On Being a Teacher Today

It's a very difficult situation.

“It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.”-Epictetus.

“Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.”-Maya Angelou.

“The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future life.”-Plato.

“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”-Aristotle.

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”-Malcolm X.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Upon completing my undergraduate degree, I embarked on my professional journey as a school teacher, initially still deciding my career path. My grandmother suggested teaching as a viable option, emphasizing the financial stability it could bring if I married a fellow teacher.

My teaching career began with a part-time position as a substitute teacher in New York City, filling in for those who were absent, often due to illness. This experience prompted me to pursue a master's degree in education, aiming for a full-time teaching position. Upon obtaining my degree, I secured a teaching job in the Yonkers school system in Westchester, north of New York City, where I met my future wife, Pat, who was just beginning her career as a biology teacher.

I initially taught social studies, focusing on European history. Pat and I married a few years later. Despite the modest income, we managed to live comfortably. However, the monotony of teaching the same subject in the same classroom year after year eventually led to a desire for change.

With Pat's support, I returned to academia to earn a Ph.D. in social psychology from Yeshiva University. This was followed by studies in psychoanalysis, marking the start of my career in mental health. Transitioning careers, especially with two young children, proved challenging.

As a teacher, I was frustrated by the misconception that teachers worked part-time and thus did not deserve higher pay. Critics often highlighted my schedule, ending at 3:00 PM and including summers off. Still, I need to understand the extensive after-hours work involved in lesson planning, exam creation, and grading. Contrary to the belief of a leisurely summer, low salaries compelled many teachers, including myself, to seek additional employment during this period.

Reflecting on my teaching career, I acknowledge the difficult working conditions and the impact of criticism on my pride. Despite these challenges, I recognize that education has deteriorated further, a point I explore in this essay.

Teachers in the United States are leaving the profession at an alarming rate, a trend that has been exacerbated in recent years. This departure can be attributed to various factors, which, when examined closely, reveal the complexities and challenges educators face today.

One of the primary reasons for this departure is the issue of low salaries. Despite teachers' critical role in society, their compensation often does not reflect the importance of their work. This discrepancy becomes particularly stark when considering the rising cost of living and inflation rates. Educators, especially those in early childhood and primary education, struggle to make ends meet, leading many to seek more lucrative opportunities elsewhere.

Another significant factor is the high level of stress associated with the profession. Teachers are not only responsible for educating their students but also for their overall well-being. This responsibility, increasing classroom sizes, and lacking resources can lead to burnout. The demands of standardized testing and the pressure to meet certain educational benchmarks add to this stress, creating an environment that many find unsustainable.

Furthermore, the profession has seen a decline in respect and support from the community and policymakers. Teachers often report feeling undervalued and criticized, with their expertise and dedication questioned. This lack of support can demoralize educators, making it difficult for them to remain in the profession.

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new challenges and exacerbated existing ones. The shift to remote learning, the need to adapt to new technologies, and health and safety concerns have placed additional pressure on teachers. The uncertainty and constant changes have made the teaching profession even more demanding and stressful.

There is a growing disillusionment with the education system. Many teachers feel that the focus has shifted from meaningful learning and personal development to a more mechanical and test-oriented approach. This shift can dampen their passion for teaching and discourage them from continuing.

The combination of these issues has led to a critical situation where many educators choose to leave the profession. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive policy changes, increased investment in education, and a cultural shift that recognizes and values teachers' essential role in shaping society's future.

The impact of school violence on teachers extends far beyond the immediate repercussions of such incidents. It permeates various aspects of their professional lives, affecting their mental health, sense of security, job satisfaction, and, ultimately, their effectiveness in the classroom. Understanding how school violence affects teachers requires a nuanced examination of the challenges they face in an environment that should ideally be safe for both educators and students.

At the forefront of these challenges is the psychological toll that exposure to school violence takes on teachers. Incidents ranging from verbal threats to physical assaults can leave lasting emotional scars. Teachers experience heightened levels of anxiety, stress, and even symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The constant worry about potential violence disrupts their ability to focus on teaching and fostering a positive learning environment. Instead, much of their energy is diverted towards managing or anticipating conflict, which is draining over time.

