Our nation is facing a teaching crisis. Whether it’s from teachers retiring after lengthy careers, to young adults disappointed by low pay and lack of respect, to a decline in the number of students pursuing education as a career, it is vital that our community show support for educators. Without them, we cannot fulfill our core mission of educating students. There is a very clear correlation between the number of highly qualified teachers and student outcomes.
Historically, the standards for teaching in Plainfield have been very high. Our students benefit from these excellent and creative educators, but we must continue to find ways to attract and retain them. Parent and community support is crucial to this effort.
Just before Spring Break of 2020, when Indiana’s schools closed due to the Covid pandemic, the expectation was that school would reopen within a week or two. Instead, the remainder of the school year was completed with at-home learning. When parents and grandparents had to support at-home learning, the appreciation for teachers reached an all-time high. Unfortunately, however, that support and appreciation didn’t last long, and now too many adults are quick to attack educators.
Margaret’s Personal Experience…
“In January – May 2024, I worked in the Plainfield elementary schools as a substitute teacher for 59 days and it was one of the most challenging jobs I’ve ever held. I had the opportunity to serve students from preschool – fifth grade in all five PCSC elementary schools. For the last five weeks of the semester, I worked in a special education / life skills classroom as a long-term sub. Imagine what it’s like to spend eight hours a day in the classroom with up to 23 young children without any downtime. Whether in general education or special ed, I’ve learned just how hard it is to be responsible for up to 23 children at one time, while controlling student behavior and trying to get through all of the academic lessons.
Our children are coming to school with more challenges than ever, including behavioral, academic, mental health challenges and more. In response, teachers must wear many hats, from instructor, behavior coach, caring adult, source of inspiration, data analyst, staff team member and much more. Even so, parents and casual observers tend to blame teachers for any challenges children experience at school, even though it’s much more complex than that.
I’ve observed some of the challenges students come to school with firsthand. I’ve listened to students who were struggling, held little hands, wiped noses, put on Band-Aids and given lots of hugs. Children who come to school with additional needs are not to blame, but we must realize there are multiple demands on a teacher’s time and we still expect them to produce students who excel on tests and who are prepared to be successful adults. I’ve also observed many joyful students who feel safe and loved, and who are learning and thriving. Most people have no idea how much our teachers and staff do for our children all day, every day.
If we fail our teachers, we fail the children of Plainfield. There is a direct relationship to how happy and supported teachers feel and their ability to meet the challenges of teaching in today’s environment. Teachers, aides, substitutes, school nurses, counselors, cafeteria workers, office staff, bus drivers, and others are nurturers who choose to work in public education because they believe in our children and the common good that public schools represent. To maintain strong and vital community schools, it is imperative that we listen to their needs and find additional ways to support them.