Challenges That Teachers Face in the

Classroom
Lack of funding for teaching supplies is a challenge for classroom teachers.
Teaching is a profession that requires advanced education and a love of learning. Teacher
requirements vary by state. Some require only a bachelor's degree in education while
other states require additional testing or a master's degree. In a study published in Current
Issues in ducation! teachers reported that their teacher education programs did not
prepare them for the challenges of the classroom.

1. Workload
o In a study published in Current Issues in ducation! teachers reported that
a heavy workload of designing assignments! planning lessons! grading
assignments! conferencing with students and parents and meeting
obligations determined by the school district is one of the biggest
challenges they face in the classroom. In the study! teachers estimated that
they worked "# to $# hours a week! and noted that! should they leave the
teaching profession! stress from the enormous workload would be a
deciding factor.
Funding
o %any schools lack funding to provide proper materials for students.
Consequently! teachers often foot the bill for classroom items like art
supplies and hand saniti&er. ' small budget might mean that classrooms
lack multimedia tools like S%'(T boards! or that common devices like
overheads are not kept in good working order. Schools might lack the
money to purchase books for every student! or books might be outdated or
in disrepair. )unding also affects class si&e! and increases the number of
classes a teacher must teach each day.
o
Student Behavior
o Student behavior and the demands of classroom management are a
challenge for many teachers! especially new teachers who lack e*perience
dealing with problem students. %any students' behavior requires special
behavior modification plans. Some students have been known to display
disruptive and even violent behavior that makes it impossible for the
teacher to run the classroom. Teachers must develop classroom rules and
consequences and constantly adapt to new students and changing
behaviors.
Parent Behavior
o The behavior of parents is also challenging for teachers. Some parents are
uninvolved in their child's education! making it difficult for teachers to
communicate with parents to find ways for the student to improve. Lack of
parental support can also lead to teachers taking on the role of parents.
Teachers also rely on the help of parents who volunteer in the classroom!
particularly in the younger grades! and some parents are unable or
unwilling to volunteer their time. +n the other end of the spectrum! some
parents require constant communication and feedback from the teacher
and are less than understanding when their child's overworked teacher is
unable to meet this need.
What big challenges do new teachers
face?
,y (uth %anna
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This article is e*cerpted from 130 FAQs and Practical Answers From Scholastic's
Teacher Helpline
by (uth %anna
The biggest challenges new teachers face are in three key areas/ support! discipline! and
classroom management. These questions will help you focus your efforts to overcome the
challenges/
SPP!"T
Is there a new teacher orientation program0
're school policies and procedures in writing for new teachers0
1oes a new teacher have an assigned mentor teacher0 1o they meet weekly0
1oes a new teacher2s administrator check in with her frequently0
're colleagues available weekly for team or grade3level meetings0
1o teachers plan together or assist a new teacher with planning0
#$SC$P%$&'
're a new teacher2s students respectful toward one another and their teacher0
1oes she have rules in place that she reinforces0
're there logical consequences for students who don2t follow the rules0
1oes a new teacher2s class move around the building in an orderly way0
1oes she know how to handle difficult students and situations0 1oes she know
when to ask for support0
C%(SS"!!) )(&(*')'&T
Is a new teacher well3organi&ed0 1oes he follow a schedule0
're systems in place that make the school day run smoothly0
1oes a new teacher work effectively with assistants and other adults in the
classroom0
Is time used effectively0 Is pacing appropriate for a given class0
1oes a new teacher advocate for his students0
Is a new teacher sensitive to diverse learners0
're all students treated fairly without regard for race! gender! socioeconomic
status! and so on0
Is a new teacher able to multitask0