Opinion: Why I quit my job and became a Bay Area teacher

Recent years have seen a national exodus of teachers who feel overworked and burnt out, leading to skyrocketing attrition and a national teacher shortage. However, California may be bucking that trend.

The state saw a 35% increase in teachers who completed a California teacher prep program and their preliminary credential between 2017-21. I am on my way to being one of them. Two years ago, I decided to take a pay cut and leave my well-paying, low-stress private sector job to become a teacher.

After graduating college, I moved to the Bay Area to become a management consultant. Despite the engaging work and learning potential, I felt unfulfilled. I longed for an opportunity to expand my impact and help others. Upon reflection, I realized that everything I had earned was due to the hard work and dedication of my teachers and mentors.

It was time to pay it forward by giving other students what I had growing up: an engaging learning environment with teachers who believed and invested in their students. I applied to join Teach For America Bay Area, a nonprofit teacher prep program that recruits aspiring teachers, then provides credentialing services, professional development and financial support. This allowed me to enter the classroom on a temporary credential while I worked toward my full certification.

Now, I’m teaching high school math in San Jose Unified School District. I haven’t looked back. Yes, this career change required a pay cut, but, to me, the rewards I receive from teaching extend far beyond monetary compensation. Here’s why:

• Teaching is an opportunity for personal growth. Like any job, it has its challenges. But in my first two years of teaching, I’ve seen my skills in management, communication, organization and leadership grow. Managing a classroom goes beyond just lecturing and grading: It involves tracking student growth, making strategic decisions on what you’re going to teach and how, and delivering content in an engaging way. Through these challenges, I’ve been guided by exceptional mentors — veteran teachers who have been enthusiastic about passing on their expertise.

• Creating an impact. So many students are just one impactful teacher away from realizing their potential. Teachers can inspire these students to reach beyond their preconceived expectations and believe in themselves. I can attest that there is no better feeling than seeing students gain confidence, discover a love of learning and develop a strong work ethic. Many of my students who began the year with their heads down and an expectation of failure now believe that they can succeed and are putting in the work to do so.

• Leaving a meaningful legacy. Ten years, 20 years, 50 years from now, I want to be proud of the work I’ve done. If I had stuck with the corporate route, the “what if” would have haunted me. I know that when I look back on my life, I’ll be proud of the work I’ve done to contribute to the betterment of public education, and thus the betterment of society. My students will be my legacy.

Every day, I walk into my classroom and am inspired by the resilience and talent of my kids. There are few things more fulfilling than watching a student transform, going from being disengaged and uninvested to being thoughtful and eager to learn. Teaching isn’t the only way to unlock this feeling. There’s no shortage of nonprofits and service opportunities in need of help. But if you’re finding yourself yearning to make a difference, give teaching a shot. If you’re like me, you’ll never look back.

Gabriel Croitoru teaches high school math in San Jose.