https://www.reddit.com/r/Teachers/comments/1j7nyzc/teaching_during_a_breakup/
created by ejolie12 on 10/03/2025 at 02:04 UTC
11 upvotes, 7 top-level comments (showing 7)
I’m currently a full time student teacher. I have about 8 weeks left. I had my midterm evaluation on Wednesday and they said I was exactly where I was supposed to be and if I kept it up, I’ll be perfectly fine for final evaluations. That same night, my boyfriend of 3 years broke up with me. We love each other so much and both thought we were forever but our responsibilities and mental health issues have been getting in the way of our relationship.
I am so scared to go back to teaching tomorrow. I’m so heartbroken. My life is in shambles. I have no idea how to put my full focus into teaching and to put a happy face on for my 4th graders. I spent most of Thursday last week crying in the bathroom. I only get 3 days off and I’m using one next week so I don’t want to take off. I also really don’t want to randomly throw that on my mentor. Any advice to get through the day would be appreciated.
Comment by Think_Accountants at 10/03/2025 at 02:14 UTC
13 upvotes, 2 direct replies
Ive been through this. I got broken up with before my first student teaching placement, got 5150’d because I was so devastated. Spent a week in the psych ward and afterwards started my placement. It was in Kindergarten. Let the kids heal you. It’s a very bittersweet feeling, but I cultivated my pain and sadness into love for my students. Do something special and fun with them. Spread love and joy to them. I look back on that time and how special and painful it was. It taught me so much. When love has nowhere to go, direct it towards yourself. Pain is a transformative teacher. You got this, you are amazing. Consider therapy too if you need.
Comment by In_for_the_day at 10/03/2025 at 02:15 UTC
8 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I’d be honest with your mentors. People are pretty sympathetic and maybe the can ease up a bit. So sorry that you feel like this, one day at a time. ❤️
Comment by Comprehensive_Yak442 at 10/03/2025 at 02:35 UTC
5 upvotes, 0 direct replies
No advice, but teachers are human and we get it. It's hard to stay focused when one's personal life gets messy. Happens to everyone.
The bad news is the students need you. The good news is the students need you. No matter what's going on in your life, you are very much needed and relevant in their lives and you make a huge difference.
Comment by Enough-already94 at 10/03/2025 at 05:52 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I’ve been there too 💕 it hurts so bad then it fades away eventually.
Comment by singdancerunlife at 10/03/2025 at 02:50 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I went through a breakup right before my birthday last fall. I had been with my ex for 4.5 years. AND we were (and still are) co-workers! She’s a sped teacher who’s the case manager for about 4 kids in my class, so we had to figure out how to not be together as a couple, but still make work bearable for the remainder of the year, and IMMEDIATELY! I highly suggest being honest and also taking a day off!! Student teaching is hard enough without extra stress like a breakup.
Comment by eaglesnation11 at 10/03/2025 at 04:04 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I found out my (now ex) gf was cheating on me during student teaching. I essentially just ignored it because I had too much on my plate. Then one Saturday night I ended up in the hospital because I told people I was going to kill myself. So I recommend not doing what I did and actually dealing with your emotions.
Reach out to a therapist if it gets bad. Try to provide balance in your life by doing activities with friends, families or alone. And acknowledge that this sucks and inevitably grieving a relationship is like grieving a loved one. Some days are gonna be hard, but eventually it does get better.
I’m very sorry you’re going through this.
Comment by Least-Disk7731 at 10/03/2025 at 04:27 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
You HAVE to put all your emotions back into yourself. But at the same time think of your students, if they were going thru a breakup, would you want them to stop pursuing their interests and goals? You will definitely be better off, and you have so much work to do in terms of getting your license and full time job. There will be much to occupy your mind, be kind to yourself.