kid made a joke about a noose in my classroom. Admin's follow up was that they wanted to know what context it was in. Is there an appropriate way to talk to someone about lynching someone? The student did not receive any consequences.
Teacher secret about a teacher having pregnancy complications and a principal not supporting them.
Teacher secret that reads - I had emergency brain surgery and legitimately almost died. My principal was pissed because grades were due. My husband had to spend hours on the phone with several teachers and administrators to walk them through how to find my grades online. Four months later, my principal asked me how my surgery went. I left teaching soon after.
Teacher secret that reads - Sometimes I worry I have Stockholm Syndrome and I'll never leave my school.
Teacher secret that reads - “My house burned down one night. Thankfully we all got out safely, but I had to figure out where we were going to live and what we were going to do. We had absolutely nothing. I returned to school two weeks later, and my principal threatened my job, scolded me for ‘carelessly handing my class over to my co-teacher,’ and made fun of me for having a panic attack during a fire drill.”

Top Secrets: December 2022

Teacher secret about extreme behaviors in the classroom and a teacher leaving that school because of the problems it caused.
Teacher secret that reads, "I am so emotionally exhausted from the first year of teaching that I lied about my grandparent dying in order to get out of class for a week. The guilt that comes with lying in order to make sure I am safe hurts. I would still rather deal with the guild of the lie than be in my classroom.
Teacher secrets that reads - My classroom was infested with fire ants. I came home daily swollen and covered in bites. When I put in a work order for an exterminator, I was told that since my HS students weren't in the room long enough to get bit, they weren't going to come out. My suffering didn't matter.
Teacher secret that reads - My former principal once asked me to "unclick the laughing emoji" under my friend's post on Facebook. It was a political post by one of my personal friends (that she didn't know!) but because it didn't align with her personal beliefs, she said that she felt it made the school look bad. I refused.
Teacher secret about a teacher getting in trouble for making pinatas for the district when the students were supposed to make them.
Teacher secret that reads - A second grader punched a kid and said its only because he doesn't like spanish people. He only got an hour of in school suspension. When I called home his mom said, "Well, he's just a little boy. They say things." He keeps bullying the same kid with no consequences. I hate my job.
Teacher secret that reads - After months of going back and forth with issues with a lazy, careless, and unfriendly coworker who put in minimum effort and taught her kids half the content they should be learning, I went to the principal to discuss it. Her reply was that I should be more understanding because she (my colleague) was an only child.
Teacher secret about a teacher who broke her ankle and would rather break a bone than teach.
Teacher secret that reads - For the past 4 years I have requested my heating system in my class to be fixed. Four techs have all condemned my heating unit but the district has yet to replace it. This year, the operations director for the district tells me, "It's only 53 degrees in your room. 25 kids with jackets and a space heater can bring it up to over 60. You and your students should be fine after an hour."
Teacher secret about a teacher having to teach a admin's child that was low functioning. This teacher has been struggling with mental health issues but doesn't have time off.

