Thinking of Leaving the Classroom? Why a Change of Scenery Might Be the Answer

If you are a public school teacher, you may know the feeling. The "Sunday Scaries,” the weight of being spread thin across too many subjects, and the exhaustion of navigating disconnected district mandates. Many talented educators are currently feeling so burned out they are considering leaving the profession entirely.

But before you hang up your whistle or pack away your markers for good, consider this: it might not be teaching you’re tired of—it might just be the environment.

We recently sat down with Stephanie Musyj (3rd Grade Science/Social Studies) and Julie Roos (Student Achievement Manager) from Aspen Academy’s Lower School, who both made the "leap" from public to private education. Here is what they discovered about life on the other side.

Overcoming the "Fear of the Unknown"

Moving away from the public sector often comes with hesitation, particularly regarding financial security and retirement. Stephanie recalls her friends asking, "What about PERA?" For those outside of Colorado, PERA (Public Employees' Retirement Association) is the defined benefit plan for public employees, and for many teachers, the fear of losing it can feel like a chokehold.

However, both Stephanie and Julie found that the transition was smoother than expected. Aspen Academy addresses these fears head-on by providing:

• Competitive Benefits: Options like 403b matching and clear PTO/vacation structures.
• Financial Guidance: Access to financial planners to help teachers transition their retirement goals. Stephanie had been working in public schools for ten years, so this move was a major decision. To ease this worry, she and her husband met with a financial advisor at Aspen Academy to help them plan the transition.

While these logistics are important, they aren’t the reason most people become teachers. The real shift happens inside the classroom.

The Power of Specialization and Autonomy

One of the biggest drivers of burnout in public schools is the requirement to teach every subject, leaving teachers feeling they can’t be effective in all areas. In a private setting like Aspen Academy, the focus shifts to specialization:

• Mastering a Domain: Stephanie now teaches science and social studies exclusively. This allows her to go deeper into the curriculum, whereas in her previous roles, these subjects were often pushed aside or neglected because the schedule prioritized a heavy focus on math and literacy and the high-stakes testing that accompanies them.
• Repetition Leads to Excellence: Both Julie and Stephanie highlighted the benefit of teaching the same subject multiple times a day, which reduces prep time and allows teachers to refine their delivery.
• Trust as a Professional: Teachers enjoy a high level of autonomy and are trusted to make choices that are best for their students. Decisions are made on the same campus, in the same building, so teachers understand the "why" behind a choice—unlike in the public sector, where mandates often come down from a distant district office through a long funnel.

Stephanie now sits on the Academic Leadership Council, where she feels teachers are actually listened to and collaborate to support the school’s mission.

Smaller Classes, Bigger Impact

We’ve all heard that smaller class sizes are better, but what does that look like daily?

• Individualized Education: With fewer "bodies in the room," teachers can truly understand and meet individual student needs.
• Stronger Relationships: Because they aren't managing 30+ students at once, teachers can connect with kids on a personal level, which keeps their energy levels higher.

A True Partnership with Parents

In many public school settings, parental involvement is often something to be managed. In private education, it becomes a partnership. Julie and Stephanie both remarked on how proactive and supportive the parents are.

They see parents on campus every day, and the turnout for conferences is amazing. Because students have three grade-level teachers, the relationship with the parents is shared among all three. This gives parents more insight into their student, helping them feel more listened to and more confident in the education their child is receiving.

The "Whole Teacher" Approach: Sustainable Success

In many public school settings, there is a sense that you must sacrifice your personal life and your individual professional goals just to keep your head above water. At Aspen Academy, the environment is designed to support the "whole teacher" through both balance and growth.

• Reclaiming Work-Life Balance: One of the most profound changes for Stephanie has been the shift in her life outside of school. Her husband has even noted that she isn’t working at home nearly as much as she did in the public sector. While she might grade 54 science tests, that is a stark contrast to the public school load of 25 math tests, 25 literacy tests, and 25 workbooks every single night. The school supports teachers with dedicated planning time and respects that time. This shift hasn't gone unnoticed by family—Julie’s 14-year-old son, Lincoln, has noticed the positive change in her work situation, which she sees as a significant improvement to her quality of life.
• Tailored Professional Growth: Growth shouldn't feel like a "check-the-box" administrative task. In public schools, coaching is often based on the principal’s specific agenda rather than the teacher's development opportunities. At Aspen, professional development is a personalized partnership. The Academic Dean meets teachers where they are, providing tailored opportunities and coaching that make the teacher’s unique growth the priority. This ensures that as you pour into your students, the school is pouring back into you.

The Final Word: Give it One More Try

When asked what they would say to a struggling or burned-out teacher, the message from both was clear: Don't give up on your passion.

"Talk to them about what got them into education and encourage them to give it one more try somewhere else." — Julie Roos

If you find yourself working through your weekends or feeling like a "job" has replaced your "passion," a change of environment might be exactly what you need to fall in love with teaching all over again.

You don’t have to leave teaching to find balance—you may just need a new setting.

Aspen Academy is always looking for passionate educators who want to specialize, collaborate, and thrive. If you’re ready to give teaching one more try in an environment designed to support the whole teacher, we’d love to meet you.

Explore open roles at Aspen Academy.