Half-time a blessing and curse for teachers

By: Cael Baumgarten

COVID-19 has altered the schedules of teachers just as much as students, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Though many teachers still see students throughout the whole school day, others have seen their time in class cut in half and below. Lauren Hannon, half-time sophomore English teacher, teaches three classes in the afternoon and enjoys the extra time she has at home in the morning.

“In the mornings I am with my son, Hayes,” Hannon said. “I loved being at work the full day, because I absolutely love teaching, but half-time is a better balance for my personal life and professional life. I love the moments I am able to share with Hayes and be a more present mom.”

Other teachers also see the benefit of the shortened schedule. Gunnar Williams, halftime photography teacher, feels similarly; the extra time allows for more productivity and time for relaxing.

“I like working in the morning and getting done early,” Williams said. “If I need to catch up on school work I do that. Sometimes I grab one of my cameras and go looking for things to photograph. I also just might binge a show at home hanging out with my dog Duchess.”

However, less time at school, naturally, leads to lessened compensation. Therein lies the biggest setback to halftime teaching.

“It isn’t full time,” Williams said. “Mrs. Williams and I are saving for a house, so full time would be good.”

For some, however, the negatives far outweigh the positives. Amy Razor, remote geometry teacher, teaches more classes under the hybrid schedule.

“Since the fall semester of 2015, I have taught 1st, 3rd, and 4th hour, so I was just at school in the morning,” Razor said. This is my first year with a change, and now the hybrid schedule also causes me to have to teach in the mornings and afternoons.”

The increased intensity of her new schedule has made life a good bit more difficult for Razor, disproportionately so, considering she teaches part-time.

“I already knew that being a part-time teacher wouldn’t really be ‘parttime,’” Razor said. During this school year I usually put in 50+ work hours per week. The reason I teach part time is because I have Multiple Sclerosis. Stress is a big trigger for my MS symptoms. Our current hybrid schedule is not sustainable for most (if not all) teachers.”