Top Secrets: November 2022

Teacher secret that reads - A student tried to kick another student down the stairs. I contacted the parent about it and their response was, "he was probably boring him."
Teacher secret that reads - I have had 6 out of school suspensions for physical fights. I've made 3 official referrals for abuse. I've had multiple threats against my life and a student threaten suicide. Today is day 60. I teach kindergarten and 1st grade. The kids are not okay.
Teacher secret that reads - Teacher confession: We are having shooting threats today at my affluent, suburban school and administration is not even addressing it with students whatsoever.
Teacher secret that reads - An eight grader at my school took out a knife and threatened another student. The teacher got in trouble for calling 911 instead of the office. This happened the same week another 8th grader pooped in the gym during class and another one ripped a sink off the wall. We are drowning.
Teacher secret that reads - My principal informed us that he doesn't want us to send him office referrals. He said he doesn't like calling the parents with bad news, it is also putting him in a difficult position when they want him to take their side. A couple of weeks later he sent out an email saying we must send students to his office for positive referrals so he can commend the students on their progress.
Teacher secret that reads - We barely make enough as teachers. This year has been so financially tough that my district gave out free turkeys to the community. I was #89 in line. I can't even afford to cook Thanksgiving dinner for my family.
Teacher secret that reads - I had a third grade student run away after school hours and I was blamed for it. I was asked by the principal what I did that made him run away after school got out.
Teacher secret that reads - This year I was looking forward to my yearly PAP exam because it meant I got a day off from school.
Teacher secret that reads - I’ve been experiencing worsening pelvic cramping since August but both general practice and OB/GYN can’t find anything wrong. After Thanksgiving break, I'm starting to think it’s psychosomatic because I felt fine until today, 24 hours before having to go back to school. I’ve been teaching 10 years but cannot fathom how much longer I can take the physical and emotional impact this has taken on my health.
Teacher secret that reads - I work at a K-12 private school. There is a middle school student who has reportedly threatened shooting up the school to other classmates. The first time he did it, he was suspended and given a “stern discussion” about it. Apparently the kid has made threats since then and now the head of middle school just ignores it. Everyone who knows about it is terrified, but he still won’t punish the kid.

Top Secrets: October 2022

Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - October 2022 #1
Teacher secret that reads - $30,000 is what I was told I needed to pay my school district for maternity leave screw ups. None of which were my fault. All of which I caught and brought to their attention.
Teacher secret about a teacher refusing to allow music to be played in the art room.
Teacher secret about admin not supporting a suicidal student.
Teacher secret that says - A student brought walnuts into school after learning that I have a life threatening allergy and carry an epi-pen. I got extremely ill and had to leave for the rest of the day. His mom said they were a gift for the gym teacher. The kid said he wanted to see what would happen to me. Admin did absolutely nothing. I could have died.
Teacher secret that reads - I'm due with my first baby in March. When I first found out I was pregnant over the summer, after the initial shock and excitement, my first thought was "I don't have to go to work for 3 months." I can't wait for my maternity leave and I'm already dreading having to go back after.
Teacher secret about a dead body being found on campus.
Teacher secret that says - They caught a kid at my school with a gun. The violence, fighting, and guns has gotten a million times worse. I'm terrified every day to go to school. It's not worth it.
Teacher secret that reads - My first teaching job was in a bathroom renovated into a special ed office. I walked into my classroom after winter vacation to find the radiator over my desk burst and destroyed all my files and personal materials. Admin didn't replace anything and didn't even say sorry. I was too afraid to speak up.
Teacher secret that reads - It really drives me insane that some kids would be punished for because of who their parents are. Last spring really took the cake, though. A student was caught welding in a welding booth wearing ONLY, and I mean ONLY a pair of shop safety goggles. He was filming himself welding buck naked. It all got swept under the rug because of who his father is.

Top Secrets: September 2022

Teacher secret about being sexually harassed by a student.
Teacher secret that reads - I was planning to return to school to obtain my teaching credential after many years of substitute teaching. After speaking to several teachers (and my mentor) I have decided that it's not worth it. My time, mental health, and life are worth more to me. Not to mention the sub shortage happening right now. I'm working every day without the hastle.
Teacher secret that reads - I had a lot of health issues last year while teaching a multi grade, mostly behavioral classroom. I asked to leave work 20 mins early once to go to the ER for stomach pain but was told no by the secretary because she didn't have coverage. A couple months later, I wound up back in the ER needing an appendectomy. I chose to call my boss to let her know I would not be in, and instead of well wishes, I was asked to send in sub plans.
Teacher secret that reads - I had a first grade student with repeated office referrals for repeated misbehavior. His first morning back after being suspended, he was threatening other students with scissors. I reached to grab them, and he cut me. I called my sister (an RN) to see if I needed a tetanus shot. My principal was livid that I told someone about the situation and wrote me up for "breaching confidentiality". I threw the write up letter at him and yelled, "I quit!"
Teacher secret that reads - I had a student who was carrying a BB gun that looked like a real 9mm pistol. I disarmed the student. He received 3 days of ISS. This incident happened shortly after the shooting at Uvalde. I never received a thank you or anything. My reward was that they put him in my classroom. This is my last year teaching after 12 years.
Teacher secret about a school losing 8 teachers due to budget cuts.
Teacher secret about the school board fighting the union and not agreeing on a contract.
Teacher secret that reads - I complained to the principal about a student constantly physically assaulting me and my staff, she did nothing and told me to follow his behavior plan. Then when he punched the principal in the crotch she suspended him.
Teacher secret about a teacher feeling guilty for leaving her school.
Teacher secret about a principal believing a student over the teacher.

