New teacher decides she can't

To the editor:

I just read the article "Hearing harsh words," and I am sympathetic to the teacher, Jason Bandermann. I was a first-year teacher in the Rockwood School District this year but quit in December because of the sort of no-win situation that so often presented itself. How can I motivate these students who don't care about school, who don't want to be there and who can't remember how to spell my name?

I had high hopes of being this great teacher that the students looked up to, but that obviously didn't happen. I spent countless sleepless nights perfecting my lessons only to have some kid roll his eyes and some girl fall asleep.

Now I am without a job but happy that I am no longer an educator. I didn't like the general attitude of the students, but it was more than that. It was one big focus on test scores that the students didn't care about. They get tested so much it is ridiculous. I haven't had much experience, but something very wrong is happening here. Most students simply don't care.

I am sure there are many great teachers who love what they do and are well-liked by the kids, but I love myself too much to put up with being treated this way. I think too many times blame falls on the educator, and that isn't always right.

ABBY WEHRLE

St. Louis