Having spent over 19 years in the classroom, I’ve taught in some of the toughest schools across America. For two of those years, I was at Azalea Middle School in St. Petersburg, Florida, which was once notorious for its poor performance and discipline issues. Teachers were often physically pushed aside in the hallways, and many students exhibited a blatant disregard for authority. The admin team was successful in bringing the school up to a C and solving much of its discipline issues.
Are you a parent? How do you rate your child’s school?
Fast forward to 2026, and the role of a teacher has evolved significantly. It now demands not only the skills of an educator but also those of a psychologist, a partial parent, and a tech-savvy individual. The challenges teachers face can be overwhelming at times, yet each year, seasoned educators not only persevere but also thrive, particularly through the testing phases. For newer teachers, my advice is this: remember, your career isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon—take it one day at a time!
Manatee County schools in Bradenton Florida begins with staff this coming week and students the following week. God bless all educators across our nation.
Coach Karl via Southeast HS in Bradenton Florida has taught PE for over 35 years! Combined, we’ve been in education for close to 70 years.