Moreover, the prevalence of violence in schools undermines the sense of safety and security that is foundational for effective teaching and learning. Teachers, like their students, need a secure environment to thrive. When violence becomes a part of the school experience, it erodes trust and rapport between students and teachers, making it difficult to establish the kind of supportive and collaborative classroom dynamics conducive to learning.

The implications of school violence also extend to teachers' job satisfaction and career longevity. Facing regular threats to their safety leads to disillusionment with the teaching profession. Many educators enter the field with a passion for making a difference in the lives of young people. However, the reality of dealing with school violence can dampen this enthusiasm, leading some to question their commitment to teaching or to leave the profession altogether.

Furthermore, the stress and anxiety associated with school violence can impact teachers' physical health, leading to increased absenteeism and a higher likelihood of burnout. This affects the well-being of individual teachers and disrupts the continuity of education for their students, potentially affecting academic achievement and student progress.

Addressing the impact of school violence on teachers requires comprehensive solutions that involve all stakeholders, including policymakers, school administrators, parents, and the broader community. Initiatives might include implementing more robust support systems for teachers, such as access to mental health resources, professional development programs focused on classroom management and conflict resolution, and creating a school culture prioritizing safety and respect. Moreover, fostering open communication and collaboration between schools and their communities can create a safer educational environment for teachers and students.

The effects of school violence on teachers are profound and multifaceted, affecting their mental and physical health, job satisfaction, and the overall educational environment. Tackling this issue is essential for the well-being of teachers and ensuring that schools remain places where students can learn and grow in a safe and supportive setting.

Poor student attendance poses significant challenges for teachers. It affects not just the individual student's learning and performance but also classroom dynamics, teaching strategies, and overall educational outcomes. The effects of absenteeism extend into various aspects of teaching and learning, revealing the interconnected nature of attendance and educational success.

Absenteeism disrupts the continuity of the learning process. When students miss classes, they lose critical instruction and the opportunity to engage in discussions and activities that facilitate understanding. This knowledge is difficult for teachers, especially in classrooms with diverse learning needs and abilities. Teachers must spend additional time revisiting material for absent students, which can slow the entire class's progress. This not only burdens the teacher's ability to cover the curriculum but also affects the learning pace of other students.

Attendance helps develop a cohesive classroom community. Regular interactions among students and between students and teachers are crucial for building trust, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating a supportive learning environment. Absenteeism weakens these bonds, making it more challenging for teachers to maintain a positive and inclusive classroom culture. The result is disengagement and a need for more motivation among students, further exacerbating the challenges of teaching and learning.

Teachers also face increased workload and stress due to poor student attendance. They must develop and implement strategies to catch up with absent students, often requiring individualized lesson plans or additional tutoring sessions. This additional effort adds to the already demanding workload of teachers, impacting their well-being and job satisfaction. The need to constantly adapt plans and resources to accommodate absenteeism can detract from the teacher's ability to engage in more enriching and innovative educational activities, limiting the quality of education for all students.

Furthermore, absenteeism can negatively affect classroom dynamics and student behavior. When students frequently miss school, it can create disruptions upon their return as they struggle to catch up or integrate into ongoing projects and activities. This can lead to frustration and isolation for the absent student and disrupt the learning process for others. Teachers must manage these dynamics, further complicating their role and detracting from instructional time.

In many school districts, there is a shortage of school bus drivers.

Lastly, poor student attendance affects teacher evaluations and perceptions of effectiveness. In many educational systems, teacher performance is measured by student outcomes, including academic achievement and progress. High absenteeism rates can skew these outcomes, potentially reflecting poorly on the teacher despite their efforts and dedication. This can lead to undue pressure and stress, affecting morale and motivation.

Addressing the challenges posed by poor student attendance requires a multifaceted approach that includes engaging families, supporting at-risk students, and fostering a school culture that values and encourages regular attendance. Teachers play a crucial role in this effort but need the support of the entire school community to effectively mitigate the negative impacts of absenteeism on teaching and learning.