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During nearly 50 years in the workforce, my most stressful experience wasn’t broadcasting live from the Super Bowl, interviewing cantankerous coach Bob Knight or explaining to an editor why I missed a deadline or got beat on a story.
Yes, those were perspiration inducing for sure. However, clearly the most pressure-packed job was as a teacher at Los Lunas High School for two years, starting with the 2018-19 academic year. While it wasn’t quite traumatic, it was taxing and nerve-racking. Yet, it was also extremely rewarding.
After pursuing a television news career out of state, it was time to come home. Looking over the options, I kept coming back to education. My wife, Patty, was and is a long-time educator at LLHS. Each of my three children has gravitated to the profession.
Why not dad? Besides, looking over my college transcript, I had a minor in education. Forgot about that. Before pursuing a career in journalism, I had strongly considered a life as a coach/teacher. My father discouraged the idea, explaining how difficult it can be. I assumed he was talking about coaching, but maybe it was the teaching aspect.
Throwing caution to the wind, I accepted a position as a computer and media instructor. Los Lunas High School principal Robert Abney, who was among many who were very supportive, warned that the first year in the classroom was “like drinking from a fire hose.” Abney gets an A for accuracy.
Why bring this up now? The debate over improving education and making thoughtful changes seems to have gotten more serious in recent months and after dipping my toe in academia, I might be able to add some perspective. Certainly, these musings shouldn’t carry nearly as much weight as those who have lived the experience year-after-year, but any observations might be beneficial, right?
Let’s start with the movement to ban cell phones in the classroom, which is gaining momentum. Based on experience, I’ll raise my hand, “yes.” Getting the attention of students is challenging even for the most seasoned teacher. A newbie instructor, like me, and the phone in a student’s hand was problematic.
No matter my pleas, some students couldn’t leave the device alone for more than a few minutes. A boring lecture might certainly be one reason, but something of an addiction to the phone could be another.
A few students would argue they were doing research; some said they needed it to be in contact with parents or a boss; others would just look blankly. I never did get a handle on it.
Other teachers also had concerns, but they had more success making sure it didn’t take over the classroom. Credit likely goes to their compelling lesson and/or their winning personality.
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There was not a standard policy at LLHS about phones, leaving staff to come up with individual approaches. It seems consistency from one classroom to another would be beneficial, for teachers and students, to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Teachers might have success by ruling with an iron fist, but not all educators have that mindset, and it may make for an unpleasant learning environment.
One approach was to require that phones be put in cubbies or a holder. However, who is responsible if a phone goes missing? Do teachers also need to be in-class security guards?
How about this? Phones must be in backpacks at the start of each class, but they can be used during a scheduled short break once each period, to check messages from friends or watch the latest video. Phones can also be out during the transition between classes or during lunch.
Another area that was challenging was class size, with each period bringing more than 30 students to my computer and media sessions. A smaller teacher-to-student ratio would benefit everyone.
My classes were all electives, so there was a mix of freshmen to seniors, bringing its own challenges. It should be noted that most teachers do a great job every day under those circumstances. For me, it was difficult.
What else would make things better in the classroom from my observations? More prep time for educators, so personal time isn’t chewed up by work responsibilities. A later start to the school day would be beneficial, too, although parents may not agree.
Teaching did have one tangible benefit: I lost about 10 pounds from the stress. Ultimately, that’s why I left the profession. Dealing with a knot in my stomach all day, even while at home preparing lesson plans or on the weekends, was unhealthy mentally and physically. A respected relative told me to “suck it up.” I just couldn’t.
Still, part of me deeply regrets departing. For one, who wants to admit they couldn’t hack it? Plus, the atmosphere around the building and with the staff was inspiring, much like a sports team pulling together for a common cause.
Most of the kids were respectful. From time-to-time, former students will give me a wave, a smile, roll down a car window and yell, ‘Hello, Mr. Powers.’ Some even say they enjoyed my class.
Would I do it again, in some role? Call me crazy, but maybe. See you in class and, put away the phones.
