Welcome to the Real World

Right now, I am in the middle of my observation period in the model program.  While all of my other observation experiences through Adelphi have been valuable, this one has given me a real insight on teaching in a typical high school.  

Throughout my time at Adelphi, I've kept a running list of tips/best practices I'd like to set in place in my future classroom.  This includes having a set organization system in the classroom.  I've had plans for everything from a homework inbox, a journal drop-box, a filing system for student portfolios, a reading corner with books organized by readiness level and interests/topics, a weekly agenda visible to the class-giving them a sense of what is to come, classroom rules posted on the wall, and much more.  None of the ideas just listed would be possible for the teacher I am currently observing.  Out of respect, let's call this teacher "Miss X"  Miss X is a good teacher.  She plans engaging lessons that target student interests.  Miss X does a lot to set her students up for success, but it seems that the structure of her day inhibits her own success.  On a daily basis, Miss X never teaches in the same classroom.  She spends time in between classes racing to her next classroom, through halls swarmed with students.  The school has over 4,000 students, so the hallways are definitely a little more than overcrowded.  By the time she arrives, students are already present, or the bell has already rung.  She rushes to get her aim and do now on the board (which is required by the school) and take attendance.  Collecting homework and completing other simple tasks takes an unnecessarily long time.  The classroom is bland and uninspiring.  No student work is featured on the walls, no class rules, no core values, no comment box, nothing.  This is because teachers need to share this room all throughout the day and no teacher has ownership to decorate it.  Teachers are also discouraged from changing seating arrangements, since desks must always return to their original row formation for the following class.  

Seeing how much time is eaten up in every class period by simple tasks that could be expedited by having a streamlined organizational system in place, makes me want to groan.  Miss X isn't even able to beat her students to class and put up a Do Now or greet them at the door.  While I can only imagine what space limitations must exist in a school of 4,000 students, I can't help but wonder what impact this kind of environment has on student learning and teacher satisfaction.  One easy way to increase overall satisfaction in a school is to make it an inviting and efficient place to learn.  There has to be some kind of middle ground to making Miss X's school a more efficient and inspiring place to work and learn.