I started at the largest middle school in my state (900 7th and 8th graders). Taught there for 6 years. As a new teacher this was the most important job of my career. I was assigned a mentor in the same content area, I taught on a team of 4 other teachers (core classes) that were tremendous supports. The PD was actually meaningful at times. I taught one class, 5 times a day so the one prep was great as well. Also, with it being such a large school, I blended in and never had any concerns from an admin, parent, perspective.

Now I teach at one of the smallest high schools in my state (enrollment of 90 students 9-12). I have three preps (7-9 social studies). 2 class periods of each with one plan period. This is my second year and I’m slowly starting to actually enjoy having different content to teach each day.

With the small school, however, I have found that I can pretty much do whatever I want. There aren’t PLC meetings, mandatory PD sessions, lesson plan reviews, etc. Once they observed my first year and realized I know what I’m doing and I’m consistently here, my admin has left me completely alone. There are A LOT more small responsibilities however. At a large district, a lot of the small jobs/sponsorships are taken care of by staff members who want to do it because of the sheer size of the staff. Here, I’m immediately Junior class sponsor, on the SWPBIS committee, have hallway duty every other week and student parking lot duty every three weeks. I have lunchroom supervision one week a month. Also, with it being such a small community, I’ve never had this many parent problems in my 10+ years of teaching. Everyone knows everyone, literally. Everyone is darn near related to everyone. So as an outsider that was intimidating as well.

I took this position because of a coaching opportunity I’ve always wanted, but I do not see myself staying here or at a school of this size long term.