Teaching During the Onset of the COVID-19 Global Pandemic

My sincerest thoughts are with those who have lost friends, family, and loved ones to COVID-19. I can't imagine the whirlwind that this virus has caused on people all around the world and the lasting impact it continues to have. With the rising cases of COVID-19 and yet another variant arising almost 5 years after the beginning of this pandemic, I can't help but think back on the fact that I taught during a global health crisis. In January 2019, I had just begun my first full time teaching position halfway through the school year. I was excited for the following school year to have my very own first beginning of the year (full year) experience with my own class. I had no idea that would involve what was to come with the pandemic in March 2020.

I can still remember one of my first grade students on March 13th, 2020 while on his chrome book logged onto our school districts home web page, telling me that we had an alert that we would be out of school for two weeks. The transition after those two weeks included ensuring our students had wifi connection at home, handing out chrome books, creating alternative assignments for students, monitoring attendance, staying in contact almost daily with parents and students, and so much more all while so much uncertainty loomed. I left  the classroom in 2022 after many schools returned to full in-person instruction and the reality of the impact on students and families in general was palpable. I have no idea what teaching in the classroom has been like since my exit. I can't imagine with all that is happening in the world and in this country, at what feels like an accelerated rate, has impacted teachers. For anyone reading this that is still in the classroom, I applaud you and hope you are encouraged amongst all of the craziness and yet rewarding role of being an educator within those four walls.