In a recent meeting, a teacher expressed significant concerns regarding a series of scheduling changes that have adversely affected both her workload and her students' educational experience. The teacher, who was unexpectedly assigned to teach English despite lacking certification, highlighted the importance of having a qualified instructor for state-tested subjects to ensure student success on the STAR exam.

Upon returning from vacation, the teacher raised her concerns about the increased workload, which had escalated to six different preparations for classes. The administration's response to her grievances included a proposal to adjust her schedule, but this solution inadvertently disrupted her media students' activities, particularly those involved in the school's newspaper, the Patriot's Voice.

Despite the administration's assurance that the changes would align with state education certification requirements, the adjustments led to a more complex schedule, ultimately resulting in seven different preparations. The teacher pointed out that combining classes, such as commercial photography and newspaper, compromised the quality of instruction, as each subject has distinct educational standards.

The situation escalated when the teacher filed a level 2 grievance, which was initially awarded, allowing for a certified English teacher to take over the English 2 class. However, this resolution did not alleviate the scheduling issues, prompting her to file a level 3 grievance shortly thereafter.

During a subsequent meeting with administration, the teacher felt blindsided by the lack of communication regarding her schedule and the ongoing issues. Although the administration promised to be more considerate of her schedule in the future, the teacher expressed concern that the changes might lead to the dissolution of her media classes, which she believes are vital for inspiring students in photojournalism.

The administration's proposal to assign a long-term substitute for one of the theater classes while asking her to continue teaching another was met with resistance, as the teacher felt overwhelmed by the ongoing changes and the lack of a clear resolution. The situation remains unresolved, with the teacher advocating for a schedule that better supports her students' needs and her own capacity to deliver quality education.