Doing more with less is old for teacher

Editor,
    As a third-grade teacher in the 27J school district, I am committed to the students of School District 27J and their families who entrust me with their children each and every day. I do my best every day to educate them. But over the last three years I have had less time, a larger class size and fewer resources to achieve that goal.
    I have 27 students in my class this year. I have so many desks in my room that any activity with students – be it whole group on the floor, teams at stations, or anything that requires shifting the room – is difficult due to space. My classroom has run out of room. I have five different students with individual education plans who all require different modifications or accommodations during their school day. I have another four students with advanced learning plans who require me to challenge them and plan for their high level of thinking on a daily basis.
    The diversity of my classroom is wonderful I care about each of my students and want to spend more time with them. But with 27 kids and 45 minutes a day, the time to do my job right is just not there. I have 45 minutes a day to grade papers, enter grades online, call parents, complete required paperwork, plan differentiated lessons, collaborate with teammates, prepare materials for lessons, and anything else that comes my way during the day.
    I only have 25 reading textbooks, which leads me to borrow from other teachers just so each student can have their own book. I can’t even send home the books with fear of losing one and not being able to get another. I have worked with excellent colleagues who were one of the 81 teachers cut from this district, unable to find another job. Losing great teachers to work with is disheartening.
    I work in one of the finest districts in the North area with dedicated, quality teachers who are working hard for children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews on a daily basis. I am asking you to please vote yes on 3D so we can continue to do the great work we do every day.
    Without additional funding, we will continue to hurt our teachers and the students of 27J.
Laura Gold
Brighton