What I learned from this school year 2020-2021

 

1. Team work truly makes the "Dream Work".

 As we all know, this year has been challenging. For everyone. Parents, teachers, administration, students, para support, bus drivers, cafeteria staff, etc. When things get tough you must find your "people". The ones that will push you to keep striving, to find creativity in the darkness and to continue to support you when you need it most. I'm incredibly thankful for the team I get to work with. When you have a group that can find the best qualities in everyone you are bound for success. 

 

 

2. Technology doesn't replace everything. 

    While technology has been vital to this school year, it doesn't replace the human interaction we all love. Not being able to high five kids this year has been tough but keeping them safer will always take precedent. All teachers have learned how to use technology better this year. If anyone ever doubted that technology will ever go away, they quickly learned it's not the future; it’s now. 

 

3. Mental health is a priority. 

    From anxiety to highs and lows this year has had it all. When I think back to my childhood, I think of all the fun times I had playing outside and with friends. So many kids missed out on opportunities this year. We must not only support ourselves but kids Social-Emotional Learning. Empathize what it would be like to go through a pandemic as a child. Not fully comprehending what everything means, it would be incredibly nerve wrecking. 

   As teachers we often hear "take time for yourself", but so often we end up pushing ourselves to the side. We can't do that. It's ok to tell others you are struggling, it's not weakness. It's vulnerability which can be hard to admit. In previous years I looked at "mental health days" or personal leave and a waste. Since then I've realized I can't support my students as well if I'm not doing well. 

 

4. There are resources out there. 

  Last year I reached out to multiple authors and asked if they would be willing to send a video to my students in honor of the Month of the Military child and beginning lockdown. This simple request motivated my students, comforted them, and showed them authors are just like everyone else. 

 

5. Listen, don't hear. 

  Now more than ever we need to be listening to our students. We need to not just hear what they feel or say but listen intently. Show them with our eyes that we are listening. With wearing a mask it's hard to show facial expressions, but students can still tell how we feel based on our eye contact. I've had some great conversations with my students this year, now more than ever. Just be listening and not talking and empathizing has created a huge positive climate and culture. Hearing my students concerns about violence in the media and what they fear is completely validating. The world can be a scary place, and just by listening to them can help them feel that their words are heard and valid.