You guys teaching is HARD. Teaching during multiple pandemics is HARD. Virtual teaching during multiple pandemics is H.A.R.D. I hear lots of teachers saying how we could have been better prepared for entering this unknown territory and to be honest, I was- still am one of them. During tough times it's easy to point the fingers and place blame for things that fall between the cracks, add pressure, don't go as planned, and the biggest- make us uncomfortable. It takes certain personality traits (OCD- TYPE A- anyone?!) to be a teacher, and as those teachers we are EXTREMELY organized, I mean every day is broken down into hours, and those hours broken down into minutes of planned excellence, so when we enter into unknown water, we freak out and forget how to swim and use the supports to keep us afloat. After my first 30 min of virtual teaching, I wanted to quit. I was O.U.T. and seriously questioning my life decisions. I wasn't good at this, this isn't "teaching", this isn't how I start the year, this isn't what I normally am doing, this isn't how I decorate my room, this isn't how I host Open House...notice how I keep saying "I"? Once I vented to my friends, co-workers, family, and had a good ugly cry I noticed how I kept talking about how this was effecting ME. I needed to take a step back and realize that there was a classroom (okay, Google Meet) full of 28 bright shiny faces that needed me and they didn't know how it was "supposed to be", the lesson I would normally do, the activities I would normally do, the rules- procedures- transitions I would normally do. This was a chance to reinvent myself and grow. After all- nothing grows in a comfort zone. After day one, I realized I wasn't just teaching those 28 kids how to use technology and curriculum, I was teaching entire families. I now had the opportunity to interact with family members in ways I haven't in the past, build meaningful and personal relationships, put faces to names, see how they interact with their children and students, and be a support to help keep them afloat and actually work together as a team and build a partnership. After all- it takes a village- right? I started to give myself grace, and not only give it to myself- but to expect it and find those bright shiny moments in the midst of chaos. By giving myself this permission I realized I don't need to have it all figured out, do things the way I have always done them (after all this is one of the most dangerous phrases in education), or be a level 4 in all of my wonderful E.E. domains. As long as I am growing, moving, putting one foot forward and showing up- progress is being made. Not only have I learned tons of new resources and supports to assist myself and my kiddos, but I am being challenged in technology, and when we know better- we do better. Does this mean I have it all figured out and it is smooth sailing from here? No. Does it mean that I am going to have doubts about what I am doing and my effectiveness every day- absolutely. Does it mean I wish we were back face to face? Without a doubt. Does it mean I am going to show up, do what is best for kids, and make the best of the situation I am in? You bet. Whether you are a teacher, principal, instructional coach, EA, parent, grandparent, child care provider, family member assisting with virtual learning, or having any role in this new way of learning- I challenge you to give yourself grace. I challenge you to not only be kind to yourself, but when you see those bright and shiny moments- celebrate them. Call that parent up and tell them you are grateful for them showing up with their student, encourage them that they are doing amazing with technology, tell that co-worker you have noticed how far they have grown in their skills and abilities, be a flotation device amidst these choppy and unknown waters. I also challenge you to be vulnerable, real, raw, and lean on your supports- co workers, friends, family whoever it may be and GROW. Here's to a challenging, inspiring, and optimistic second week! *cheers*
