Everyone has heard about what students like and dislike about Santa Fe High; there are whisperings in the halls, comments from friends and many rumors. But what do teachers say when asked for their feedback?

How do you feel about the administration?

 Ms. Salazar, an English teacher, praises the school’s administration. “I have worked in a lot of different schools before,” she says, “and I have never felt more supported by an administration.” Ms. Salazar said she believes that what the administration asks of the staff is reasonable compared to other administrations she has worked with.

Others don’t share that optimism, but they empathize with the demands placed on administrators. “I understand that the system is broken, but the administration is doing the best they can,” says Spanish teacher Mr. Duty.

“They are trying to do a good job and make a good atmosphere for academic success,” says history teacher Mr. Castillo. “It gives teachers more work, but sometimes this is needed.”

“We’ve got a pretty good crew,” expresses English teacher Ms. Sandoval. “They are leaders, and Santa Fe High is getting better.”

How do you feel about the systems in place right now?

Mr. Eadie, a social studies teacher who is also the school’s AP coordinator, points to issues with standardized tests, claiming that they don’t reflect good or bad teaching. “A growth model would be better,” he suggests, explaining that he gives a test to his students at the beginning and end of the school year to form his own growth model.

According to the New Mexico Department of Education, in 2016 Santa Fe High School performed below the state average in reading, math, and science. Many teachers believe this is not a “fair fight” for teachers, that so much goes into test scores that is completely out of the control of teachers.

How do you feel about the conditions of the school?

 “Some parts of the school are old and need improvement, but I love my classroom,” states Ms. Sandoval.

Mr. Eadie’s would like the cleanliness of the campus to be improved, asserting that beautifying the school is “a priority” and that the janitorial services are “less than desirable.” Mr. Eadie claims that he was picking up trash on the night of Open House. “When parents visit this school, it should be presentable,” he said.

He also speculates that it is not only the fault of custodians, but students too. “They treat this place like their own homes,” he said. He expresses the notion that if people took more pride in Santa Fe High, the cleanliness would improve.

How do you feel about the students?

“I love Santa Fe High kids!” says Ms. Sandoval. “They are so fun and expressive.”

Mr. Castillo admires how hard the students work. “I’m impressed,” he says, pointing especially to native Spanish speakers and foreign-exchange students. “It’s so hard for them, but they have a good attitude.” Mr. Castillo explains that they have to work harder than everybody else just to be on the same level, and in doing that they learn to thrive.

But despite the praise some teachers crown the students with, others have a slightly different viewpoint.

Mr. Duty thinks we need “more positivity around here” and has an idea of how to generate more student pride: “There are a lot of kids around here who could play football,” Mr. Duty says. “I have ten big guys in my class and none of them play football.”

Are there any other school improvements you would like to make?

“The budget has caused some restrictions, and it is a little harder for us,” Mr. Castillo says. “We wish we had more money for supplies.”

“An internet-based teaching plan causes issues,” Mr. Eadie says. “I can function quite well without all of this technology.”

“I despise the Monday schedule,” Ms. Sandoval says.

In interviewing these teachers, a theme clearly presented itself: Pride, whether it be the pride already present in areas of Santa Fe High or the pride desperately needed in others.

What do you think, reader? Leave a comment below.