Well, we are about to embark into uncharted waters. No one knows for sure what this will look like and how long it will last. What I do know is that when our students look back on this years from now, the first thing they think about probably won’t be a lesson you planned or a worksheet they completed or an activity aimed at helping them master an ELA or Math standard. I believe they’ll remember the communication, contact and care that came from their teacher in a time of fear and uncertainty. Our students need us now more than ever. Not so much to give them work and help them keep up on their math facts, but they need us to love them, care for them and bring some normalcy into their lives. The connections you make with your students during this time will be the most important thing you do.
What the daily routine, workload or method of connecting looks like this week will in all likelihood look very different at the end of April. We’re going to learn and grow and evolve and get better every day at this new way of educating our students. We’re in this together. Reach out to ask for help and give help every time there’s a need. And when trying to figure out this new way of doing business begins to get a little bit overwhelming, take a deep breath and remember what your students will remember- you helping them in a time of need. Best of luck this week and moving forward! Thanks for all you do.
This is so spot on! I needed to see this in print and imprint this into my spirit as I trudge through the unknown. Gary thanks for your calm leadership style. I so appreciate these words of wisdom!