As finals week approaches, it is no lie that teachers are scrambling to grade those last assignments and making sure every students’ missing assignments are accounted for. However, there are some teachers who are doing this throughout the entire semester. Stephanie Hojnacki, math teacher and coach, has been teaching for many years and since embraced the challenge of being both an instructor, and the JV soccer teams’ and Scholar’s Bowl coach.
“I have coached three seasons with girls’ soccer, three seasons with boys’ soccer, and 16 years of Scholar’s Bowl, all while teaching my classes,” said Hojnacki.
Hojnacki’s schedule almost never catches a break. In the mornings, they are guiding their students through curriculum, teaching them mathematics, and going over strategies to solve problems. By afternoon, they are leading their athletes through drills and high-pressure games, and helping them develop new skills. Additionally, this year, they were also tasked with working on their
own studies on their road to getting their master’s degree. Next semester, their daily schedule, while deeply rewarding, requires a high level of commitment as they are tasked with coaching the girls’ JV soccer team and Scholar’s Bowl alongside teaching in the building.
“I am an incredibly invested human, so no matter what I’m teaching or coaching, I’m very invested in the kids, so balance is just really difficult,” said Hojnacki. “My stress levels are sometimes really high, but I think it is worth it because of the excitement and joy I get from just being with the kids. It’s something they’re choosing to do and that makes it not as stressful.”
Expectedly, the demands of balancing both these jobs come with a personal cost. At times, Hojnacki’s mental health has taken a back seat as she manages her workload.
“I am a highly competitive person, and when you coach three things and are literally competing nonstop, it just becomes a lot.” said Hojnacki. “I’m working on finding some strategies to reduce that stress, but I haven’t been successful yet. I have considered dropping my job as a coach to balance things out but, financially speaking, it is not an option for me.”
Hojnacki’s day ends long after the final bell marking the finality of the school day. In fact, many of their nights end around the early hours of 1 and 2 AM. Despite these challenges, Hojnacki’s efforts have not gone unnoticed as she is seen as a very valuable and admirable member of the high school’s staff.