Top Secrets: August 2022

Teacher secret that reads - At an active shooter training this week they suggested that teachers buy emergency first aid kits for themselves.
Teacher secret that reads - Turns out my school director has been using our classroom phone intercoms to secretly eavesdrop on our classrooms and on personal conversations teachers and staff were having with one another. When she was caught red-handed listening in, she claimed she was just waiting to speak because she didn't want to "interrupt the conversations."
Teacher secret that reads - A 4th grade student told his friends that he was going to kill me, cut me up and drag my body around the school. I wrote him up. The AP talked to him, and he was back in my class within 10 minutes. He said he was sorry, so...
Teacher secrets that reads - I'm currently the only IT person for 4 campuses and a teacher for middle school. I announced mid-July that I would be leaving for a new job in mid-August. Instead of hiring a new person I am being replaced by an IT company and parent volunteers for my classes. On top of that, my executive director is demanding I show off tech at an open house for a new school he is opening a day before I leave.
Teacher secrets that reads - Took a job as a 6:1:1 K-2 special ed teacher. The principal told me to have them take the cafeteria trays down because "these kids will probably end up in the food industry." My mentor told me to shake a can of coins at my autistic students to get them to stop screaming. Needless to say, I no longer work at that school.
Teacher secrets that reads - At our first day back meeting, our principal told us to stock up on 24 cans of soup so we could throw them at a shooter if one enters our classroom with an assault rifle.
Teacher secrets that reads - I recently resigned after only 6 years in the classroom. Last school year I was pregnant and teaching in-person full time. I had to physically switch classrooms mid-day to teach both blocks. 11 days after I delivered my perfect baby I was institutionalized due to lack of sleep, hallucinations, mania, severe anxiety, and psychosis. Although no doctor would agree, I blame the stressful work environment leading up to my delivery. Thankfully I recovered but I will be on mood stabilizers for the rest of my life and was told not to have any more children.
Teacher secrets that reads - I developed a tortuous, painful condition and after 3-4 years with no answers and no relief I ended up in psych for 2.5 days. My principal never once asked how I was or checked on me. 4 years later, when I'm not being a good little sheep and just doing as I'm told, he denied me a student teacher (who requested me as his supervising teacher) because he was "worried about my mental health."
Teacher secrets that reads - My third year of teaching, I had a devastating miscarriage. I bled out for 10 days. I was hospitalized for 6 of those days because it was so much. My principal called me on day 5 (still in the hospital) and told me it was time to stop being sad and get on with my life since I already had a 2 year old. He then called me out for dropping the ball on a volunteer picnic that happened while I was in the hospital (which I was volunTOLD to organize) as they had to last-minute potluck it (which I coordinated). I quit that job that day. I didn't even care about my future or the impact on my family. No one should have to endure that abuse.
Teacher secrets that reads - I was groped and touched by a male high school student who came around my desk while pretending to read an essay. I reported it to my administrator and was told, "he just looks at you as a mother figure." Nothing was ever done about this.

