Jessica Gentry, who had been a teacher for 12 years, pointed the finger at parents and school administration.
A former kindergarten teacher is getting candid about why she left her job.
Jessica Gentry, who just resigned from her job at Stone Spring Elementary School in Harrisonburg, Virginia, posted on Facebook last week about what led her to quit for her mental health, pay grade aside.
“Let me tell you why those who ooze passion for teaching are leaving the occupation like their hair is on fire,” Gentry, who taught for 12 years, started.
Her post, which has now gone viral, explains the reasons why she quit teaching: lack of support from the parents, an over-emphasis on technology in the classroom and too many school-mandated trainings.
“My mental health was in jeopardy,” she wrote. “Knowing that your kids need and deserve more than they're getting. Sitting in one meeting after another, begging for more support.”
Gentry also compared her relationship with parents to working “customer service.”
Hundreds that resonated with her message flooded the comments, commending her for speaking out and taking a stand against a troubled system.
“You hit the nail on the head. Parents do your job at raising your kids so teachers can teach,” one woman wrote.
Another responded: “I think all teachers agree with you. I taught for 40 years and times have changed. Good for you to get out now where you can make changes with your own children.”
The school district, however, responded, denying claims it didn’t support its students.
“Harrisonburg City Public Schools staff are dedicated, hard-working professionals who care for all children daily,” superintendent of Harrisonburg City Public Schools Michael Richards said in an interview with "Good Morning America."
In light of the response, Gentry said she is still glad to have opened up about her concerns related to teaching and hopes it urges the public school system to continue improving.
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