In a striking resignation letter that has gained significant attention, former South Carolina elementary school educator Clara Johnson made the difficult decision to leave her teaching career last fall. Her poignant words resonate deeply with the current climate of education, particularly as educators prepare for a rally at the state capitol to advocate for much-needed reforms.
“Please consider this my immediate resignation from public education,” Johnson opens her letter, setting the tone for her heartfelt message. She clarifies that her departure is not a reflection of her students or colleagues at Pine Valley Elementary, where she believed she had found her ideal teaching environment. “The only thing that kept me from resigning sooner was my love for my students and my passion for teaching. However, I can’t sacrifice my own well-being for the sake of this system.”
Johnson highlights the pervasive “systemic neglect and abuse of teachers” in her state as the catalyst for her exit. She reflects on the unsustainable demands placed on educators, stating, “There’s no time left to be a functioning human being while giving this job the dedication it deserves. The profession comes with an endless list of responsibilities for which we are often under-resourced.”
She asserts that she will no longer be “intimidated” or “guilt-tripped” into continuing in a role that demands too much. “We are teachers, but we are also human beings,” Johnson emphasizes.
Drawing a poignant parallel, she likens her experience in education to being in an abusive relationship. “If you replace ‘he’ with ‘public education’ in the signs of abuse, it fits our struggles across the nation perfectly,” she writes. “If I claimed that my partner was treating me poorly, people would encourage me to leave. Yet, because this is my calling, it seems acceptable to endure this mistreatment.”
Johnson shares the overwhelming expectations of her role: “Do more with less time and resources. Bear the blame for failures. Sacrifice your personal life and mental health. Don’t complain, because if you only work 7-3, how hard can it be?”
Terming her resignation as “the hardest act of selfishness I have ever faced,” she stresses the importance of prioritizing her own well-being over the relentless demands of the job. “I refuse to stay in an abusive relationship with public education any longer,” she proclaims.
While she recognizes that change is necessary, Johnson believes that until the public perception of education shifts, her situation—and that of her colleagues—will remain stagnant. “People must demand the time, funding, and support needed for education. We need to stop merely talking about the importance of education and start proving it,” she urges.
The urgency in her message has galvanized thousands of educators, parents, and supporters to gather at the Statehouse to advocate for better pay and working conditions. After previous attempts to engage lawmakers yielded little response, marching for their rights has become their only option.
Johnson expresses a desire for action over words. “I hope that people will stop just saying education is important and actually show it,” she insists. “We’re at a breaking point.”
In summary, Clara Johnson’s powerful resignation letter highlights the struggles faced by educators and the urgent need for systemic change within public education. Her message serves as a rallying cry for educators across the country to demand better conditions and support for their vital work.