Poem: The American Teacher

OMG, I’m so excited to bring you Leaving Teaching’s very first guest post! And not just any guest post—this poem by subscriber Lindsay Alvarez is her very first published piece of writing!

As if that wasn’t enough, this poem is being published on Lindsay’s last day in the classroom.

In her words: Lindsay Alvarez, a passionate educator with 20 years of experience, is leaving the classroom to focus on activism and advocate for better pay and systemic change in education. Through writing, Lindsay hopes to highlight the challenges that teachers face, amplifying their voices to inspire meaningful reform for educators and students alike.

(And in case you didn’t hear, Leaving Teaching is now open to reader submissions. Check out the details here.)

Please help me in congratulating Lindsay on an accomplished teaching career and an exciting next chapter!

The American Teacher

By Lindsay Alvarez

I am overstimulated, overworked,

And underpaid.

Mind always racing,

Thinking of the mess I’ve made.

        I’ve been taught to work for the outcome,

Not for the income.

So I have put in all of my time,

And then some.

Trying to sustain,

This lifelong passion,

So I work hard,

Lead with compassion.

But I am making less,

And always giving more.

It's an empty cup,

From which I pour.

How can I not have resentment,

As I smile wide?

While these endless tasks,

Eat me up inside.

     It’s a double-edged sword,

If I leave will I have regret,

For all of the lives that I haven’t touched yet?

  If I stay I’m made a martyr,

 By giving and giving.

Instead of receiving the life,

I deserve to be living.

How much will I give,

Before I want to take?

How much will I bend,

Before I break?

It’s always been a tough balance,

Now the weight is too heavy.

Walking on a tightrope,

 I try to stay steady.

Then I suddenly fall,

I am grasping at straws.

At the end of each day,

All I see are my flaws.

When do we all draw,

A line in the sand.

Because enough is enough,

So let’s take a stand.

    Encouraged to leave a legacy,

So I’m using my voice.

I can’t go on feeling,

Like I don’t have a choice.

          I’ve been silent and grateful,

But it’s time to speak up for change.

Complacency may bring comfort,

But now it feels strange.

       Because this is too important,

Don’t want to rant like a preacher.

But it’s time to step up to save,

The American Teacher.