Behind the mask

Ava Richards

Distance learning has drastically changed how Carlmont classes operate. With Zoom lectures, online testing, and so much more, nothing is the same as it used to be. It’s expected that students will be struggling with the transition to online learning, but what about teachers, the people whose jobs have been completely turned around?

Jim Kelly:

Jim Kelly is the Activities Director for ASB, working with his students to plan activities for the Carlmont student body to enjoy. He says the hardest part of having distance learning with such a community-driven class is the inability to form close relationships.

“You can’t have those subtle interactions anymore, like a little nod when a student comes through the door. Everything on a screen just seems like it has to have so much more intent to it,” Kelly said.

According to Kelly, distance learning has come with many other challenges in addition to strained student-teacher relationships.

“My anxiety levels have been higher, and there are times where I’ll just realize, ‘Wow, my heart’s racing,’ completely out of the blue,” Kelly said. “I think it’s just a combination of everything: the pandemic, the fires, the anxieties of my students. We all feel it, and we’re all wearing it.”

To combat his anxiety, Kelly has been trying to go outside more and encourages his students to do the same, with “Workout Wednesday” being his typical asynchronous assignment.

“Physical health is really important when it comes to mental health,” Kelly said.

During these troubling times, Kelly says his primary motivation stems from his classes and the lessons he gets to teach.

“Big picture: our world needs better leaders,” Kelly said. “If I can plant a seed in some of these amazing students’ heads so they have the confidence to go out and become a leader, that’s always a driving force for me.”

Sara Shayesteh:

Sara Shayesteh is a science teacher, this year teaching only AP Biology. She finds one of the most challenging parts to deal with in online learning is the silence that ensues on Zoom.

“Everyone is on mute, so connecting with students and trying to get to know everyone, has just been so hard,” Shayesteh said.

Shayesteh has struggled this year, saying that she feels like a first-year teacher all over again as she tries to reinvent her lessons.

“I’m just trying to ‘fake it till you make it,’ by putting on a happy face and pretending like everything is fine. But it’s really hard, and I’m exhausted,” said Shayesteh said.

She says that seeing and hearing her students on screen makes her happier and encourages her to get through the hard days.

“When people unmute, or say something in the chat, or do shout-outs for other students, it just makes me so happy,” Shayesteh said..

She urges everyone to think of others during this time and reach out to those who may be having a difficult time with distance learning.

“I’ve dedicated once a week to intentionally reaching out to students who might be struggling, and the responses have been really positive,” Shayesteh said.

Molly McNinch:

Molly McNinch is a math teacher and teaches AP Calculus AB and Algebra Readiness Support. One of the things she misses the most is “the vibe of a class.”

“I miss the energy of a full classroom and excited kids. I’m missing the human-ness that you can’t always get via Zoom,” McNinch said.

She tries to make up for the lack of connection with her loved ones.

“I struggled with mental health growing up, and when I’m feeling not great, I tend to push people away,” said McNinch. “So I’ve been trying really hard to see my friends on Zoom, play Trivia with my husband, and of course, my cat is always a nice little catharsis.”

Her biggest motivator is making sure her students are successful, despite the difficulties that come with distance learning.

“My motivation is to make sure distance learning isn’t something we all hate and regret, and my students don’t think they failed,” McNinch said.

McNinch thinks that one way for students to help make teachers feel better during distance learning is going to office hours and striking up a conversation.

“For me, it’s really nice when kids take a little bit of time to get to know who their teacher is,” McNinch said. “So take five minutes to reach out and tell them that they’ve been doing great, or you appreciate them.”

Art by Ava Richards