The other week I wrote a love note to NYC. Today I want to recognize all of the incredible teachers and school staff working around the world making online/remote learning a reality. YOU ARE ALL AMAZING. End of story.
Teaching is an in person profession. There is nothing remote about it. From the moment a child steps into a school building their interactions are endless. They are greeted by friendly faces who check in on their well being immediately. A smile, a hello, a breakfast offered, extra help, a safe space to meet up with friends. All of this happens before they even enter the classroom. In the actual classroom, teachers spend the day with their students, caring for them emotionally, mentally and academically.
Teachers and schools have been tasked with a herculean ask- to move all this to students online. It an impossible idea. And yet, in a few short days, teachers and administrations all over the country and in other parts of the world, stepped up, recognizing that in this unprecedented time, their students would need stability and a sense of normalcy. I have watched friends and family swallow their own feelings of fear, sacrifice family time and spend hours learning new technology, planning new lessons and collaborate virtually with colleagues, to make sure that their remote classrooms were ready. Here in NYC, I have coworkers who are still reporting to kitchens in schools across the city to make sure that students are not going hungry. True frontline heroes.
As a parent, I recognize it has not been easy transitioning to remote learning. There have been many moments of frustration with my own children as we navigate this new world. But this frustration is largely with the situation as a whole. Working from home while trying to help your own children with their online curriculum is exhausting. I am fortunate that my kids are old enough to not need my help, for the most part. Their schools and teachers have been amazing and I am very grateful for that.
I applaud my fellow colleagues in education that are managing their own children, mental health, relationships, physical health, anxiety, stress and the craziness in the world right now. And, I just want to take the time to acknowledge that we are all in this together. It is more important now, more than ever, to lead with patience and kindness. Sacrifices are being made daily. Please remember that you are awesome and human. There will always be people out there that expect more, that send messages that are not helpful, that sit in their own bubble and forget the bigger picture. Ignore them and remember that you are making a difference. Every single day. Even remotely. Especially remotely. Especially now. Thank you.
I can’t wait until we are all back in the physical building. I miss my colleagues, I miss the parents, but most of all, I really miss the noise and energy of each and every student. Until then, a BIG thank you to all of us, working as a community, it really does take a village. Be well, be safe and stay home!
It's Always An Adventure 