Teaching During A World-Wide Pandemic

Hello!

So today I just wanted to come on here and write about how teaching is going so far, as I've been back to work for a few weeks now and teaching digitally, as well as in-person.

Firstly, let me give some background. At my particular school and in my particular county we were expected to be all digital this year, but that quickly changed when it was announced that students could have the option to come back into the school. Of course, this arose to many different feels, opinions, fears, and worries from teachers and parents alike. In the end, at my school, our students have the option to learn digitally or to come in-person and we have about a 50/50 split as of right now. 

My position is also uniquely different at the elementary level since I teach Spanish and it's a connection class. So, I teach every student in the school. I a group of classes grades K-5 for 45 minutes for a week, and them they rotate and I see the next group. As you can imagine, that's even scarier becasue I see many more students and it can be frightening to think of how the virus could be being spread in any of the classes.

Still, so far, I have to admit it has been nice seeing students, (although we mostly just see their eyes because of mask). And it is nice to have the laughter, and learning back in the school building.

But, and theres always a but....

It still seems like it is a bit overwhelming for the educator to balance between those students in-person and online. Not to mention, the extensive amount of rules, procedures, and safety measures put into place seem to make the school day of learning just a bit more dull and lifeless.

All I can say is that it isn't all bad. I know that things will eventually get better, and I have a strong sense of faith in my fellow educators who I see working hard everyday to keep students in-person safe and learning, as well as working extremely hard to ensure that digital students have all the tools, materials, and lessons they need as well.

Overall, teaching has never been an "easy" profession but it's still rewarding and the little moments matter! 

Thanks for reading and I want to encourage teachers, and everyone who is working right now during the pandemic to keep striving and to remind you that we're in this together. :)