I'm getting out of teaching, too.

It's a bit sad because I will really miss my students and the relationship I have with their parents and the community.

I will not miss the new principal who micro-manages the school and stifles creativity. I will not miss watching young, eager, talented teachers become stressed and cynical in a short period of time. I will not miss teachers who cater to administrative demands at the expense of their staff and students.

Education is much more than being able to pass a standardized test. Gone are the days when each teacher brought their own, unique interests and experience into the classroom and helped to create a socially responsible school where everyone was valued.

I'm still adjusting and beginning to create a new life. This period of transition is not going to be easy but I am looking forward to being free of the social pressure, the alarm clock and a hyper-vigilant boss who expects you to be a teacher 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.