Isn't it Illegal to have 32 students in one first grade classroom?

Question

I'm a brand new teacher. I was just hired at the last minute so my anxiety level is already high enough as it is, but after being told that I would have 21 students in my first grade class, I looked at my class roster and found out that I actually have 32! Not only do I not have room to accomodate them, but I don't have enough supplies nor can I teach that many little ones with no help. It's ridiculous! Isn't this illegal?!

Answer 1

no. my neice was in a math class last year with 33 kids in the class, and its normal these days.

Answer 2

First of all....RELAX! The size of the classroom varies from state to state. In California, we have 20-1. For those districts that follow that guideline, then the district gets extra money from the state. However, many schools with a high rate of movement in and out of the district will put a much higher number on your roll sheet and then see how many actually show up for school. Usually after the first few days, students are taken out of larger classrooms and then placed in smaller classes to even things out.

I have to say, for a brand new teacher, your comments are a bit alarming. I hope you don't say things like "ridiculous" and "isn't this illegal" to your Principal. If you do, you may want to keep your resume handy. You'll be needing it in the spring!

Answer 3

I know for my school district, I can have a maximum of 30 students and must always have 30 desks to accommodate those students.

It really depends on your school district and what their policy is.

Talk to your principal and explain the situation. He or she may not even be aware that you have that many students and not enough materials. Also, there might be another classroom to place a couple of students so it will not be so overwhelming. But, you need to speak to administration!

However, try not to stress! Everything always works out and you will have an amazing first year! Good luck!

Answer 4

I live in a very small town (walmart is 20 miles away, fast food 15) and in a total graduation class there is an average of 100 students graduating. In a class the average for my school is around 20 so I can see in a larger school there being 32. Just rember with 1st graders they get sicker more often which means less students in a day and after the 1 month or so the absents will get greater.

Answer 5

Probably not. I teach at a private school, and our maximum number per class (35) is set by the principal, not mandated by the diocese. By the way, our first grade classroom has 35 students, with three on a waiting list!

Answer 6

Like previous answers say, it depends on what your state mandates. Mostly it goes off the district though. Money determines everything. If your district is in a low-income area then it's 20 to 1, but if it's in a more affluent area then the number to go up to 34 to 1. Teaching sucks, huh? Never thought it would be like this - yeah? Goodluck!

Answer 7

depending on the state you are in, you take the total number of kids in the school and divide by the total number of teachers, (specialists count too) and get an answer. If it is under 30, it's legal. welcome to teaching. they keep giving us more and more to do and never take away anything. it is next to impossible. get moms to come and help you. for first graders they will come in droves. I am starting my last year and then I will retire. Perhaps you should seriously look at some less stressful occupations. I wish I knew then what I know now. good luck

Answer 8

Probably not, but it should be. Just because something is legal doesn't mean that it is intelligent, logical, or even right.

I'm with you all the way. This is just one of the many reasons that teaching is so difficult and why teachers everywhere should be properly compensated and have a greater say in the enivornment in which they teach.

Answer 9

Haha! Yeah, welcome to education! I'm a high school teacher in Dallas, Tx... thankfully I don't have that large a class because of the special population that I teach... but I have seen that there are at least up to 45 students in one class at my school!

You are not responsible for having enough supplies - the parents and the school need to come up with that. Make sure you COMMUNICATE your needs to BOTH!!!

Even with 1st graders, you can work with them in small groups, and work it to your advantage, so that they are having accountable talk, good group dynamics, and you are not burning out...

Good luck!-

Answer 10

32 students are only a few. Usually a first grade teacher in my class handles 103 students per adviser. And that teacher is still fresh. You can do it.