Top Secrets: July 2022

Teacher secret that reads - Living in Hawaii on a teacher's salary was not sustainable, so I gave up my apartment and moved into my classroom for the last 2 months of school during the pandemic. I was only able to do it because I had a sink and fridge in my room, and the classroom doors led directly to the outside. I was almost caught on multiple occasions, but to this day, it's the biggest secret I've ever kept. 64 nights. I hope to write a book about it someday.
Teacher secret that reads - I was in charge of doing interviews and hiring foreign teachers at an international school in China. My boss came to me one day and sain, "Umm, could you stop hiring so many black people?" (They were very qualified, wonderful people). Also I should mention, my husband is black and she knows this. I said, "What the hell! That's racist! What's wrong with black teachers?" She said, "Oh no, I'm not racist, but my boss doesn't want too many black people on the team. They may scare the kids." I told her I cannot be associated with those beliefs and I switched to a different department because they were much more accepting. I left the school as soon as the contract was up.
Teacher secret that reads - We had a major issue with cockroaches at our school. Nothing was ever done and we weren't allowed to spray the classroom ourselves. One day I decided to spray in a hole in the ceiling that always had roaches crawling in and out. Cockroaches started falling from the ceiling. It was literally raining cockroaches in my classroom.
Teacher secret that reads - One day, I got assaulted by a parent while walking to my car. I called my administration to let me in the building for safety. Since the assault didn't happen directly on school property, he refused to let me in.
Teacher secret that reads - At my mother's funeral, my principal attended and gave her condolences. Then she proceeded to tell me that there was a problem with my summer quarterlies and I needed to make sure they were corrected ASAP.
Teacher secret that reads - A student broke his pencil sharpener and was keeping the little blade in his pocket. I talked to the principal and he came to observe the class. His only response at the end of the class was, "I need a cocktail." Nothing done about the emotionally unstable student with a weapon.
Teacher secret that reads - A student (not mine) shat in my closet at work. I'm pretty sure her teacher knew about it. After I found it, the teacher and the principal started laughing while I cleaned it up.
Teacher secret that reads - My admin informed me that my job this year was to "teach the kids how to cheat the system." He implied there will be consequences for any grade given below a C.
Teacher secret that reads - My old principal will make up false accusations about any of her employees to prevent them from getting another job. She has done this to more people than I can count. The work environment was so toxic that I would have panic attacks and question whether I was a good teacher or not. I had to warn my interviewers about her. Fast forward to today, I have never been happier and in an environment where I like going to work. Moral is - don't settle for toxicity and evil. You are important and deserve better. Karma will eventually come around.
Teacher secret that reads - After suffering a miscarriage, my grandmother (whom I live with) breaking her hip, and my dad being given 6 months to live, I took a medical leave of absence for the last 9 days of school. My district wouldn't accept a letter from my therapist so my primary care physician also wrote one. The assistant superintendent actually called me requesting a second opinion from their doctor. Thankfully I was with that doctor a whole 5 minutes before she apologized for their actions and wrote me off for the rest of the summer. Needless to say, I won't be back next year and I honestly feel so much better knowing that. Do not let someone tell you how you are supposed to act or feel. You matter.

