Tulsa teachers head back to their classrooms

TULSA - Tulsa Public School teachers are in their first week of being back in their classrooms. Many of them are setting up for new challenges, including more students.

All TPS teachers gathered in south Tulsa Thursday for the annual convocation. This year the focus was on overcoming challenges. A tight school budget is forcing districts to downsize across the state.
Fewer teachers means existing teachers will have more students to manage.

"Those are obstacles to overcome, but I think what we have set the stage for is we are going to achieve success. We are going to have excellence no matter what," said Superintendent Dr. Keith Ballard.

On top of less money and more students in the classroom, teachers have new curriculum requirements to meet. Ballard says some stimulus money will help with the crowded classroom situation.