Mitchell Rutherford, a biology teacher at Sahuaro High School in Tucson, Arizona, has resigned from his position, attributing his decision to the detrimental effects of his students’ excessive phone usage in the classroom.
Rutherford, who taught for over a decade, expressed frustration over his inability to address what he identified as a growing phone addiction among students, leading to a decline in his mental health.
He believes the rise in phone addiction is linked to the social disconnection experienced by students during the COVID-19 pandemic school closures.
Despite efforts to engage his students and enforce the school’s phone policy, Rutherford observed a concerning shift in student behavior and academic performance, which exacerbated his anxiety and depression.
Rutherford likened the severity of phone addiction to that of drug addiction, emphasizing the pervasive nature of the issue.
Despite implementing various strategies, including rewards and outdoor activities, to combat phone addiction, Rutherford found limited success in mitigating its impact on his students’ academic engagement.
While parents sympathize with Rutherford’s frustrations, some express disappointment over his decision to leave, acknowledging the challenges of addressing phone addiction in today’s digital age.
Rutherford’s departure from teaching marks a bittersweet transition, as he looks towards pursuing further education and prioritizing his well-being and family.
