Yes, it is very sad when you have teaching skills but spend most of your time with paperwork in the name of accountability. Especially sad when you enjoy the kids and take pride in their progress. Too much time is spent testing, recording, scoring, reporting and filing.

Trouble is, nowadays, there are so many rules that have to be followed that there is absolutely no room for creativity. Its pathetic how after a few years in the system, all teachers teach the same thing as the teacher next door. Some teachers teach the same thing year after year just to survive. If you dare to bring your own unique experiences into the classroom, the other teachers feel threatened. Its a bureaucratic nightmare.

Follow the rules (made by bureaucrats not educators) or get out before the system eats your soul.