As of mid-March, Ms Novy has been on a leave of absence, leaving her students with a long-term substitute teacher, Ms Lawrence. Her students are noticing the effects of this, either on their grade or their experience in class.

A new teacher means a new teaching style, which some students are struggling to adapt to, grades dropping and assignments seeming more difficult. 

“It’s more difficult because Ms Lawrence does teach a little bit differently, so trying to adjust to that has been a little difficult, but not that bad,” said Kloe Paulson (11).

While some students are needing to make an extra effort in the class to keep up, some are not as phased by it. Many students are more concerned about missing the experience of Novy teaching.

“Just being in the class with her was really nice, her as a person, she’s just really warm and nice,” said Akira Maier (11).

The impact of long-term substitute teachers isn’t something that applies to students only. Being a long-term substitute teacher comes with its own challenges.

“Some negatives have definitely been the change in expectations, because coming into this, I didn’t know Ms Novy’s expectations, I kind of just had to start from scratch.” said Ms Lawrence.

It has been a challenge for both students and teacher, but it isn’t all negative, one of the upsides being able to experience and meet someone new, and even learn better with a different teaching style.

“It’s been really awesome to get to know a bunch of kids and get a chance to try something new, to teach math, which I love doing. I love teaching and I think a lot of kids have definitely benefited from a different teaching style,” said Ms Lawrence.