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Teacher Encouragement Thread!
I am a teacher, and I went back to work this week. I just finished five days of pre-planning, and our students come back on Monday, most in person.
Some school districts are going back in person (maybe with an option for online), some are going back all online, some are waiting. I feel safe saying the vast majority of teachers are at least somewhat concerned, and some are extremely stressed. Some are even leaving the profession.
There’s a lot of negativity going on right now regarding school returning, especially online. I thought this thread could be the opposite, a place of encouragement for all the teachers of Ricochet – so please, share an encouraging word, quote, Bible verse, story, etc. below. I know I and the other teachers here would appreciate it.
I’ll start:
Published in EducationI lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. | Psalms 121:1-2 CSB
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. | Philippians 4:6-7
You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You. | Isaiah 26:3
Remote learning is what students do. Remote teaching is what teachers do.
That’s an interesting thought, thank you! And I’m also a 6th grade teacher!
I teach in an older building with ac & windows that open. When I open the windows I remind my students that it’s green cooling. Frequently they are not amused.
Use the break out rooms in the video platform and anonymous surveys to get your finger on the pulse of the kids, their interests, their concerns. create a private journal survey in a googleform where students know it is only you who will read. respond to every entry. the journal can be about anything, not just the class material.
I used a google form and made a new one every week. I actually had MORE connections because of the journal. kids were very honest, funny, scared, sad, angry.
Use discussion boards in Canvas with easy prompts, and require students to respond, and to also engage with 2 other commenters. Start with prompts that are not about learning the material, but getting to know. things like music playlists, images, gifs, emojis, bitmoji. The thing with virtual learning is is shifts a lot of responsibility onto the student. With HS kids, while this is challenging, it is also very appropriate.
Try to create assignments in the beginning that are NOT about material learned, but about navigating in the platform. by now much should be review, but you can use the review to create the culture you need.
I don’t know what to say about moving around…you do need to stay in the frame, but if you are using headphones with a mic, they can still hear you. You could also use a phone as your camera, so you are mobile. and use laptop or desktop as a second monitor. Pretty sure you can do that on zoom.
You will be fine. I’m certain of it. Because you want to succeed, you will find a way. The students will honor that for the most part. And if they don’t, it is their loss. :)
I’m an engineer. I had to go back to work too. It either that or lose my job. Yes, it makes me extremely uncomfortable. None of us asked for this virus, but its here. If you can find a better, safer, way to make a living do so. Just don’t complain to the rest of us about it, we’re dealing with it to. Also don’t expect me to pay you to stay safe at home.
My daughter took the twins in for their annual checkup and they discussed school. He said he is sending his kids back to school and for her not to worry even though they have been prone to asthma. He said if they get sick, he expected them to weather it just fine and they will start immediately on the albuterol and that steroid something.nide. He is more concerned about the stress and anxiety kids are showing because of all this (no doubt picking it up from the adults). My daughter has the added advantage of working for the company that makes both of those drugs and knows all about them, and often is the one who did the testing and released the lot named on the box she has picked up at the drug store.
If they get it, they will stay with me during the day. I am OK with that. Will do all that I can to stay safe and deal with the illness, if I get it.
Thank you for these suggestions. I’ve used breakout rooms & plan to continue using them. You remind me that google forms can be used without collecting email addresses, etc so students can remain anonymous. Canvas’ discussions look pretty robust. Last year I had students submit small current events pieces through google classroom & every student had to write a thoughtful response. I’m thinking about adding Padlet so students can write responses to discussion questions while in zoom breakout rooms & I can monitor their work while not in the room (tip from a webinar; pretty sneaky). My seniors will be working on their college application essays so learning who they are, building trust is so very important. This would be an excellent opportunity to teach my students how to navigate Canvas.
@ponyconvertible, I share your perspective. I want to return to the classroom and I would be there next week wearing a mask, using hand sanitizer, and standing at my lectern if it were my decision. Over 90% of our school families want to return to the classroom but Gov Newsom has said no.
If you were my students’ parent, know that I’ll do my damndest to teach your child. While zoom makes it different, your child will read complex texts, learn analytical tools, write thoughtful responses, and learn to revise her (I teach girls) essays. The teachers at my school are determined to teach and to do it well.
And, for now, we will be teaching from home. We miss your children and are eager to be on campus with them.
My grandkids’ pediatrician said his kids are returning to school. He isn’t worried about my grandkids…has a plan if they catch it. Said they should do just fine,
We use Canvas in my county and I LOVE it! I hope your school year goes well – maybe you’ll be able to move to f2f after a little bit. And I’m sure your former student is correct. :)
The Canvas discussions should be great for the current event assignment – the Speedgrader makes grading discussions super simple.
I appreciate your perspective, although I find it interesting that this is your response to a post asking for encouragement. Just because other professions also have it difficult right now doesn’t negate what teachers are going through.
Interesting, i just mis-read a comment and thought it mentioned year-round school. I have been wondering if this pandemic hysteria, closures, and disruption will bring changes to things like the calendar, and instructional delivery in general.
I mentioned it on another thread I think, how Hurricane Katrina brought such utter distruction, that avenues for improvement previously impossible, became easier, because everything had to be rebuilt.