Embracing Fresh Beginnings with a New School Year

From disagreeing with lesson plans to creating a plan for life after high school, one teacher and one student reflect on what the new school year means to them.

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  As the upcoming school year commences, eighth-grade science teacher Tisha Copeland and a rising 11^th grader, Zion Hunter, are preparing for the return to the classroom both optimistic about what the year will bring.

            For an eighth-grade science teacher, Ms. Copeland, the excitement of the upcoming years comes from seeing her new students challenge themselves.

“Every day is new,” she said. “There’s always something new to learn, laugh about or overcome.”

Regardless of her excitement, Copeland said the challenges she faces as a teacher don’t come from her students.

 “Sometimes, it’s hard to reach a collaborative effort because tenured teachers have different teaching styles and are resistant to new teaching styles being introduced.” Copeland explained.

Now entering her fifth year as a public-school teacher, Copeland says she approaches teaching differently than her colleagues with more than a decade of experience. According to a fall survey of public K-12 education and teachers, published to Pew Research, 16 % of teachers don’t have a satisfying relationship with other administrators at their school. (Schaeffer, 2024) This doesn’t deter her passion from teaching and molding the minds of the children, she learns to adapt and adjust her teachings according to the students in her assigned blocks

Ms. Copeland, 8th grade classroom being used for summer school- Photo taken by Allison Copeland

 “The most rewarding part of my job is seeing my students learn and understand the material,” Copeland stated.

 Zion Hunter, a rising 11^th grader at a Virginia Beach High School said preparing for a new school year begins with checking his class schedule, adjusting his sleeping schedule, and making sure he wakes up on time.

Like many teenagers, returning to school can bring pressure.  Some students struggle with getting good grades, their appearance, grades, and being involved in extra-curricular activities. Zion finds himself thinking about his future after high school.  To prepare, he is looking forward to another year in his AVID program, which he says helps him identify colleges and different avenues he can take to have a stable and successful career. 

 “I’m interested in HVAC careers, plumbing careers, auto mechanics, something blue collar,” he exclaimed.

Copeland reviewing 8th grade assignments photo taken by Allison Copeland

 His career goals reflect a growing interest in skilled trades; this shows that he wants something long-term and stable. Most kids his age are unsure about what they want to do after high school. According to Pew Research, approximately 9 % of teens have plans to enroll in a technical or vocational school after high school. (Nadeem, 2025) Having a clear understanding of different careers gives the confidence that will help them succeed in their classes.