I am a retired teacher who taught in Michigan public schools for 26 years. You should be aware of a side of education in this state that your professors are unlikely to disclose. You must understand that you, as a teacher, are totally expendable. Your being a terrific teacher, caring about students and working hard will not be enough to protect you from threats, intimidation or job loss. Administrators knowingly will ignore state laws to save money in their budget. If you bring it to someone’s attention, expect to be threatened or made the scapegoat. You must understand that you, a teacher, are less important than the careers of administrators, school board members and legislators.

You will be pressured to give preferential treatment to certain students. You will be blamed for students’ lack of attendance, refusal to work and failing grades. Expect to be threatened and intimidated by students, administrators and even school board members. When you are assaulted by a student, you will be pressured not to press criminal charges. Holding students accountable for their lack of work will be discouraged.