I was hired I June and thought, we’ll see what happens and if it gets bad they won’t open the schools. Nope, so I resigned. Not worth it.

I wonder how many in the DROP program are going to go ahead and retire. We are a lot here and I can’t imagine all of them are going to teach.

Many of the teachers in my Facebook circles are figuring out how to leave.

Most of the parents of my students were understanding and told me the same thing.

...and we are in Florida. She was the music teacher.

It's too dangerous, DeSantan is crazy, and she is done. I'm continuing, so I can keep us both under health insurance.

I am going to be 80 on my next birthday. I went to public school for the first 3 grades. I still remember the names and faces of my teachers in those 3 grades. Such is the impact teachers can have on those entrusted to their care and teaching. Bless you all. I hope you all are kept or made safe through these times.

what a lovely post! I retired in 2017 after 34 years; I don't envy anyone trying to figure out what to do in the midst of this mess.

But you're doing the smart thing.

Thank you for your years of providing compassionate, quality education for our kids.

And thank you for your time, service and heart. I was a weird child because I really, really, really liked school. It was because of the teachers I had.

To all the teachers here on DU, thank you, thank you, thank you!

custodians, office staff, etc will be handled, all schooling should be virtual.

My kids aren't school aged anymore, but if they were, I would be keeping them home for the upciming school semester. I'd rather they be safe/alive at home and graduate a year later.

Enjoy your upcoming retirement.

But don't feel too sad about it. They were impeached tRump supporters. I bet they didn't realize a vote could so profoundly effect their wage earning abilities.

I wish other teachers had the opportunity you have. A DU teacher wrote a post last night that her red area district is making her go back but she is a few years short of retirement.

I would take a leave of absence if my contract allowed it.

Every teacher is special. But when you are teaching special-needs kids, you've got a bit of 'extra special' in you.

I see this as a loss for all of you. And I'm so angry because this didn't have to happen. If only we had real leaders, competent and compassionate people, running this country.

You absolutely made the right decision. I'm just so sorry you had to make it.

To all of the teachers in our lives, thank you!

Too many people make personal decisions based on guilt. Your decision is sane and in your best interest. You only have one life. Protect it.

Especially since the state is not watching out for you, or the kids for that matter either (and all of the other workers too). These are dangerous times for all.

It's a very tough, and very rewarding career.
That said, you've made the right choice. I really hope DeSantis relents, but I doubt he has enough concern for the kids and their teachers to do so.
GOP = Greed Over People.

If enough teachers do the right thing, like you did, it might force them to abandon the idea of opening the schools, or at least limit it some. We all know deep down that it just doesn’t make sense to open the schools.

I feel really uncomfortable going into a class while even MF45 is president and we need leadership to control this pandemic. And we don’t have it under mf45.

July 31 is my end date. I work at a college, and I also had no guarantee they would start online. They say they are doing face to face. I don't know how that works, it looks like a recipe for disaster. And with the mask rule, how can you interact with students and co-workers much? It seems like it will be masks all over until you are back in your office. I am 61 and that is close enough, I put in notice of retirement. I am glad I did, as at my age I am in a risk group. And I figured my pension won't do me any good when I am in my grave from COVID. I'm taking the money and running.

Thank you for your service. It was the previous epidemic of gunman in classrooms that finally forced me into retirement.

Although your deep feelings are clear in your post, You've made the best decision for yourself, teach1st. You cannot do anything for anyone else if you're sick or dead. Taking care of ourselves has to be our priority.

My wife is also a teacher and although she finished the Spring semester through Zoom classes, she's decided she won't go back in the Fall. First, it's too dangerous since we're over 60. Second, virtual teaching is not particularly effective. Third, virtual teaching is not very satisfying.

These are difficult and disappointing decisions to have to make.

or they certainly cant open at full attendance.

it would be a huge benefit to the county, and sacrifice of the teachers, if teachers en masse, refused to work at schools that aren't safe because of lack of safety measures and/or in areas in the midst of an outbreak.

the crazy part is that if they open the schools unsafely, they'll undoubtedly close again because of spiking cases among students and staff.

i'm glad you can retire, protect your health, it comes first. there's no point in dying for the wrong cause, better to be here to fight for the right one!