Educators are Essential Workers: Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

The force of COVID-19 has closed off society for our nation and altered “school” as we know it. I’m unsure if my words can articulate the magnitude of all that educators have been expected to accomplish over these last two months, but it behooves me to make this attempt in honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week!

Everything we absorb in our daily lives is brought along with us into the classroom; something not all adults understand, let alone little ones. So, how could teachers expect students to show up to school consistently and ready to learn with a clear mind? In my 20-year tenure as an educator, I still believe that flexibility is the most important aspect of effective teaching; without the ability to recognize potential barriers and adapt our planning, we cannot effectively help others learn.

In 2001, I took great pride in my position as a college professor. New to the career, I was overly prepared for each class with a solid lesson plan. I would enter my classroom enthusiastically and with the expectation that my students shared the same eagerness. I taught all my classes this way until that fateful day known as 9/11: 

I enjoyed my short commute from NJ and would smile as I crossed the George Washington Bridge and viewed the most amazing skyline in the world; but on 9/13/01, I was viewing an empty and broken-hearted sky. I may have been the only car on the bridge, and while heading into mid-town my heart felt heavy and I cried the whole way. I had no idea what to expect walking into the college and wondered why classes were still in session. I slowly walked into my classroom and I saw a room full of silent faces. I approached my desk and stood there for a long time, feeling the painful energy and unable to find any words. I looked around at expressions of sadness, anger, shock, and fear. Somehow my silent presence gave permission for students to begin crying. The first to speak was a young lady sitting in front, and while sobbing, she shared that her uncle was a firefighter and died trying to save others. The next student shared that he hasn’t heard from his brother since he got on the train to the World Trade Center Tuesday morning. Each student had a story, and all listened intently and consoled one another with just their mere presence. They attended my class because they yearned to be with others. In this moment, I understood the need for flexibility in the classroom. My agenda meant nothing. I draw on this experience personally and professionally two decades later. 

Today, as a counselor educator I’m faced with another catastrophe that impacts the world. Many can relate to this abrupt transition to tele-work, and doing so from their home, either living alone, or with many others of whom they are responsible. Now, imagine adding the responsibility for the daily care, outreach, and education for 150+ students: revising meticulous lesson plans that were created months ago to be adapted to online format, adhering to guidelines that the revisions eliminate new content; assignments must be assessed, but not graded, all seniors must be eligible to graduate, every student must be reached every day (even though many of them do not have a computer or internet access in their home), and oh yes, this whole plan needs to come to fruition by Monday…This was literally an educator’s nightmare: without any preparation time and zero training, we are to teach in a new format with the same highly regarded standards, and be able to show accountability for these actions?!

In the midst of a pandemic, educators have proven, we are in fact, essential. Teachers, administrators, school counselors, student-services, support staff, they are all somehow continuing to model a work ethic, while trying to stay healthy for themselves and take care of loved ones. Teachers are still putting their students at the forefront and quickly adapting to developing pre-recorded and live lessons; creating innovative ways to keep students engaged, motivated, and feeling successful. They are sharing more of their own personal lives and recognizing the value this connection has for students to see them in a different light. Students need this continuity of learning and staying connected to their teachers and peers. Regardless of what material is being shared by the classroom leader, this is a bidirectional experience in which we are all benefiting.  

We are immersed with such unpredictability and vast differences in how we are impacted by COVID-19. Each day we are hearing such sad and unsettling situations that our students are enduring. In addition to families being affected by illness, loss of income and resources, our students are also struggling with just the “isolation,” and their focus is greatly impacted. Many are in homes where their family leaves for work, and they are left alone and fearful for the safety of themselves and loved ones; or they may be isolated within an abusive setting. Families are impacted by death and they are grieving in isolation. Other students are working themselves, homeschooling younger siblings, living in small spaces with multiple people and lacking privacy, managing connectivity issues, difficulty adjusting with online learning, etc., all of which make work completion seem impossible. Additionally, there are numerous opportunities that our 2020 graduates, and entire community have lost. These are losses in and of themselves, and not everyone can handle even the smallest loss resiliently.

We are modeling the compassion and equity that we expect from our students. Having the ability to eliminate the slightest bit of stress and anxiety is a priority, as is any component of mental health. Educators at all levels are now expected to adjust immensely, all with the goal of sustaining student learning during this pandemic. We were essentially thrown into immediate action to “find a way” to keep connected with our students. As we continue to find this way, we are making a difference in the lives of so many. This too shall pass, and we will look back and reflect on the success stories during a time of teaching our students, from a distance, while living in quarantine. Our commitment to the success of our students is admirable!