Editor's Note

Clinging to Normal

I wasn’t expecting there to be another issue of the Maine Educator so soon. However, like all of you, so much of what you’re doing day-to-day wasn’t expected. I cling to anything that seems “normal” now-the silly things like Wheel of Fortune being on at 7pm every night. I watched this show every day with my mom and sister growing up and continue to watch it to this day. As a life-long fan, and someone who was lucky enough to appear on the show in January as a contestant, I try and tune in to feel that normalcy in my life.

But the reality is-with so much that isn’t “normal,” I felt like MEA had to try and do as much as possible to support its members during this time, and get you as much information as possible to help you day to day. That’s why this special issue of the Maine Educator focuses mostly on professional development issues-navigating the world of remote teaching and learning. Things like virtual classroom management, the best apps to help create videos and uploads, securing your virtual classroom and more. We’ve also included some information about bargaining and the impact of a permanent salary freeze versus a freeze that bounces back to your original pay prior to COVID-19. These are important differences and should be studied.

I wanted to take a minute to personally thank all the members who have helped put this issue together. Your willingness to share what you’re learning with MEA so we can reach a broad network of members has truly made this issue possible-thank you.

While it’s always nice to share the stories of success, because they’re uplifting and they get us through the difficult days, we understand this time is challenging. Perspective is key. I encourage you to take the advice of this educator who shared her feelings about teaching during this time:

I wanted to take a minute to personally thank all members who have helped put this issue together. Your willingness to share what you’re learning with MEA so we can reach a broad network of members has truly made this issue possible-thank you.

“Resign yourself to the fact that there will be curriculum you don’t cover. These kids are learning a lifetime of resiliency skills in a month and are forcefully learning how to best communicate while in isolation and balancing family, friends, learning, boredom, depression... you name it. Just move forward and get a little better each week.”

If you need help, reach out to MEA. We are here to support you-just don’t expect me to answer back between the hours of 7-7:30-I’ll be watching the Wheel. (Joking, of course-we’re always here for you!)

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Giovanna Bechard Editor editor@maineea.org COVID-19 Special Edition • www.maineea.org