As teachers transition through GEMS, and coaches come and go, it impacts both sports programs and teachers, creating challenges in continuity and collaboration. Many teachers have decided to lay off coaching due to their schedule, stress, and overtime. Laying off of coaching can ensure athletes are getting coaches best suited for them. Teachers also need to make sure they can provide their students in class a better-planned-out lesson without the worries of coaching. Ms. Lukas, a former basketball coach, highlights the reason why she decided to lay off of coaching, “I stopped coaching last year because I took on an extra class to help the school / PE department class. I also have 2 kids of my own who are very busy with their own after school sports and activities. I enjoy being able to go to their games and activities.”
The lack of coachings could be an issue with the overload of work already, as well as not getting paid. Mr. Noonan, our athletic director, explains some reasons why teachers may be pushing off coaching. “A lot of people don’t want to take on more. I also think coaches need to be paid more. They put in anywhere from 15-20 extra hours; the stipend is small to attract more coaches. I think they need to be paid more for all their extra time and effort.”
The inconveniences of small amounts of coaches have led to worries about cutting teams. Our 2024-2025 wrestling team had a close call with hiring an off-campus coach that saved the wrestling team’s season. With hiring an off-campus coach comes a harder hiring process, as well as making sure they are committed and want the job at GEMS.
Coaching at GEMS leads to positive impacts at GEMS; teachers can get to know students from all over the school, not just the select few they teach. Ms. Chichizola, our new 6th-grade science teacher, took on the responsibility of being assistant volleyball coach for the 7th-grade team. Ms. Chichizola highlighted the impacts she had as a first-year coach and teacher at GEMS: “My coaching experience has had such a positive impact on my time at GEMS. As a 6th-grade science teacher, I typically work with a limited number of students each day. Coaching has allowed me to connect with more students and become a more active part of the campus community. It’s truly special to see students and teachers come together through sports and build such a strong sense of community.”
Although coaches have a positive view of themselves and the athletes they get to coach, Ms. Chichizola explained the reason some new early-year teachers may be hesitant to get involved with coaching: “I think younger teachers are often hesitant to coach because they already have so much on their plate. Personally, as someone who is still in school, I found it a bit challenging to balance working, coaching, and teaching for a few months.”
Coaching is definitely a time-consuming process, but it gives students the opportunity to connect with their peers and also play the sports they enjoy. Having positive coaches at GEMS, leads to better mental health for students and gives them something to look forward to after school.
