Challenges are what make life interesting. Overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. Unknown
Last week, I received an email from the student editor of our high school’s newspaper. She is writing a feature piece on our upcoming return to full time in-person learning in April. She wanted to interview an elementary teacher to help her readers gain perspective and I was one of the lucky ones chosen.
After consulting with my principal, I agreed to the interview. She sent me her questions.
I am no saint and this year has not been easy by any standard. But, a few months ago, I decided to shift my mindset to embrace the challenges of this year, rather than lament. So with this in mind, I chose to highlight the things that are positive about our return.
The article has not been published yet, but here is a sneak peak at my answers.
How do you feel this will benefit you?
It will be easier for me to only have to plan for in-person instruction.
How do you feel this will benefit the students?
The students will benefit from the consistency of going into school everyday and from having the teacher there at all times to support their learning. They will also benefit from the increased opportunities to socialize with their peers.
Do you have any initial fears going into a full-time model?
No, I do not have any initial fears. I am fully vaccinated, so I consider myself one of the lucky ones right now. Our custodial staff and nurses have been vigilant with their commitment to the health and safety of everyone in our building. I know that this will continue to be the case.
Do you see yourself confronting any issues? How will you overcome them?
If I end up with any new students in my class from Cohort D(fully remote), I will have to spend some additional time teaching and reviewing classroom rules and routines.
Any other thoughts or ideas?
I am looking forward to the return of the familiar routine and some sense of normalcy. Some of the children will be meeting face to face for the first time, so that is exciting for them. April 5th will be a day that we will celebrate finally being able to be all together as a class.
How do you feel about students returning to in-person learning full time?
Dreams So Big... 
We are just now gearing up to offer hybrid after being fully virtual all year, so I will suddenly be planning for two modalities, which I still can’t quite imagine doing even though I’ve been reading tweets and posts all year from teachers who are doing it. Like you, mindset shift has been key to getting through the year. I am sure I will have plenty of opportunities over the next 9 weeks to practice that positive mindset!!
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I am currently teaching in a hybrid model. It definitely takes some time to get used to, it I love the fact that I am face to face with all of my students at least two days a week. Good luck to you as you transition.
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Good blog, Julie. I understand both sides of this issue, in-school or remote. I just reflect on one of my grandchildren who has ADHD and remote learning has been hard on her and very stressful for her. She has gone to school for a time, only to be back on remote learning because of a student having Covid. I wish more could be done for the students with special needs.
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I’m glad you are going back. It does feel good to have the routine of going to school each day. We had to go online for two weeks in February. All of my students (grade 2 and 3) said that not having anyone to play with is the hardest part about being at home and the best part about being in school.
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Lots of issues to think about in this for sure. Did you feel a risk doing the interview? I appreciated your measured responses.
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No. I did not feel at risk at all, but that is a great question
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I have been teaching in person all year with the exception of two remote stints when cases were high in early September and between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. It has been stressful but I do prefer to teach in person rather than remotely. The kids prefer it too despite wearing masks and keeping distant. We have to do things differently and the health and safety procedures take precedence over everything else but students are learning and doing a great job with all the procedures. I have worried about my family and extended family. We don’t see my elderly in-laws because of my exposure. Many sacrifices have been made to make this happen. Initially, I taught a hybrid model with 14 2nd graders in person and 5 remote. That was the most difficult thing I have ever done in my career. Thankfully, my district came to their senses and realized this model was not sustainable for K-2 students. Best of luck to you on your return to in person school.
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I am currently teaching in a hybrid model now and you are correct. It is a very challenging model to teach in. That’s why I am looking forward to being back in-person full time. Thanks for for insight and well wishes.
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Doesn’t having a positive mindset help? Maybe that’s why you were chosen. I could sense your positive ways in your interview responses.
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I love that a student newspaper is taking on getting the “scoop” on how teachers feel moving forward! Your answers are terrific. Very professional which is the way we handle all things education! I’ve had most of my students in all year but we have been on a shortened day schedule. I’m assuming we will move to full day in May. I’ll be ok with it. We have been safe and healthy. The virus has reared its ugly head, but it has not been transmitted within our school. The safety protocols work! Good luck and thanks for sharing.
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