As teachers and educators en masse across the country pack up their virtual classrooms, hold their closing ceremonies and wish their students well after completion of another academic year; a strong sense of uncertainty pervades the air. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, racial unrest, political upheaval and reconfiguring what our new “normal” may be; it is undoubtedly a challenging time for education in the United States. It would be remiss of me to say that in light of all that has happened in our recent current events, I too have held feelings of being overwhelmed, insecure, disappointed, angered, nostalgic, and yet hopeful in spite of the odds.
As educators, and particularly educators of color, our current state of affairs is nothing new yet given our relative confinement, social media and even more forward thinking peers and scholars; this moment in time feels different. As a young educator (recently turned 27 in May, I know it’s been a while since I posted), you could argue that there have been other movements more profound or worthy of appraisal, of which I am sure there are many. Yet still, this moment does feel different.
In the midst of some many unknowns as districts across the country formulate plans for full and partial reopenings, spikes in new cases as scientists and advisors continue to offer counsel and best practices, and policies are being re-examined in corporate and government sectors of society; I still hold on to the hope of a better, more fully re-imagined “normal”. When conducting my final weeks of remote teaching for my (now graduated) eighth grade students, it amazed me how understanding and flexible my students appeared to be with such chaos and disruption to their previous norm. It amazed me the increased willingness of parents and support I have received in meeting class objectives. It amazed me the grace and allowing of creativity and ingenuity from my school administration team in a time where much continues to be uncertain. It amazed me the warmth and collaboration of my school community as more opportunities presented itself remotely for engagement and fostering of goodwill. It amazed me the beginning of tackling of once taboo matters like race and politics among peers and how our school community could do better for all in pedagogy.
Moments like these in the past few months give me much hope that through such an unfortunate circumstance something better could emerge. Of course, we still have a long way to go and much more work to do to continue this path of improvement of circumstances, I still have hope and tenacity that this could be realized. These past few months have done much to make me re-examine my own values and how I can do even more. I never considered myself a particularly political person before our circumstances but in our current climate, you can not just idly sit by. There comes a time when we must act for what’s right as well and not just remain passive all the time.
As a lifelong learner, reflective educator and one who strives for good, there is always more that can be done. I hope to use this summer in a multitude of ways of not only continuing to improve my craft as a teacher but also as a greater advocate. My hope too is for others to use this time wisely to educate, empower and act as best and safely as they can. With that in place, we may very well be on a path for a better world for our future generations.
I really love reading this article. For me, this time of pandemic, I realize a lot of things and always be grateful for everything we have now and the essence of life now.
I agree that we should always remain grateful and humble in our experiences. Things could always be worse so that is important to keep in mind as well.
This year has made us think more about life and what is the true meaning. It changes how we think.
Our circumstances does pose for more perspective and reflection for sure!
I really love how your post touched the part where despite everything, the pandemic and all that comes with it, there is still some good in it. I always like seeing the good in every situation good or bad. If we focus on that, it helps to get through the bad while hoping for the new normal.
I agree. It’s of little use if we merely focus on the bad and can become overwhelming and depressing to say the least. Life still has good moments and joy even in the midst of pain.
Standing firm for what we believe in, uniting and loving each other will get us through.
All of those sentiments will help!
Very true! The past few months have given me a lot of time to reflect and self evaluate a lot of decisions. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you for reading! It is the perfect time to reflect.
Indeed found it very inspiring and helpful blog post…am glad you shared this with us..Thanks for sharing…being strong and committed is very important though…
It definitely is. Thank you for reading!
Perseverance is the key here. Human beings have fought bigger battles than Covid19. We should just hang in there a little bit longer and stay positive in this gloomy situation. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
Of course. We should also recognize that we are fighting more than just COVID-19 as well though which was mentioned in the post. I agree that there is hope all the same!
This is a really interesting post! Glad you shared this with us, thank you!
Thanks for taking the time out to read and comment!
The world is in such upheaval right now. I am hoping that we can all learn to love life and each other again and that all of the turmoil can finally take a back seat. Also, I hope that you are able to get some good planning in for the new year plus some time off. 🙂 The coming school year is already looking like there will be adjustments to make.
As teachers we are never truly “off” and are always planning haha! This coming year will definitely have to be further adjustment though.
If we all have a powerful spirit, we can overcome almost anything. We just need to be firm and stand strong even when we fall down.
Strength, flexibility and grace are needed in times like these.
You sound like an amazing teacher that really cares. Hopefully things get better soon for all.
Thank you. I really hope so! There are so many unknowns so time will tell.
I loved your article, I like your stand. We all really should keep educating us.
Definitely, there is much to learn and do!
I can’t agree more with you! I am not political either but given the current circumstances, one must take a stand, there is a lot at stake, a lot!!!
There definitely is and yet so many ways we can help, no matter your niche.
I see a bright future for our children because of passionate educators like yourself!
Thank you so much! Our children need it!
It’s good that you have something in your life giving you hope that things will get better!
I think we can all benefit from a bit of hope wherever we can find it, especially now.
Your final paragraph really hit home for me. We all need to strive to do better and continue to educate ourselves.
Definitely. I completely agree!
This last 4 months has felt like a life time, hasn’t it? I am also hopeful that all of the events that have unfolded are for a reason and we will all learn and grow from it.
It definitely has felt that way! Hopefully our circumstances turn around soon.