Hello friends! Thank you for checking out the seventh and final installment of my Covid-19 series. When I started brainstorming ideas for this project, one of the first perspectives that came to mind was that of a teacher. My work environment allows me to observe teachers and students, so when schools began adapting to an online curriculum, I marveled at how amazing and flexible a lot of these instructors were. The following piece is the reflection of a teacher, working their way though the pandemic.
Reflection of a Teacher
I am trying to find the right words to express this school year.
But I am tired. Oh so tired.
I am finishing my work day after only a short dinnertime break. It’s 10:30 pm as I sit down to write this. The words are not flowing easily.
Teachers everywhere are weary, tired, worn out.
But in our hearts, we also know that we are needed, now more than ever. So we persevere. And tomorrow we will show up and do it all over again. We teach children the importance of flexibility, resilience, problem solving, and grit. We must recognize the importance of the qualities in ourselves as well. Our students are watching us, counting on us; we set an example each and every day. We decide what that example will be.
We have the power to decide. Yes, even when we are tired.
This is hard for us. But this is also hard for our students and their families. Let’s remember to be kind. To them. To ourselves.
Let’s remember the importance of self-care and healthy forms of stress management. Let’s remember the importance of teamwork and collaboration. We are not in this alone. Let’s remember to lean on one another.
Let’s express both our failures and our successes.
Let’s express our truths.
Remote learning? Hybrid or virtual model? Regardless of specifics, this is new. Nobody has done this before. Not ever. So again, be kind. Be forgiving.
Look at what we have done thus far.
Look at all we have accomplished.
Look at what we have yet to do.
We are doing it. We are getting it done. We will continue to do so.
In my Pennsylvania school district, we have some children in our classrooms while other children zoom in from home at the same time. Some students remain fully virtual, at the request of their families. One day a week, all students are virtual. We wear masks. We are socially distant. We make adjustment after adjustment and adjustment. We’ve learned to manage all of this in a mostly successful, albeit imperfect, way.
We also know that everything could change tomorrow.
We have learned more about technology, more about online lesson design, more about accepting imperfections, more about expecting the unexpected.
We are strong.
We are flexible.
We look closely at our steps forward as well as our backward stumbles. We accept a large learning curve. It is indeed a challenge.
We are overworked and often frustrated.
And yes, we are tired. Exhausted.
Tomorrow we will show up and do it again. On the really hard days, we must remember how much we matter and are needed. Yes, now more than ever.
We make a difference; we teach.
From one tired teacher to another: Goodnight.
Discussing A Teacher’s Perspective
This piece reminded me about how much we don’t know. We don’t know the daily routines of teachers, the amount of time it takes to plan a lesson, the frequent need for flexibility, what a hard day looks like, or even what a typical day looks like.
All we know of are the hardships we face. Let’s acknowledge our daily struggles, but also take time to recognize that other people have difficulties too. I appreciate this teacher for taking the time to not only address their feelings, but also to do a call to action. This piece is beautiful, a reminder to be kind, compassionate, and to keep going during trying times. This was the reflection of a teacher.
A Farewell to the Timeline of Our Stories
I am so honored to have a platform to share all of these incredible and moving stories. I can’t say that anyone could have predicted the events of this year, but what I can say is that this year has taught me a lot about myself and others. Going forward, may we stay determined, strong, and honest about where we stand.
A very special thank you to the teacher who wrote this piece. Your words have inspired me and will inspire many others!
If you liked this piece, please feel free to check out the previous installments:
- My Story
- Eric Drury, blogger
- Alden Zac, musician
- Mary, senior citizen
- Shelby, Redbubble artist
- Ex-health care worker
Thank you for reading, stay safe, and as always…
Good luck on your journey,
Harumi
My friends a teacher and they’ve been telling us about there experience of working through the pandemic, and my god, the school they work for are awful. They don’t seem to care how much they risk their teachers lives. Then, when a new strain start running wild through our country and schools wanted to spend the last week before Christmas doing online classes rather than in-person, the government forces them to keep doing in-person classes. It seems no one cares about the teachers
How awful! It’s wild to me that teachers don’t get more recognition and care. They are raising a new generation! I would think that should count for something.
Teachers deserve a medal
That and a long over due raise.
I can tell it has not been easy. Thanks for doing what you do. It will get better
Love your optimism.