Chicago Public Schools teachers: What are your thoughts on prep time?

As contract negotiations between the teachers union and city officials move forward, teacher prep time has emerged as one of the key issues. 

Many teachers interviewed by Chalkbeat have said that they need more prep time Without it, they said, they spend hours at home writing individual education plans or prepping assignments.  

Facing chronic understaffing and a shortage of regular substitutes, schools also sometimes call in teachers and classroom aides to work as de facto substitutes. 

The Chicago school board’s proposal for the next teachers contract suggests that principals have the authority to reschedule prep time for elementary teachers if they are needed to supervise students.  

Now we want to hear from teachers. Tell us below how much prep time you get, how you spend it, and where it ranks alongside salary and staffing needs among your contract demands.