As the United States education system continues to change, educators are increasingly forced to grapple with overwhelming class sizes and reduced resources. Today’s new and aspiring teachers are entering an environment of complexity and uncertainty.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still present in many schools, causing educators to adopt new teaching methods and use technologies they may not be familiar with. Teachers also have to adjust to the learning gaps observed in students due to the pandemic, putting in more effort and time to help students achieve the academic level they need to be at. This increased workload causes additional stress on educators.
Additionally, Iowa AEA budget cuts have resulted in less teacher support and significantly larger class sizes, complicating the lives of teachers trying to establish classroom management and teaching strategies. The budget cuts further restrict educators’ access to professional development resources which impedes educational training and guidance from their advisors.
English teacher Bailey Ferguson reflected on a few of the struggles of being an educator and what could be done to improve these circumstances. “If I could just have smaller classes and more time,” Ferguson said. “I think just balancing everything is challenging and making sure that I am meeting the needs of all of my students in an effective way,” Ferguson added.
The psychological and emotional toll of being an educator is often overlooked. Teachers are frequently undervalued and underpaid. Numerous teachers find themselves in situations where they are required to handle the wide range of social and emotional needs of their students, ranging from academic struggles to mental health challenges. This can be extremely overwhelming for both first-time and veteran educators.
However, some prospective teachers are choosing to push past the setbacks posed by the shifting education system and focus on why they decided to pursue education. Student teacher Owen Weimer was inspired by his mother, a former band director for kindergarten through college students. While Weimer noted the challenges of connecting with students and creating a work-life balance, he stressed the importance of maintaining passion while teaching. “I want to teach people stuff that I like to do, which is music,” said Weimer.
Despite the daily challenges faced by teachers across the country, passion and commitment continue to radiate from educators, inspiring positive change and persistence in and out of the classroom.
