The First 10 Days: Educators’ Perspectives on Remote Learning during COVID-19
Day 10.
It is hard to believe how quickly we reached this milestone. Less than two weeks ago the decision about when and how to close the school campus loomed. It felt, and was, incredibly complex and daunting. We made the decision, and within 48 hours moved into a whole new world of remote learning and online business operations.
And, somehow, we have arrived at Day 10. It hasn’t been easy, and the learning curve has been incredibly steep. But, nevertheless, we made it and that alone is worth celebrating!
The focus of this article is straightforward. What is the teacher experience? How have these veteran educators embraced the challenge? The shift to remote learning has required each teacher to have a “beginner’s mindset.” Flexibility and adaptability have been key attributes.
And so, in their own words, here is a look back, at lessons learned, and a look forward:
Jodie, School Counselor:
While we are still getting the implementation fine-tuned, one of my greatest “joys” has been crafting the “How I Am Today” surveys for students. For students, this gives them a chance to externalize and name their feelings as well as plan for ways to manage those emotions. For counselors, it has given us a sense that most of our students are managing quite well. We have also identified those who need additional outreach. I love being able to use a videocall to “see” the students to help them feel heard and then work with them to build a sense of hopefulness.
Lauren, First Grade Teacher:
I think we were too focused on content and curriculum, rather than connection, in the beginning. Parents were ready to start remote learning at home, while also yearning for more guidance. They needed more help to understand what remote learning was actually going to look like. It is important to emphasize that no one (not even the teacher!) is the expert during this time. Parents look to us as the experts in their child’s learning, and yet we (as educators) must be willing to be vulnerable. We are all learning together.
Get creative! Each family has different needs at home (myself included, as I am a mother with two young children). I tried too hard at the beginning to be everything to everyone, and as a result I felt went off the deep end pretty quickly. It was overwhelming. Keep expectations manageable and realize that you just have to let some things go.
We, my first grade teaching partner and I, were most successful when we sent personal messages to our students. They loved hearing from us and seeing our faces.
An “aha moment” came when we realized that parents didn’t really understand what their first grader was capable of developmentally, especially in terms of attention span, etc. When we broke it down for parents and let them know that even I don’t expect them to sit for more than 20 minutes at time in the classroom, I think this became more freeing for them.
Nearly two weeks in, we are instituting more choice for students. Just like in the classroom, we know that students are more invested in their work when they have some control over it.
The unknown is nerve-racking for all of us. We don’t know when this is going to end, when we will be able to see each other again, etc. Trying to make routines for our students and parents gives us a little sense of calm in a very chaotic world right now.
Tammy, School Counselor:
Looking back, what I miss most deeply is the 1:1 intimacy that the social setting of a school provides. It cannot be replaced remotely. I don’t believe I ever took these relationships for granted, but I certainly cherish them even more now.
What has worked is reaching out to parents more often and more deeply. This role of teacher, home-based employee, all day-chef, school program designer, and curriculum expert has landed in parents’ laps and they are overwhelmed with the multiple hats that are required, the new boundaries, the new rules, the new normal.
Treat everyone and every moment with grace: Administrators who are swamped with decisions and not as free to connect 1:1 or 1:10; teachers with whom you used to collaborate so closely and are less available; colleagues who drop a commitment or miss a deadline due to the overwhelming amount of online notifications; problems that could typically be solved easily and now require multiple steps and online meetings.
Your well-being is the most important thing – collectively and individually. Communicate this to each other, to parents, and to students. Most importantly, to yourself. Make self-care a priority. And stay connected with each other.
This social experiment has reminded us how much we lean on each other, learn from each other, challenge each other, and rely on each other. No one in this experiment has chosen to participate. We are moving non-linearly through the stages of 'grief': Denial (it's not going to be that bad); Anger (you aren’t hearing me and my needs aren’t being met!); Bargaining (if we just do this for a week or so, things will get right back to 'normal'); Depression (it will never end ...); and Acceptance (I will focus on what I can control, and we will get through this both together and alone). We know that moving toward the Acceptance stage is the hardest – and most necessary next step. It is the stage that will help us stop the 'complaining' and get creative in how we manage the 'complaint'. Together. It is our collective efficacy that empowers us toward acceptance. And a "how can I help?" mindset of grace.
Melissa, Science Coordinator/Middle School Science Teacher:
The biggest lesson that I have learned and continue learning is that I need to give myself and my students (and their parents) grace. It is a difficult time and I really need to be patient with everything. Setting reasonable and tangible goals and expectations for everyone involved is imperative. I want to ensure that my students and I feel successful at the end of each day. I have cut many of my normal classroom lessons in half (or less), so that my students feel accomplished in what they can complete each day on their own. By the end of this, everyone will be in a different place. How you treat this time with your students is very valuable. One step at a time. Try and have as much “face” time with them as you can and help them feel special (They are!). How you treat one another during this difficult time is what people will remember.
Jane, Kindergarten Teacher:
Build routines: I think one of the most important things for everyone to do is to set up a routine and a schedule. This is critical not just young children but for everyone. Routines are comforting and feel safe. The predictability of schedules will help develop independence so that parents can find some time for themselves. Routines and repetitive schedules also give people parts of their days to look forward to.
Find the positive: Try to interact with people who are positive, who can see the good, and who will energize you.
Partner-up: Find a partner, like I have in my teaching partner, who can ebb and flow with you! Work together to share the load, bounce ideas around, problem solve, and give virtual hugs. Also make sure your partner is someone you can call, text, or meet with virtually at any time. Someone you trust and feel close to! It takes time to find your rhythm, but in times like this it seems to happen quickly – maybe out of necessity.
Seek out perspectives: Everyone is on this journey! Understand that everyone has a different perspective and is in a unique place. Perspectives and needs will evolve daily, hourly, by the second. You can already see the change in attitudes, emotions, and understanding from the comments of parents. Keep in mind that parent feedback takes place in context. A critical comment may be more about fear of the uncertainty, change in daily life… and not really about that one assignment. We are I this together and we need to walk in each other’s shoes. Be forgiving!
Remember that children are adaptable! They are flexible! Give them credit that they CAN do this! They can and they are doing it right now! Some days, it is the parents who are most in need of support.
Follow the rules! Both in helping to stop spread the virus, and in helping the school get up and running for Remote Learning! We all need to be on the same page, use common tools.
Build in familiarity: New curriculum may not be the best at the beginning. Instead, rely on familiar stories, activities, games, etc. Provide calming activities such as coloring, yoga, and simple activities such as collecting nature items for math, etc.
Avoid too much news and get just what you need. End your day with a good novel or a not-so-intense TV show. Get exercise, eat well, and try to sleep. Have a glass of wine.
Maintain school relationships! Keep connecting and meeting. We have weekly all-staff meetings. We have division meetings. And, perhaps best of all, a Virtual Happy Hour every Friday!