Recently, St. Lucie County has experienced its fair share of the teacher shortage plaguing Florida, and the situation at Centennial High School is becoming increasingly challenging due to our growing student population. With the rise in student numbers, Centennial has had to adapt by redistributing students across the limited staff. One solution has been to move students who have consistently excelled in regular classes into honors classes, and those excelling in honors into AP or AICE classes. This shift aims to make room for students who are struggling and ensure they receive a fair chance at learning. However, the shortage of teachers for specific subjects has led to overcrowded classrooms, and even storage rooms have been repurposed to accommodate the overflow. This problem affects not only teachers but also students. Some staff members, overwhelmed by the increasing workload and class sizes, have left for other schools or retired.
However, some teachers, despite the fluctuating classroom sizes and workloads, have decided to stay. After speaking with two long-standing teachers who plan to remain at the school, they shared some motivational words. One of them, Mr. Skurnick, an AICE U.S. History teacher who has been at Centennial for over 20 years, and the other, Mrs. Kaiser, who has been teaching for over 40 years, provided valuable insights.
What Inspires Teachers to Teach?
When asked what inspired them to teach, Mr. Skurnick explained that, for him and most of his colleagues, it comes down to the students: "Each student in your class provides an opportunity to make a human connection, to watch maturity happen right in front of your eyes." Mrs. Kaiser echoed similar sentiments, saying that her inspiration comes from both the subject and the students: "The inspiration for most teachers comes from their students and the ability to interact with them and have a positive impact on them."
How Do Teachers Feel About Increasing Class Sizes?
When asked how they felt about the rising number of students, the teachers offered two different perspectives. Mr. Skurnick pointed out the lag schools face when student populations increase: "Classes are always going to get overloaded until new schools are built." Mrs. Kaiser, on the other hand, emphasized the demands placed on teachers with larger class sizes: "With so many students, you have to make more accommodations and try your hardest to plan learning activities for all these classes while also falling behind on what's expected to be learned by the end of the semester."
Can Teachers Still Prioritize Students Needing Extra Support?
Lastly, both teachers were asked if they could still prioritize students who need extra help in such large classes. In their own words, both teachers admitted that it becomes more challenging to form the necessary connections with each student who might need an extra push.
Despite the growing challenges, teachers remain dedicated to their students. They believe they are working with purpose, regardless of obstacles such as increased workloads, difficulties in keeping up with study plans, and a lack of personal connection with their students. These teachers continue to persevere. However, students also have a role to play. Teachers strongly encourage students to communicate with them and actively participate in class discussions and activities. This engagement not only ensures that students learn but also helps teachers receive the feedback they need to better support their students' education.
