Choosing to become a teacher is a big deal. Like… really big. There are a million reasons why people decide against work in education, and honestly, most of those reasons make sense. The pay is not the best, and there’s not much room to move up unless you want to leave the classroom and jump into admin. Public education continues to be politicized, with funding freezes creating anxiety and stress for all of us who value children and education. Class sizes are often too big, planning time is too short, parents can be unsupportive, and behavior problems can be exhausting.
And yet… people still choose to become teachers. Thank goodness for that.
Still, there’s one area that people don’t talk about as much, and that’s the importance of choosing where YOU decide to teach. Take it from me, who has been in and out of education for over twenty years, and who tends to learn things the hard way.
A brand new, shiny building and a smiling principal don’t always equal a happy, supportive teaching environment. Sometimes, what looks great on the outside hides a whole lot of dysfunction on the inside. Have I spent school years crying in my car during lunch? Yes. Have I also had years where I grew professionally, and made friends for life? Also, yes. Going into teaching with an open heart is beautiful. Going in with open eyes is equally as important.
So… how do you avoid walking into a toxic work environment? How do you figure out if a school is going to be the right fit for you before you sign a contract? Here’s what I wish I’d known from the start.
1. State Teacher Working Conditions Surveys
Once you’ve found a job listing, do a google search for your state’s teacher survey. Most states have anonymous teacher surveys that get published online, and they are now the first place I go to after finding a listing. Be advised that these are different from district surveys, which are often not anonymous, and often skewed for this reason.
The surveys usually break down how teachers feel about their school in categories like:
- Leadership: Does admin have your back?
- Student Conduct: Are behavior issues handled fairly?
- School Culture: Do people actually enjoy working there?
- Safety: Do teachers feel safe?
You’ll see statements like, “My school is a good place to work and learn,” or “I feel supported by administration,” and teachers rate how much they agree or disagree. Pay attention to those! You can learn more from these reports than you ever will in an interview.
Pro Tip: I always go straight to the Leadership section. A principal can make or break your year (or career). You want someone who backs you up when kids misbehave, who gives you fair feedback, and who doesn’t micromanage every minute of your day.
2. Ask the Questions That Matter (Even if it Feels Awkward)
Interviews are a two-way street. They are interviewing you, yes, but you should absolutely be interviewing them. Think about what is most important to you, and then choose which questions to ask. Here are a few thing I’ve addressed:
- What does teacher planning time actually look like here?
- How does your school handle behavior challenges?
- How is student support structured? (Counselors, behavior specialists, interventionists)
- What’s your teacher retention like? Why did the teacher before leave the position?
- What professional development is offered?
Watch how they answer. Are they honest? Do they gloss over tough topics? The red flags will be there, so trust your gut.
3. Do a Walkthrough… and Pay Attention to Vibes
If possible, ask to walk around the school during your interview or request to visit when teachers and students are in the building.
Notice things like:
- Are teachers smiling or do they look stressed?
- Is student work proudly displayed?
- Do classrooms look inviting or bare?
- Are the halls calm or chaotic?
Culture shows up in small ways. A school with a negative culture and climate will ultimately affect you and your classroom.
4. Find the Teachers or Families Who Will Spill the Tea
I debated whether or not to add this section, since it feels a little bit icky. But, the reality is that a little digging, can lead to gold. Ask a friend if they know people who work at (or kids who attend) the school, find a Facebook group, or search Reddit threads about your district. Teachers talk, and sometimes you can find real-deal feedback about the places you’re considering. You can also check google reviews. Many unhappy teachers and families are eager to warn others of unfortunate incidents and experiences. Be careful to take feedback with a grain of salt, however. If you begin to see patterns, though,, steer clear of an environment that could do you harm.
Final Thought
Teaching is a service career that deserves respect. You deserve to work somewhere that supports you, respects your time, and lets you bloom into a dedicated and happy teacher. Don’t settle for less just because the building is pretty or the job seems convenient. Do your research. Ask your questions. You’ll thank yourself later.
Ms. Martha
New to teaching? Check out our New Teacher’s Survival Guide, too. Happy teaching!
