Rookie Teachers

As a volunteer assistant to math teachers at a public high school, I see the results of the LAUSD’s current seniority policies. Rookie teachers are mostly assigned remedial classes, where they are worn down by the difficulties of organizing and motivating students. Honors classes are a luxury all but reserved for the most experienced teachers. Students in such classes are motivated by dreams of college and need little incentive from their instructors.

Many rookie teachers who consider themselves prepared to teach upper-division classes leave before they get a chance to work with enthusiastic scholars. To ensure both a challenging and rewarding experience as educators, rookie teachers should be offered work at a variety of subjects and skill levels, regardless of experience.

STAN YU

West Hills