4) Teachers Should Be Given More Time

A typical high school has a seven period day and each teacher is expected to prepare for six classes (sometimes one is lucky to teach the same subject more than once a day). In elementary schools, most every teacher prepares new lessons in math, science, reading, writing and social studies, etc. every single day and for children performing at different levels. There are also papers to grade and enter in the computer; meetings to attend; hall, bus and recess duties; supplies to order; an occasional visit to the restroom…the list does go on. If there is an expectation for teachers to prepare dynamic and meaningful learning activities, teachers should not have to teach more than four hours each day. The consequence is that we need to hire more teachers – but think about it. Can we really expect anyone to be successful teaching six classes of 25 kids or more each day? It’s why there are now so many worksheets, so much drudgework, even more boring lectures and why there are fewer hands-on lessons that fully engage a students imagination.