The Advantages of Teaching in a Small School

When I first taught in a small parochial school several years ago, I found myself wishing that I could teach in a big school. It just seemed like it would be more exciting and academic. The building and classrooms were larger. They had better equipment. And the idea of only teaching one or two grades instead of four or five seemed delightful.

After several years, I got my wish. For several years, I taught in a much larger school. I only had to teach two grades or one subject, and I even had a planning period. Yet, I eventually decided that I favored teaching in a smaller school, and that’s where I’ve been ever since. Here are a few things I appreciate about teaching in a smaller school.

1.  We get to teach every subject. While English is probably my favorite, I thoroughly enjoy teaching algebra, physical science, and history—not to mention music and art.

2. No bells! If I need an extra ten minutes in science, I can take it without having to worry about bells ringing and students leaving my room. I am able to be much more flexible, and I sincerely appreciate that.

3. I get to teach the same students year after year. I get to know them as well as their strengths and weaknesses much better. I also get to see their academic and character growth. That is very rewarding.

4. Smaller schools have more of a family-type atmosphere. The older students have music and recess with the younger students and can help lead and encourage them. The younger students learn how to relate to and respect the older students. That’s a good thing.

5. Fewer papers to grade! Because we don’t have twenty or thirty students in a class, our grading load is lighter. Although this is probably balanced with us having to do more preparation work to teach more lessons, it’s still an advantage.

6. Fewer discipline problems. I have discovered that it is easier to teach in a classroom with a mixed number of grades and levels of maturity than it is to teach a class of seventeen seventh graders.

While God has given each of us different gifts, talents, and preferences, there certainly are advantages of teaching in a smaller school, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to do just that. If you are teaching in a smaller school, I hope you are grateful as well.

Photo by Meg Boulden on Unsplash