Teaching During A Pandemic By Kimberly Waldrop, MA
If you ask any teacher why they got into the profession, more than likely, they will answer the same. Teachers love the interaction with their students. They love the classroom community and the school environment. They look forward to seeing their students face to face, day to day. They are involved in their lives and care about their students as much as any family member. This year, teachers have been faced with something so outside of their control and comfort zone. A profession that is based around human contact and social interaction has been turned upside down. No longer are teachers using their creativity, their true skills, and their true desire but they have been forced to become facilitators of online learning. Something none of them chose. I spoke with several local teachers just to get an idea of what they think… Teaching is a great honor. I still remember our last day together on March 13th. I am so grateful that I can see their faces online, but having to close the building early has left an ache in my heart. I miss the every-day things that happen in a classroom setting. I miss watching them play and hearing them talk with each other. I miss seeing their creativity in action. I miss getting to share stories and books with them face-to-face. I miss their hugs and giggles. I miss getting to celebrate their wins as they
“To teach is to touch a life forever...”
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learn new things. I miss hearing their perspective on any and everything. I miss them. My children and this time have taught me not to take one single day of teaching for granted. Every day we get to spend together is a gift. Children are a gift. The connection with students in the classroom is what fuels the desire and drive to teach. While days in the classroom can be long and tedious, the rewards from smiles, hugs, and those “aha” moments when students have a breakthrough make challenging days worth it. E-learning has been difficult, mostly because the connection between student and teacher is different and disjointed. There are not as many close conversations and the lack of human contact can make even the best online sessions feel somewhat sterile and empty. At the same time, I realize that for some students their daily dose of e-learning may be a bright spot in an otherwise challenging and lonely day. I can’t wait to be back in the classroom with my students in the near future! I am stressed and anxious. I worry even more about my students than I did before. Do they understand the assignment? Are they eating? Are they safe? What do they need? That is why I gave out my cell number and told them to call me anytime. Teaching during this time is putting more stress on me than ever before. I need to see my students, hug them and look into their eyes to know for certain they are ok.
