Emotions are high for Oklahoma teachers as school year approaches rapidly
KOCO 5 is your back-to-school headquarters, covering every angle of this important time in a family’s life.
KOCO 5 is your back-to-school headquarters, covering every angle of this important time in a family’s life.
KOCO 5 is your back-to-school headquarters, covering every angle of this important time in a family’s life.
The emotions are high for Oklahoma teachers as the school year approaches rapidly.
KOCO 5 is your back-to-school headquarters, covering every angle of this important time in a family’s life. We focused on the teachers, how they are feeling, and how they are preparing to welcome children back to class.
"It makes me feel anxious, nervous, and scared. I do not feel supported," said Bethany McVay, a teacher at El Reno Public Schools.
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Emotions are high for teachers as the first day rapidly approaches. McVay said she and her fellow teachers are worried about getting in trouble and scared to teach difficult lessons.
"I feel like the line is being drawn in the sand for what we can and can't discuss with our students is scary to me its blurry. I feel like I am walking on eggshells every day and I am terrified," McVay said.
These feelings come as Mustang Public Schools had their accreditation downgraded after violating state law about teaching certain topics in school.
The law prohibits teachers from teaching tough subjects in a way that makes students feel uncomfortable because of their race or gender. Another concern is that there aren’t enough teachers to teach.
"I am really concerned about the teacher shortage," said Jeanna Miller, a kindergarten teacher in El Reno.
Miller agrees with McVay.
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"I am very concerned that the response to the teacher shortage is a warm body in the classroom," McVay said.
She said that teaching is ever-evolving.
"We go through hours of training every year to make sure we are keeping up with research-based practices," McVay said.
Teachers also tell us that there is now a lack of veteran voices among them due to longtime educators retiring, resigning, or moving to another state.
"When we have a lack of qualified teachers in the classroom our students are going to feel that," McVay said.
However, the superintendents who spoke to KOCO 5 said that’s not always a concern because they said the teachers in the classroom this year, even if they’re emergency certified, are passionate about being there.
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Amid the mass shootings we’ve seen, KOCO 5 asked teachers how they are feeling.
"Safety is always a concern. However, I feel really confident in the safety measure our school and district has put in place," said Elizabeth Bledel, a teacher at El Reno Public Schools.
Middle school teacher Bledel and other El Reno teachers who spoke with KOCO 5 said they are confident in their district’s policy.
"I feel like our district does a really good job of trying to keep us safe," McVay said.
Despite the challenges ahead, they said the children are worth it. Ashley Mattern, a 4th-grade teacher at Oklahoma City Public Schools, said she’s ecstatic to meet her new students.
"I am ready to see my new students and meet their sweet little faces and new personalities," Mattern said.
Also, some said they are excited for a normal year after several years of dealing with a pandemic.
"I am just excited to have consistency and to be with my kids every day in person," Bledel said.
Miller is excited, as well.
"Yes, I am excited about getting back to a regular school year," Miller said.