2. Class sizes would be smaller.
“Have more academic teachers so class loads could be smaller and therefore more attention given to needy students. It might also allow for more resource teachers to assist in classes with large IEP [Individualized Education Program] loads.” –Jennifer F. Johnston, M.A., M.Sp.Ed., TVI, 11th grade English, 12th grade English, Gardendale High School
“The change that I would make if given unlimited funds would be to have a maximum of a 10-1 student-teacher ratio, with each student having his/her own laptop or iPad. With fewer students, the teacher would be required to develop an individualized learning plan based on each student’s strengths, weaknesses, areas of interest, and individualized learning goals. Students would work on project-based lessons, with their teacher monitoring their progress and providing feedback along the way. Parents would receive bi-monthly updates on their child’s progress.” —Kate Mathews, assistant principal, Anne M. Dorner Middle School
“I would change class size. There would be a maximum of 20 students in a class. This would enable teachers to respond to and assess students in a meaningful way. This is true, irrespective of the quality of the teacher (assuming competence, which I do).” —Kay Rothman, director of college counseling, New York City Lab School, N.Y.
“Without a doubt, I would hire more teachers so we could lower class sizes. I would love to be able to work with only 10–15 kids at a time instead of the 26 I usually work with.” —Mary Grassett, 8th grade social studies teacher, Goffstown, N.H.
3. Teachers would have access to better professional development.
“Teachers should be sent to specific core academic professional development conferences to learning the latest strategies to present content to students with different learning styles.” —Johanne Ferdinand
4. Teachers would make more money.
“I would pay teachers what they are worth.” —Rose Brandmeyer
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