Top Secrets: June 2022

Teacher secret that reads - A male student of mine choked a female student of mine in the cafeteria during lunch one day because she wouldn't say that she liked him. I sat with him while we waited for his parents to arrive and he said he'd kill me if I told them what had happened. He was suspended for 2 days and when he came back to class, admin instructed me to keep him by my side at all times and to check his backpack each morning for weapons. That was my first year of teaching and I knew right then that I was done.
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - June 2022 #2
Teacher secret that reads - After spring break this school year, our principal had been absent from the building for 40 days. He has been out of the building at least 4 more days since. He claims to be working from home or quarantining from exposure to COVID, then he finally got COVID and was out and then had a relapse so could not attend honors night at school. Meanwhile, teachers missing more than 7 days this year (including for approved COVID leave or personal days) received letters warning they'd have names printed in the paper for being derelict of duties. When he is at school, you'd never know it because he hides in his office all day. Students don't even know who he is. The morale in the building is incredibly low as a result - this lack of leadership has poisoned our whole building.
Teacher secret that reads - I worked at a school where they wouldn't provide coverage for teachers to attend the funeral of a current student who committed suicide. The district goal was to promote social emotional learning. And they wonder why teachers keep leaving for other schools.
Teacher secret that reads - We had a lockdown at my school a few years ago due to a nearby shooting. Our elderly custodian was outside and a teacher opened the door to let her in. In our staff meeting to discuss the lockdown, our principal said "next time we let Miss (custodian name) get shot.
Teacher secret that reads - Yesterday I was non renewed. I have been teaching for 13 years, but this was my 3rd year in this district. I had the roughest class in school and everyone knew it. Their reasons were ridiculous and uncalled for. Fighting for my students' well being and safety was too much for them. To top it all off, I told my principal right there I just found out I was pregnant. He said congrats and I smirked right back at him and said, "Thanks, now you've left me without healthcare, no job, and no change of getting FMLA when I do get a new job. Great job." I have no idea what to do now.
Teacher secret that reads - I have an artificial leg. A student kicked me in the leg, and when I reported it to the principal, she asked, "Which leg? Because the fake one doesn't count."
Teacher secret that reads - I asked my principal to leave a few minutes early to pick up my cat from surgery at the vet. He told me to put my cat in a bag and drown him in the river.
Teacher secret that reads - Pregnant for the first time, I told my principal on Monday that I had to leave an hour early (during my planning period) Tuesday for my first ultrasound. The ultrasound was amazing. Wednesday, the principal called me into her office to tell me she was taking me out of the Media Center because she didn't think I could run a successful library program. I had been running an award-winning program for 5 years, and knew every student in the school. She said she was going to put me in science or math. I am not certified in those subject, and have dyscalculia as well. The stress was so bad, I miscarried 48 hours later in the front office clinic. She sent me to the hospital alone in an ambulance, and then avoided me in the hallways for the last month of school. I left after that year, refusing to work with her.
Teacher secret that reads - This past August I lost a family member very suddenly at the beginning of school. I was told to come in to work the day after they died, because it was very important for the students to get to know their teacher. When I asked again to take a day for bereavement, I was told by my admin, "We all have things going on in our lives. I was upset yesterday because I didn't get to see my daughter play volleyball. These are just things we have to push aside and come to work." As if my family member passing away was the same as a volleyball game. This and other reasons is why I decided to resign.

Top Secrets: May 2022

Teacher secret that reads - I had to see a therapist due to an emotionally abusive admin. My therapist helped me overcome my anxiety whenever I heard high heeled shoes in the hallway.
Teacher secret that reads - Thought you might like to know that the Richmond, IN school board voted unanimously last night to give themselves health insurance at the cost of $1/year! 4 of the 7 of them are self employed.
Teacher secret that reads - I had brain surgery for the second year in a row. I had never looked so forward to having brain tumors removed so I could have 6 weeks off of work. 75% of my pituitary gland was removed. My first day back after medical leave my principal and team leader ambushed me with a surprise meeting after school telling me I needed to step up my game and my students would not be prepared for 2nd grade next year.
Teacher secret that reads - So about 11 years ago I was out for bereavement leave because my brother died unexpectedly at 31. An admin sent out a reminder email to the whole staff about a training that was taking place after school that week. I sent her an email to let her know I wouldn't be there and why. She wrote back, "I'm so sorry to hear that, but you knew about this training since last school year." I responded, "I'm sorry. I will plan my brother's death better for you next time." Then she sent another email saying something about how she didn't mean that and she was sorry, then reiterated that I did still know about is last year.
Teacher secret that reads - A student I sent out of class was asked to write a note of apology. I received a drawing of a bleeding body next to a gun. Admin was there, and did nothing. They never did.
Teacher secret that reads, "Our awful principal bullied teachers to the point where out teacher who taught gifted students committed suicide and listed her as one of the reasons on the note he left behind. The family sued the district and she was not fired, but moved to central office to work in HR. Every time our superintendent livestreams an announcement, we can all see her seated behind the superintendent."
Teacher secret that reads, "The day after the Uvalde shooting a student said they wanted to choke me and hit me in the head with a shovel so I could die. How are we even supposed to feel safe at work anymore?
Teacher secret that reads, "A parent used the Protected Class complaint form that is used if a staff member acts unfairly towards a protected class (national origin, religion, LGBTQ, sex, etc.) to complain that I didn't treat "cool kids" properly. Her child regularly misbehaved on the playground and bullied kids. I used my discipline plan when they misbehaved in class, but the playground behavior was typically sent straight to the office by playground supervisors. In class, I simply treated her child like everyone else. Apparently that is not how one should treat Cool Kids. The kicker was the district actually performed an investigation into the complaint and I was followed around campus. Oh, did I mention the school year had ended and mom had already pulled her child from the district before she filed the complaint, so this followed me into the next school year?
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - May 2022 #9
Teacher secret that reads, "I work for a public online school and as teachers we are required to reach out to families and make sure they re-register for the next school year. Today, as an incentive, our head of schools promised that if we significantly increased our registration numbers, he will get slimed. He said if we double that number, he'll dump ice water on himself. I want to be clear that this incentive was for the teachers, not for kids."

