Rising to The Occasion: The Relentless Dedication of Educators
Amidst a time where stress and anxiety seem to be at an all time high, there really is good all around us. When I scroll social media or talk with others, I notice how many are concerned and even feeling frustrated for various reasons as a result of COVID-19. I too, can relate. Sometimes the good that’s occurring during a challenging time, isn’t easily seen. There are days in which I focus on the news and the climbing numbers of those affected by COVID-19, as well. I want to remain informed with what’s happening. However, I’m very aware of the need for balance. It’s also beneficial to seek the positives that are all around us–– some of us may just need to look more closely.
Striving to Adjust to Our New Normal
As a mom of a 13 and 15 year old and married to an administrator, our house is significantly busier than I expected while sheltering in place. Both my husband and I are working from home while also supporting our boys to maintain growth in their learning. I’m working with districts to support how to move forward if school closures are extended, and my husband is leading the way at his Intermediate School to ensure students, families and staff are supported during this time. Educators are working incredibly hard to map out ‘next steps.’ For some, it’s comparable to trying to build a plane while flying it.
Last week I reached out to my email subscribers just to connect and share reminders regarding self-care and giving ourselves grace. I had quite a few responses as individuals thanked me for my message and also expressed the anxiety they’ve been experiencing–– not just due to COVID-19, but about their students’ well-being, how to support their colleagues, and how to move learning forward while ensuring equity and access. It sure is overwhelming. I’m grateful that fellow educators responded because it provided the opportunity to engage in correspondence to reassure and support one another.
Caring for Ourselves and Others
During challenging times, I cope with stress and anxiety through expressing gratitude, engaging in self-care, and also by intentionally seeking out the good. I’m not the kind of person who is going to be an ostrich and stick my head in the sand, but focusing on the good among the challenges helps me to remain grounded. There really are amazing things happening by educators that I would like to highlight and take a moment to celebrate.
Educators are incredibly dedicated and within the past few days, they continue to shine even in the most challenging times. The act of sheltering in place and school closures is not a snow day or a vacation. It is hard. We worry about our kids and we miss our connections. I’m not seeing educators posting pictures of themselves expressing joy of the closure. Rather, I hear teachers express how much they miss their learners and I see them connecting with their classes via video conferencing for lunch, check-ins, and engaging in activities that demonstrate how much they adore their school community. Educators truly never fail to rise to the occasion!
Educators are doing everything possible to support their learners in a variety of ways, as many strive to balance the care of their own families at home, too. Their dedication is steadfast. You can look through some of the ways educators are doing everything they can to connect with their school community by scrolling through the examples shared below. Listening to the videos included, you’ll hear educators express adoration for their students and how much they deeply care. Likewise, kids and families have mutual appreciation for the educators who went out of their way to brighten the day!
Educators from Attica Schools in New York, drove between 60-70 miles to share messages with their learners to express how much they miss them. To the educators in Attica, it’s all about maintaining connections. Within the video, you’ll see that it wasn’t just students who stood outside to watch the parade of sorts, but fellow community members who are also seeking connection. What a stellar way to bring a community together in challenging times.
In Carlsbad, California, teachers had tears of joy in their eyes as they got to see their learners for the first time in weeks. It was emotional for so many as we are so accustomed to being with our school family on a regular basis. It’s a true testament to how much educators deeply care about their learners.
In addition, explore how elementary teacher, Meg Cernaro, is connecting with learners via a Flipgrid Mixed Tape complete with fun-filled clues for students to figure out where in the world she is (similar to Where in the world is Carmen San Diego?)! This is a great way for learners to see their teacher and engage back through their own private class response page. Additionally, I’ve heard of teachers mailing handwritten notes to their students, hosting read-alouds online, creating video messages and even sending out school-wide messages from all staff such as the ones below. Sharing messages and pictures from home helps maintain a feeling of connectedness as kids get a glimpse into their teacher’s lives while home.
Keep the Main Things, the Main Things
During this time, let’s not lose sight of what matters most; the well-being of ourselves, families, and continuing to foster the connections with our students through authentic relationships. We need to embrace an ebb and flow to be our best. We know that learning is important, but in the forefront of all we do, we need to prioritize health and relationships. That may mean we need to take a step back for ourselves, in order to best serve others. We need to be able to give ourselves and others grace during this time. And, like us, many of our students may be feeling stressed or anxious, too. Taking just a few minutes to send a simple message may mean the world to your learners. We don’t necessarily know their home situation and many kids are struggling with the loss of in person connection with friends and teachers. I’m in awe of the relentless dedication of educators, they never cease to rise to the occasion! Reaching out and connecting in even the simplest ways can make an impact that lasts a lifetime.
Coming from a developing nation , we thought of coming up with modules that have activities and forming WhatsApp groups for our students where we can share materials, links and keep in touch with our students. But again that internet can create inequality & inequality. We had to send hard copies too. A cellular call now & then any thing that an educationist can do to help a willing learner.
I understand that equity and access is an issue. Our rural areas lack internet and then some city areas don’t have the means for wifi. We are all working through this and learning along the way. Wishing you all the best- thank you for reading and commenting.