I agree with pipewelder. I went to school in 98' and back again last year for more. The teachers were night and day. The teacher in 98', great teacher, been welding since the early 70's and think him or him and his brother were on the alaskan pipeline. He was not very interactive, would mostly stand at the front of the shop, spitting his plug in the waste basket, but when asked would help you out.
The teacher I have now, more interactive, always peeking in the booth, well he does on other guys booths, leaves me alone until I come ask for some reason, probably just how I am, super independent. Anyhow, when I've asked for help he was right there. As I said, he constantly checking in on guys, pointing out things. If you feel like you're not getting help I'd talk to the teach first and if he seems to be not so worried talk to your advisor or to the director that you think the class is to large for one teacher. We have about 20 on days and 15 or 16 on nights. We have two teachers. Our main teach is excellent at the stick, worked for a gas company but good with tig and mig. Our second guy is excellent at mig and tig, was nuke certified and all sorts of crazy stuff. I think our main guy said they would hire a second teacher if the class size was 20 or larger. Besides, we're paying for it so you deserve everything you can get and the teacher needs all the tools available.....reasons it don't happen is called politics and sucks for students and teachers.
good luck!!
Shawn