It’s never been more difficult to teach than it is right now. For 23 years, I have served in Eugene School District 4J at both the elementary and middle school level. I’ve been a classroom teacher, a specialist and an instructional leader. I’ve taught through budget shortfalls, school closures and a revolving door of leadership initiatives and changes. Let me say it again: It’s never been more difficult to teach than it is right now.
In 2019, Oregon passed the Student Success Act after years of failed initiatives. The Student Success Act injected much-needed funding into our schools, courtesy of a business tax on sales. For educators, it provided exciting possibilities. Positions were added or expanded to increase access to counseling, support literacy initiatives, provide more behavioral support and reduce class sizes, among other priorities.
Little did we know, something that would have a much greater effect on education was lurking…