No matter how much experience you have, there are always challenges teachers face in the classroom and school. In my teaching career, I've encountered quite a few. I've compiled a list the main challenges of teaching today and helpful tips to overcome them.
3 Challenges of Teaching
1. Balancing the different learning needs of students
Every student who comes through my door is different. But there is way to reach each of my students—differentiation. Differentiation involves tailoring instruction to meet the needs of your class. So, when I teach ionic compounds, I have the kids take notes, read a few paragraphs, use buttons to simulate how electrons move, use a computer simulation if I can get access to the computers, and practice it in pairs and by themselves.
2. Respecting expectations from school admins
Not only do teachers have to ensure that each student in class is learning and engaged, we also have to make sure that we are in line with the goals of the school. As a teacher, it’s important to be flexible in rearranging plans and having backups for when school-wide activities might disrupt your normal routine. I usually have my week planned out ahead of time. Good communication and good planning can help to ensure that students are getting the full educational and social experience of school.
3. Helping families and students meet long-term goals
Schools are comprised of the people in the community. As a teacher, it’s important to understand the community your students are a part of. The community I teach in is a more rural community, where many of my students are the first person in their family pursuing college. Some of my students are the first person in their family who will graduate high school.
I talk to them about their futures and their goals, guiding them through their education route if they want to become a doctor or a lawyer or a teacher. I have guest speakers come into my class so that students can see what kind of careers available and what type of education are they need to be successful in those careers.
I have an open line of communication with all of my students and their families. I let families and students know that I’m available every day after school for tutoring and extra help. I call and send emails when students are struggling in my class, and I offer my services to every student and answer questions whenever I can. Part of that is building an online community. I encourage them to start discussions and help each other as they go through the class.
Teaching can be challenging at times, but as long as you really care about your students and really want help them, both with the materials in your class and their struggles outside your class, it can also be very rewarding.
Share your ideas: What do you think are the biggest challenges in teaching today?
This article was adapted from a blog post initially developed by the education technology company Classcraft, which was acquired by HMH in 2023. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of HMH.
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