E D UC ATION
by Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@myjarrell.com
Teaching in a Pandemic JISD Needs Your Help
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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. My Jarrell Monthly reached out to JISD to learn and share some of the ways our community can help and support the needs in our schools.
A NEW NORMAL 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 While many in the district are graciously wearing multiple hats to help each other, JISD is calling for more substitutes to alleviate the burden on these pandemic heroes. Ryan Copeland teaches 2nd grade at Igo Elementary and explained, "It's hard to take off, even if I'm sick because of coverage. Unless there is an emergency or I am extremely sick and I know I can't work, I will not take time off." Charlotte Mendoza teaches 6th and 7th grade PowerMath at Jarrell Middle School; "Our district, like many others, is short on subs and we are having to cover more often. This is no fault of administration or our school,
it's just the way it is at the moment. It has always been customary, when we are short-staffed, we help each other out by covering duty, or even classes if needed. The only change this year is that we are doing this more often." 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.
KIDS NEED OUR HELP One middle school teacher says "This year has been the hardest of the pandemic," explaining the fact that students haven't been in a school setting in two years is reflected in their performance academically and socially. Behavior problems, unwillingness to complete simple tasks, and a focus on social media and peers over academic accomplishment are among the biggest issues, making it "extremely hard for teachers to remain encouraged." Superintendent Dr. Toni Hicks added, "Students are learning how to socialize with one another again, stick to study schedules, and how to work through their feelings of being distanced from family and friends. This, coupled with the academic struggles of missing more than a year and a half of in-person school, creates significant challenges for staff and students." To address some of these challenges, middle school teacher Jasmine Vasquez suggested, "Parents can help
SUB FOR US Serve JISD schools Meaningful and impactful way to meet people and help students Flexible schedule; choose the days you'd like to work 8
J A N UA R Y 2 022 M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY
Great variety of work and grade levels available
