By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City Elementary teachers are making the most of every minute of their school days.
Thanks to an innovative approach that brings recess monitors to campus each day, the UCES faculty has been freed up extra time for class planning and grading, and a few minutes to “catch their breath,” according to Director of Schools Wes Kennedy.
“Our teachers do a fantastic job juggling all that is on their plate,” Kennedy claimed. “From lesson plans, to project planning, to a ton of mandated paperwork and grading, they work hard from well before the school day to well after it ends.
“Bringing in recess monitors has dual purposes. It allows our teachers more time to get everything done that they need to do without having to take home a ton of work. We want them to be mom and dad when they go home and enjoy their families to the fullest.”
The monitors are hired in conjunction with UT Martin’s College of Education. Several are exploring careers as teachers, and the schedule flexibility (10:15 a.m. until 2:15 p.m. each day) allows them to continue their studies while holding what is essentially a part-time job.
UC Schools uses an extensive vetting process, including background checks, before hiring students. They are accompanied by a full-time teacher who supervises every playground visit – freeing the remaining teachers in their grade to spend extra time in their classrooms.
UCES Principal Allison Palmer was thrilled with the idea from the outset and says all parties have benefited.
“Elementary school is different for our teachers because they don’t have the in-day planning time to do many of the little things and big things that have to be done to manage classrooms and plan for students,” she said. “And recess is important to everyone – kids, teachers, parents – and is a vital part of every school day. Whether the kids are playing ball, swinging, or just interacting with their classmates, it’s part of the growing and maturation process. I call it an extended collaboration.
“Our teachers have been thrilled with the extra time they have and have been ultra-productive. It’s been a great help to them. It’s so important to stay fresh and be attentive and alert to all things as a teacher. We’re just so blessed to have a Director of Schools and a school board who value their personnel and who want the best environment for all staff and students.”
Palmer said the program will continue, even in the coming days of cold and inclement weather that will prohibit outside activities.
“Indoor recess will be a staple of the school day when the elements dictate that,” she said. “We’ll combine classes and already have a variety of things for our students to do – like art projects, board games, exercising, and a few things that will be surprises.”