Teaching through Crisis

As we are all well aware at this point, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken the world by storm. Policies are being changed and reevaluated around the clock, essential vs. nonessential workers are being re-analyzed, among most other very pressing, real concerns as we consider our next steps as a global society. Education, of course, is no different as schools across the nation begin to rethink priorities and prior regulations in what is undoubtedly a trying time for staff, teachers, parents, and the reason we do all of this – our students. 

I can only speak for my direct experience but suffice it to say, many other educators across the country may also be experiencing very similar circumstances. As a public school teacher in an urban community, teaching students who by and large hail from low – income families and represent different learning modalities and accommodations, our transition to remote learning has been a swift endeavor but one with definite learning experiences as we navigate this new platform. 

My advice for teachers and parents alike who have taken on some homeschooling, is to breathe. We are all learning as we go and adjusting to what works best. I’m learning as well, even despite this being my fifth year in education and relative tech savviness, I still have a bit to learn. I think that what is awesome and is something I can only hope other administrators continue to keep in mind is that this is new for all of us and until we have reached total equity, which in itself is a very real and concerning issue that needed to be addressed, we have to be lenient, flexible, patient and willing to try new thing; without penalty. So as we’re all learning this together, don’t be too hard on yourself, learn, adjust if need be and breathe. We will all get through this together. 

I would also advise that we all create realistic expectations and boundaries for ourselves. This almost goes hand – in – hand with the leniency and grace I’ve mentioned earlier. Just as I’m sure many teachers have their own families, health, and mental well being to preserve;so do our students! As you plan, continue to keep in mind your students’ access to technology, differing home life situations, and other coursework as well. While you can only control so much in a traditional physical classroom, realize that remote learning is a different beast altogether and our expectations have to change to fit these variables. Also, likewise how we should adjust our expectations for our students, we should definitely honor boundaries for ourselves as educators. Though it may be tempting to answer a student email at 10 PM or even spend a whole weekend grading 150 papers, you have to create boundaries at some point to prevent from running on an empty tank. This may include setting up office hours, designating set times to grade and provide feedback throughout the week, maximizing prep times for future planning, etc. Now, maybe even more than ever, since there is more temptation to work all hours since you could theoretically do it, don’t. You can not and should not burn out. Set your boundaries, stick to them and then please enjoy your family or hobbies and recharge. 

Finally, I would advise us to embrace this time to explore and experiment with more creative ways of learning! This is a perfect opportunity as any to really take risks and see what works, and what definitely doesn’t. I am currently finishing up a dystopian literature study mini unit (how fitting given our current circumstances) and have been pleasantly surprised by how well the students are engaging with the material. Are there any topics or issues you’ve been dying to try but haven’t necessarily tested it out on the kids? If your administration is allowing you more creative free rein, use it. Educate yourself on different platforms like Flipgrid, Padlet, Kahoot!, and any other plethora of educational resources that’s out there and give it a trip. Look into free virtual field trips and let your students take advantage of these amazing opportunities that others have recognized and freely given access to. Now is the time to let those creative juices flow and provide some meaningful, personalized learning experiences! 

So while our current situation is by no means perfect, and of course there are underlying issues that need to and ought to be addressed as we try to accommodate our deserving students, I think this is a great learning experience for us all. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, administrator or student; we all have a role to play at this moment as we figure out the best outcomes. I hope you are able to take some of my advice into consideration. I am sorry it has taken a pandemic of this scale for us to really reconsider our other issues within education and society at large, but I am hopeful change will occur to address these concerns. In the end, we will get through this together. Stay safe, healthy and continue to do the best you can during this time.