As a teacher, one of the most disheartening things I have to deal with is when students decide to quietly quit school. While it’s common for teachers to notice when students are struggling or acting out, it can be much harder to recognize when a student is disengaging and giving up on their education altogether. This phenomenon is often referred to as “quiet quitting” and it can have serious consequences for a student’s future.
Quiet quitting can take many forms. Some students simply stop attending class or turn in minimal work, while others may become withdrawn and stop participating in class discussions or group activities. Some students may start skipping assignments or procrastinating on their school work, leading to lower grades and less engagement. Regardless of how it manifests, quiet quitting can be a sign that a student is struggling with something and needs help.
As a teacher, I find it incredibly frustrating when I see students who are quietly quitting because I want to help them succeed. However, I also understand that there are a number of factors that can contribute to this behavior. Some students may be dealing with personal or family issues that make it difficult for them to focus on school. Others may feel overwhelmed by the demands of their coursework or have difficulty with the subject matter. Still, others may simply be disinterested in school or feel that it doesn’t have any relevance to their future goals.
In order to combat quiet quitting, it’s important for teachers to be vigilant and proactive. We need to look for signs of disengagement and reach out to students who may be struggling. This can involve having one-on-one conversations with students to find out what’s going on in their lives or checking in with them regularly to make sure they’re on track. It can also involve making adjustments to our teaching style or curriculum to better engage students who may be struggling.
One of the most important things we can do as teachers is to create a safe and supportive learning environment for our students. When students feel that they can come to us with their problems and concerns, they are more likely to be open and honest about what’s going on in their lives. By building strong relationships with our students and creating a classroom culture that values their individual strengths and needs, we can help prevent quiet quitting and ensure that all of our students have the support they need to succeed.
Quiet quitting can be a frustrating and challenging issue for teachers to address. However, by being vigilant and proactive, we can help our students stay engaged and on track. By creating a safe and supportive learning environment, we can help prevent quiet quitting and ensure that all of our students have the opportunity to succeed in school and beyond.
International Association of Open Educators Inc. 
