Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 10 Unit 1 You—The Teacher of Tomorrow The working conditions in schools are not always ideal for teachers. Classes can be large and workloads heavy. Many school buildings are old. School districts vary in their ability to provide teachers with up-to-date textbooks, educational technology, and other learning aids. Schools also reflect the problems of society. Poverty, alcohol and other drug abuse, and similar problems affect students. These factors can make teaching emotionally draining. Teachers must sometimes cope with disre- spect, unruly behavior, and even violence in schools. These and other problems are receiving careful analysis in schools and communities. The goal is to make schools safe and positive for both teach- ers and students. Effective teachers find strategies to help them cope with the problems they encounter. The Teacher’s Workplace You may think it is obvious that teachers work in schools. They may, however, work for a variety of employers, and some are self-employed. Both full-time and part-time teaching work is available. The following sections explore the nature of work in schools and some of the other settings in which teaching takes place. Teaching in Schools Since attending school is a requirement for children, schools are where most teachers work. Among schools, however, there is great variation. Schools range from preschools to colleges and universities. To add to the mix, some schools are small and some are large. Schools can be in rural areas, suburbs, or major urban areas. Most schools are public and funded by tax dollars, but there are also many private schools. Some of these are spon- sored by religious organizations, while others are nonsectarian (not based on or affiliated with any religion). The purpose of all schools, however, is the same—to promote learning. Schools are generally divided by grade levels. Figure 1.3 shows the most common grade-level designations, although variations are fairly common. Preschool and Prekindergarten Programs Increasing numbers of children are enrolled in educational programs prior to kindergarten. Childcare programs focus primarily on providing a safe, caring environment. Preschool and prekindergarten programs have a Common School Designations Level Grades Typical Student Ages Preschool 2–4 Kindergarten 4–5 Elementary Kindergarten—grades 4, 5, or 6 5–11 Middle school Grades 5 or 6–8 10–13 Junior high Grades 7–8 or 9 12–14 High school Grades 9 or 10–12 14–18 Figure 1.3 Although there may be variation, these are the most common grade levels in schools in the United States.