High School Teachers

This year is not a good school year for me. I teach Global Studies in New York City and with all of the changes at the Department of Education, our school is a bit chaotic. I feel I have no say in what I can do and the classes are still oversized (yes, it's the end of October and students' schedules may change, but we don't know when). I am constantly complaining about conditions and the administration (who I normally get along with). I'm thinking about making the switch to a surburban school next school year, but I wonder if the grass is really greener on the other side? Do you deal with oversized classes, and if so, for how long? How often do teachers' schedules change (not only which periods they teach, but do the classes they teach change)? How much work do you bring home? Are you treatened with a visit from a member of the district office every week? I'm sure I'll have more questions later on.

Thanks!

Re: High School Teachers

I teach middle school but have taught in the high school.

I have been in my district for 8 years and have taught primarily the classes that I have for the past 5 years. In the past 5 years, I have had 5 new curriculms. They are similar but different.

Are contract is very strong about 'visits' admin and chairpeople cannot come in our classrooms unless invited or an observation has been arranged. I have not been bringing that much work home yet but the year is still very early for me.

We have a cap of 28 and I am normally at 28 if it is a skills class the cap is 15 or 16.

Student schedules can change at any point in the school year though they try to stop that by mid year but if a student is being removed from an accelerated or AR class it must be done.

Let me know if you have any other questions. But I think most of your questions will vary district to district- contract to contract

Re: High School Teachers

Thanks, Swags. I've been thinking about leaving after this school year because I'm so frustrated with the restructuring of the Department of Education plus I don't feel myself growing as a teacher anymore. I will definitely ask you more questions as the year progress. Thanks again!