We interviewed a 9th/11th grade social studies teacher, a 9th/10th grade English teacher, a 9th/12th grade math teacher, a parent, two 12th grade students, local neighborhood employees, and local residents. Here's some of their thoughts...
What is it like to teach at Central?
Central is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in my ten year career with the school district. I get up every morning and am excited to go to work. The students make it fun. They want to be challenged and treated as mature and it is fun to rise to the occasion for them. -- 9th Grade English Teacher.
What is the best part of teaching at Central?
"My favorite part about teaching at Central is the kids. Like I said, they are great. They are eager to learn, they are hardworking, they are curious. They are fun." -- English Teacher
What's the hardest part of teaching at Central?
"With large classes it's sometimes difficult to make strong personal connections to students, but it still can be done. Students genuinely care about learning and will approach you for extra support. Parents are easy to contact and building relationships with home is common, which helps." -- Math Teacher
What is the school's greatest need at this time?
"Before I came to Central, there were 8 counselors for 2,200 students (roughly). My first year there were 2 counselors for the same amount. That’s not sustainable for a population like Central." -- English Teacher
What are some important rules in the classroom? What are some non-negotiables?
"My rules are simple. I'm pretty straightforward: Tolerance of all others, Don't disrupt learning, be on time & ready to go, and work hard." -- Social Studies Teacher
What is the impact of Central's high standard of excellence on teachers and students?
"Basically, Central gives a LOT of kids a chance that they don't have otherwise. Whether it's exposure to different cultures, or the ability to gain a TON of money in scholarships at graduation, or the fact that you are a part of a STRONG alumni network." -- Social Studies Teacher
What has been your experience with Central parents?
"Parental involvement is fantastic. They are a major part of higher school community, help with classroom management, and are very accessible." --Math Teacher
What is it like to teach at Central?
Central is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in my ten year career with the school district. I get up every morning and am excited to go to work. The students make it fun. They want to be challenged and treated as mature and it is fun to rise to the occasion for them. -- 9th Grade English Teacher.
What is the best part of teaching at Central?
"My favorite part about teaching at Central is the kids. Like I said, they are great. They are eager to learn, they are hardworking, they are curious. They are fun." -- English Teacher
What's the hardest part of teaching at Central?
"With large classes it's sometimes difficult to make strong personal connections to students, but it still can be done. Students genuinely care about learning and will approach you for extra support. Parents are easy to contact and building relationships with home is common, which helps." -- Math Teacher
What is the school's greatest need at this time?
"Before I came to Central, there were 8 counselors for 2,200 students (roughly). My first year there were 2 counselors for the same amount. That’s not sustainable for a population like Central." -- English Teacher
What are some important rules in the classroom? What are some non-negotiables?
"My rules are simple. I'm pretty straightforward: Tolerance of all others, Don't disrupt learning, be on time & ready to go, and work hard." -- Social Studies Teacher
What is the impact of Central's high standard of excellence on teachers and students?
"Basically, Central gives a LOT of kids a chance that they don't have otherwise. Whether it's exposure to different cultures, or the ability to gain a TON of money in scholarships at graduation, or the fact that you are a part of a STRONG alumni network." -- Social Studies Teacher
What has been your experience with Central parents?
"Parental involvement is fantastic. They are a major part of higher school community, help with classroom management, and are very accessible." --Math Teacher