Since this school year began, I have experienced a major increase in class-sizes. All four of my English-12 classes currently stand at thirty students, and my one elective class also stands at thirty. The time it takes for me to grade essays... forget about it! I have so much work in my "Teacher Bag" that when I place it on the passenger's seat of my car, the "air bag off" light disappears.
My students noticed the change in class sizes too. They have recognized that my time is limited, but their patience is thin. They need their graded work back in a relatively short turn-around in order for the feedback to be meaningful, but I can no longer provide that short turn-around time. Many teachers in my department are in the same position as I am, and they are burnt out! Teachers are tired; I am tired. Teachers no longer have time for themselves; I now have no time for my family. In the past, I have never taken a day off to catch up on grades and school work, now I must.
~Sonia M. Smith
English-12 Teacher, Meadowbrook High School
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