Photo credit: Nguyen Khanh Ly on Unsplash
So many of us, educators and parents alike, were hoping for a “normal” return to school this fall. Many of us were likely even expecting our routines and practices to return to the pre-covid-19 pace. With new covid-19 variants, however, we seem to be again looking at a fall of uncertainty. As educators, how do we approach such a school year?
Presently, it seems likely many of us can plan on wearing masks again even if vaccinated. Since students under 12 do not have the opportunity to be vaccinated, the American Pediatric Association just recommended students should be masked indoors. As the Delta variant gains control, even those who are vaccinated may be at risk for acquiring symptoms.
Aside from learning to teach and project our voices with masks, educators have learned so much over the course of the past school year. We have met challenges and had many successes, so this coming school year should not be as trying. No matter what we face this fall, it is important to remember we are not heading into a school year like the last one. We are far better prepared on so many levels.
Scientists know more about the virus and how it works. As a result, in schools we more fully understand what activities we can do and where we should be more cautious. We likely are not going to need to keep students 6 feet apart at all times which is a relief if you are doing collaboration activities.
Educators know how to teach virtual school fairly successfully. We have improved our skills to modify and tweak our practices to improve instruction. New tools have been created on many platforms, and we have experimented to see what works best for our needs. Though virtual school is not ideal, we are no longer true novices and can manage if our communities enter another lockdown.
Educators and parents alike know that in-person instruction and virtual instruction cannot compare. We cannot provide the equal instruction virtually and in-person. Our expectations of ourselves if required to teach either virtual or concurrent/bimodally will be more realistic.
Schools have schedules already designed to put into play. These can be tweaked and improved to offer better instruction, but the framework already exists for hybrid, virtual, and in-person. Teachers will not be as stressed to navigate new plans or covid-19 contingencies.
Students have experienced and understand the covid-19 protocols. Last year, students had no idea what to expect when returning to in-person school. This year, however, children from kindergarten through 12th grade know and understand all of the systems schools established last year. Their understanding will provide an easier transition to the beginning of the year and if additional protocols need to be instituted.
Students have experienced virtual school and understand how it works. They are adept at operating technology fairly well and are aware of virtual classroom expectations. Of course, every student and teacher has room for improvement, but we have all experienced the basic system unlike last year.
While we all wish for a normal and boring school year, teachers face fewer uncertainties this year than in the past 18 months. We can remain grounded in all that we have learned. While it may be stressful to handle quarantines, possible virtual days, and masks, we have systems in place and can grow from the foundation we set last year. Dare I say, we are all better educators from our experience?