education
by Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@lhtxdigest.com
Helping Schools in the Pandemic
I
t’s been more than two years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In that time, two new school years have begun and the impact of the pandemic continues. The Liberty Hill Digest reached out to LHISD to learn and share some of the ways our community can help and support the needs in our schools.
A NEW NORMAL In the past, the basics of a teacher's day might have included assembling and organizing the day's materials, instructing students during class time, grading papers and cleaning up the classroom after the bell, and preparing a lesson plan before going home. Today, even without the double duty of online learning, teachers and staff continue to juggle supplemental roles and responsibilities unforeseen in a pre-pandemic world. All over Texas, as pandemic conditions persist, teachers, principals, and staff are greeting students in the drop-off line, filling in as crossing guards and cafeteria attendants, or even staying late to provide custodial support, in addition to daily classroom sanitizing.
IN THE CLASSROOM With increased quarantines since the New Year, many in the district are graciously wearing multiple hats to help each other, and LHISD is asking for more substitutes to alleviate the burden on these pandemic heroes. Superintendent Steve Snell said, "As the next variant of COVID takes its toll on our staff, we need substitutes to keep the level of educational services
consistent. LHISD is looking to increase substitute pay in order to attract and retain great subs for our students." Kristy Kercheville, executive director for LHISD Communications, added, "The need for more supplemental staff in Liberty Hill is not unique, but we are fortunate to be in a much better position than other ISDs where administrators are in the classrooms or canceling bus routes." School Board President Megan Parsons said, "Alleviating teacher stress and burnout is a concern that has been at the forefront of the school board's minds and was discussed in detail at a recent workshop. Increasing substitute pay has been considered but, ultimately, our board approved a stipend for our full-time teachers and staff to receive in December." Every district needs plenty of substitutes for sick days or when compliance obligations draw teachers out of the classroom for professional learning. This is required for all teachers to maintain their certifications. Instruction takes place during the school day because it is not reasonable to schedule outside of work hours or on weekends, but it does require teachers to be outside of their classrooms. "We have a Strategic Plan that focuses on human capital. The current and next generation of teachers want to be empowered to do great things for students, including working in an environment where they can take creative risks to create great lessons for the students. LHISD strives to create an environment where both students and teachers thrive," explains Superintendent Snell.
SUB FOR US Serve LHISD schools Meaningful and impactful way to meet people and help students Flexible schedule; choose the days you wish to work Great variety of work and grade levels available 8
F E B R UA R Y 2022 LIBER T Y HILL D IGES T
