As January comes to a close, the first semester is wrapping up. Grades are being finalized, and many students (especially freshmen) will switch to entirely new classes. For teachers, especially those who teach semester-long classes, the shift can bring a host of challenges behind the scenes.
Natalie Siebert, a graphic design teacher at THS who teaches many semester electives, mentions that she has to “finalize grades from semester 1, set up new Google Classrooms, order supplies, review updated class rosters, and carefully note any accommodations or modifications students may need so I can best support them from day one”.
All of these responsibilities can be overwhelming and confusing for teachers. Freshman success teacher Todd Baker supports this analysis, stating that “the semester change is confusing”.
As semesters change, it becomes harder for teachers to keep track of students. Baker notes that “Most students change what class period they have your class and you need to memorize which class everyone is in”. When it comes to new students in semester-length classes, Siebert states that she “work[s] hard to learn everyone’s names as quickly as possible”.
It’s not just teachers that struggle with the change in semesters. According to Baker, “Students struggle with the shuffling of their schedule”. Class periods and locations change when the semester ends, which can be challenging for students, especially freshmen who are relatively new to the school.
Siebert has noticed that “students sometimes hesitate to communicate with one another during class discussions or when they need help”. New classes bring new classmates, which can bring social anxiety for some.
However, asking for help is a critical step in learning. Reaching out to others may feel small, but it can make a huge difference. According to Siebert, “…small interactions help build comfort, connection, and confidence, and they make the classroom feel more welcoming for everyone”.
The new semester is a great opportunity to start fresh — improving grades, making new connections, or setting goals. Baker feels that the new semester is “always a chance to start over again”.
