In my chat about house paint with the 3-year home & garden corporate America store employee, I discovered that he was a 32-year-retired high school music teacher. He was proud of his former students in professional musician and band director careers. He never had much bad behavior because the students wanted to be in his elective class. “What do you miss the most from teaching?” No hesitation, with a smile, he replied, “Nothing yet.” 

A former teacher was excited to share his/her response to the above with:

“Ha!! 

I miss nothing of teaching too. An absolutely broken system with no hope in sight, if you ask me. 

The schism between “white” or “privileged” schools and “Title I” or “colored” schools will never close. 

The administrative teams are more interested in their retirement and weekly tokens.

I’ve lost all hope in education, and I wish I had picked a different career from the start. What a waste. 

Sorry to be a Debbie Downer. 

I miss nothing about teaching. I regret most of it.” 

Mike Sawyer,

Voted “The Humanitarian of 2023-24” at my high-needs middle school (over 90% Hispanic)

Denver, CO

205-515-1560 (texting available)

msawyer911@gmail.com