Tag Archives: teacher retention
Professional Hours Help Retain Teachers
I don’t have to tell you that times are tough all over, even in the schools. No matter what the economy, we still have to teach about polynomials, polymers, and polyunsaturated fats. Our class sizes have increased, our class budgets have decreased, but our state standards and tests haven’t changed at all.
If you haven’t had at least one day where you contemplate looking at the classified job ads, you’ve either dropped your newspaper subscription or you don’t have time to read the paper anymore because of all of the extra homework you have to grade. Continue reading
Teacher Working Conditions Affect Student Performance
My first year of teaching fifteen years ago was in a poor school in a poor school district. The only supplies in my closet were paper clips and ditto masters. My supply budget was $20. The student lockers were dented, some window panes were broken or missing, and my classroom ceiling leaked when it rained.
I don’t have to tell you that teachers didn’t stay long in that building. Everyone was looking for a school that had plenty of books for the students and a pleasant working environment with outlets that functioned and a photocopier with toner. Continue reading
