During a recent Socorro Independent School District (SISD) meeting, educators voiced significant concerns regarding the district's professional development requirements and staffing levels. Teachers highlighted a disparity between state mandates and SISD's expectations, particularly regarding Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours. According to a teacher's testimony, while the Texas Education Agency requires only 150 CPE hours every five years—equating to 30 hours annually—SISD demands nearly triple that amount. The district's academic calendar shows 11 staff development days compared to just three teacher workdays, leading to claims that teachers are overburdened with training while being understaffed.

One teacher pointed out that despite the excessive training requirements, classrooms are often overcrowded, with some educators managing classes of 40 students. This situation raises concerns about the quality of education and the ability of teachers to adequately prepare for their lessons. The speaker urged the district to amend the calendar to reflect more teacher workdays, allowing educators the necessary time to prepare for their classes.

Another educator criticized recent changes to employee insurance, which have resulted in increased costs for staff. They argued that the district's decisions often prioritize appearances over the actual needs of educators, leading to dissatisfaction among staff. The speaker emphasized that teachers feel overwhelmed and undervalued, with many working beyond their contracted hours without adequate compensation or support.

A third speaker, a veteran teacher, expressed gratitude for their colleagues but also called for fair wages, noting that educators are often expected to shoulder additional responsibilities without corresponding financial recognition. They highlighted the financial strain on teachers, who frequently spend their own money on classroom supplies.

Overall, the meeting underscored a growing frustration among SISD educators regarding their working conditions, the demands placed upon them, and the need for the district to address these issues to foster a more supportive educational environment.