What aspects of teaching have you personally experience that felt “cult-ish”?

For example, new responsibilities appear out of nowhere in a hectic part of the year and admin says “it’s always busy, this is priority, don’t make excuses”

When teachers in the building low-key uphold the anxiety driven type As that show up at 6am every day but pointing out “the good teacher”

Teacher of the Year. Need I say more?

Feeling guilty about the behaviors that you didn’t teach, and often didn’t have anything to do with (other teachers not following through, different classroom expectations)

Incentive programs. Clubs. Lunch detentions. The SEL programs that change every year. Designing and monitoring your “safe space” or in-classroom therapy office.

I can sit here and think of a million “little” things that become our job gradually, and without our explicit consent.

What are your “omg am I in a cult” moments?