Conference Period

The students at Lubbock High School have always valued their teachers. Known for being an academically excellent school, we place a rather high value on our superb teaching staff. Recently, a change has come about that will severely limit the productivity of and cause great discomfort to our teachers. It has been decided to take away one of the teacher's conference periods.
While this may not sound terribly serious at first, imagine going through an entire school day sitting through one class only. Without a break. I know that this scenario is appealing to no one. This is what our teachers will be subjected to without their second conference period. Twice a week, they will have to trudge through an entire day of the same thing, with only our puny 45 minute lunches for a break. Also, consider that teachers use their conference periods like we used our long lunches, to catch up on things that they need to do, finish off grading, etc... I remember being especially angry when they took away our long lunches, because I couldn't hardly finish off a sandwich, much less an assignment. I know that you felt the same. Lastly, consider this: if the teachers have more time to get their work done at work (where it is supposed to be done), then they have more time to spend with their family and do things they want to do. Most teachers are no different from you and me in that they enjoy doing things other than work. If they continue to have a second conference period, then they will have more time at home for enjoyable things. Happier teachers translate into better grades and less yelling for you and me.
Not only will the continuation of this two conference period system make you and your teachers happier, it will also allow the teachers to fulfill their potential as educators. With the extra planning and working time in the conference periods, they could, say, give you help, grade your quiz, or plan an intriguing lesson. Without this extra work time, teachers will be unable to fulfill their full potential.
This is, to me, a very shortsighted plan to attempt to increase the schools capacity for students. The Administration wants to ensure that there are enough classes for the ninth graders, so they make every teacher teach one extra class. If the people behind this blunder would consider the teachers position, they would understand that degrading the quality of Lubbocks finest educators is not the solution. I propose a continuation of the two conference periods system, not only for the sake of the teacher's comfort, but also for their productivity. Also, I propose the hiring of new teachers to accommodate the incoming ninth graders. If Lubbock High is truly committed to academic excellence, then they will take the steps needed to ensure the quality of the education provided at Lubbock High School.