In Anchorage, crowded classrooms are straining kids and teachers

In Anchorage, crowded classrooms are straining students and educators. The Anchorage School District has seen an average increase of four students per classroom compared to last year. Sophomore Mae Agnew Bemben described her AP World History class of 35 students as overcrowded, with the teacher struggling to answer multiple questions simultaneously.

Bathroom passes and limited space make it difficult for students to focus on lessons. District officials acknowledge the issue, attributing it to flat state funding and inflation causing hundreds of teaching positions to be eliminated. With personnel making up 87% of the budget, making cuts in staff is the only viable option.

Teachers are feeling the pressure more than ever. Kjerstin Thomas, a kindergarten teacher, has had to adjust rules regarding personal space due to her class growing to 25 students. The emotional toll of working with larger classes is considerable, as Thomas feels constantly stretched thin. Gary Snyder, a history teacher at Bettye Davis East Anchorage High, has noticed a rise in grading assignments outside of school hours and a reduction in individual feedback due to larger classes.

He also worries about material shortages in his chemistry class, where students are forced to share limited resources.

The strain on teachers is taking its toll, with Snyder feeling overwhelmed and contemplating retirement. Students are slipping through the cracks, and Snyder worries about the overall failure of the education system, particularly in light of inadequate budgeting.