Top Secrets: April 2022

Teacher secret that reads - A teacher I had a shared lunch duty with began sexually harassing me. This man was old enough to be my grandfather. He sent me a love letter and followed me in his car after work. HR took care of it, he got in a lot of trouble, almost fired, not the first time he did this to someone. They also promised they would never assign him to a duty with me. Well, I was assigned to a duty with that man the following year. I reminded my AP of the situation figuring she had forgotten. No, she berated me and said, "You need to learn to get along better with people."
Teacher secret that reads - I keep a pair of sunglasses at my desk. They aren't for recess, but for crying. I just tell people the lights are bothering me and my eyes need a break.
Teacher secret that reads, "My husband and I are teachers in the same district. He was recently called into the principal's office because a parent of a student he doesn't even teach had combed through 10 years of our Facebook photos and emailed pictures of us drinking alcohol to the principal and superintendent. The parent said he was a bad example for students and asked how the school could ensure he wasn't driving drunk to school every morning. These were pictures of us sharing a Guinness on our honeymoon in Ireland 7 years ago, holding glasses of wine up for a toast at a friend's wedding, and wearing a Santa hat and drinking eggnog on Christmas. He is a 35 year old man.
Teacher secret that reads - I came to this country with the confidence that I was an outstanding teacher after a great experience in my homeland. But here, my school administration is so toxic that I feel incompetent and like I never want to work at a school again. I can't quit become I'm on a Visa they sponsored. They have used that as leverage before.
Teacher secret that reads, "A young student told me daily he was going to kill me. His plan was specific and realistic right down to the location of the gun and bullets in grandpa's closet. He said he wanted my assistant to see me die so she would die on the inside. Admin did nothing though I reported it daily. Finally we refused to come to work until they removed him because we were genuinely afraid. Finally he was evaluated and put in a specialized psych center."
Teacher secret that reads - During a fire drill I was cornered by a high school student who sexually assaulted me. He was a wrestler. I tried every behavior strategy I knew until police arrived. This wasn't his first time assaulting a female staff member. He was moved to a federal setting 4 special education program. The principal felt this would be the quickest response. It was a hush hush situation. Shortly after, I was nominated for teacher of the year. Weeks later I was walking down the school hallway after hours and there he was staring at me smiling. You see, students have a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. He has a right to play extracurricular sports on our schools team. As I'm sure you can imagine at year's end I left the school district and still see his eyes in my nightmares.
Teacher secret that reads - Our head custodian has had multiple complaints against him from teachers, ranging from physical and verbal intimidation to inappropriate comments about appearance. It was reported and these teachers were told he was retiring soon and it wouldn't be an issue anymore. This started 5-6 years ago.
Teacher secret that reads, "A student once cut off a lock of my hair at the request of another teacher who wanted it for his collection. The teacher was told to apologize to me. I worked there another year even though it was never addressed by admin. Stockholm syndrome?"
Teacher secret that reads, "I had the star football player in my class. He didn't help his group (that he chose) with a project, and I gave him a D. When he saw his grade he said, "I'm going to beat the s*** out of her" loudly to his neighbor. I wrote a referral to our AP who sent the kid to my room alone during my prep to apologize. No further repercussions. When I went to talk to the AP about it, he said the kid was already on such thin ice that he was running the risk of not being able to play college ball. He said, "You don't want to the be the reason for that do you?"
Teacher secret that reads, "I had no voice at all and was told I was not allowed to miss a day. I had to use a text-to-speech app to communicate with the kids. My administrator then scolded and blamed me in front of my class and a touring parent for being unable to speak. After she left the room I cried in front of my kids."

Top Secrets: March 2022

Teacher secret that reads - It was my birthday and two students got into a fight in my class. I got knocked out trying to break it up. I woke up to the male guidance counselor straddling me.
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - March 2022 #2
Teacher secret with image of a bat and text, "We had bats in our building, yes bats. Admin first response was, it's ok, they're just babies."
Anonymous contribution from a teacher on their experience in the profession - June 2022 #4
Teacher secret that reads, "My first year, I taught in a fifth grade class. A student lit a match and threw it (while lit) into the trashcan. Luckily, the trashcan was empty and it burned out. Admin refused to investigate or give a consequence to the student because there was no proof of this actually happening."
Teacher secret that reads: "I have 38 students in my class from hell. I email admin and begged them not to send anymore. They agreed. Then they sent another one and said, "Technically you can have 40. In my first class with the new kid he kept playing audio clips on his chromebook from porn like one that said "f me daddy, " so I blocked his internet. He found a bottle of cleaning spray in a cabinet and held it to my face and said, "Unblock me or I'll spray you in the face." I ignored him. He told his next teacher that he wishes murder was legal so he could kill me because he hates me."
Teacher secret that reads, "I used to love my very specialized job. Admin has systematically and purposefully sucked every ounce of joy out of it. Suck it, bitches, I ain't going anywhere. I almost wish I never chose to teach in this area, but I'm not letting them take all the awesome students and families I have worked with. They have taken enough." "
Teacher secret that reads, "During my 9th year of teaching in inner city schools I developed some serious mental health issues. After taking a leave and requesting support and accommodations numerous times, I had a massive panic attack during an off campus professional development. My admin decided it was a good idea to leave me immobile on a staircase. I was stuck crying for about 25 minutes as the staff from my school and the school we were visiting walked past me casually saying hello. When I finally could move I left and was addressed by admin later for not having permission to do so."
Teacher secret that reads, "I have worked as a paraprofessional for almost 15 years. I have been threatened, beaten, spit at, cursed at, bitten, had my glasses broken, had a metal lunch box thrown into my spine, and more. I was blamed for poor student behavior, academics, and more. My last full time job before I left to be a SAHM was literally a year from hell. The head teachers and admin did nothing. It turned me off from becoming a sped teacher, something I had dreamt about. Now after only one year of being back full time (working with language based disabilities), seeing all the struggles teachers deal with, I don't want to become any type of teacher anymore."
Teacher secret that reads, "For Women's Day, my district planned a 90-minute cardio and fitness class. The event is sponsored by a group called "Pretty Girl Perfected."

Submit a Secret

Have a secret to share with the class? Click the button below to submit a secret to Teacher Misery!

Submit your secret

Attention! Some of the links present in this article may be affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through the link, we might generate a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). Additionally, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through the links. All of this revenue goes back into Teacher Misery and the mission of improving it and the lives of teachers everywhere. As always, thank you for all your support! :)))

Jane Morris

Jane Morris is the pen name of an ex-teacher who would really like to tell you more about herself but is worried awful administrators will come after her for spilling their dirty little secrets. Jane has taught English for over 15 years in a major American city. She received her B.A. in English and Secondary Education from a well-known university and her M.A. in Writing and Literature from an even fancier (and more expensive) university. As a professional queen of commiseration turned published author, Jane’s foremost passion in life is to make people laugh through the tears.

She has written several highly acclaimed books unpacking the reality of teaching and life inside the school system. You can view her full library of works here.

What to Read Next

Podcast

Resources

Sitemap