To The Teachers of the 2020/2021 School Year...

Dear Teachers, 

First of all, I would like to send all of you a big hearty round of applause. 

::waits:: 

::waits more:: 

You deserve every second of a standing ovation for navigating this school year full of twists, turns, changes, regulations, protocol, and a whole lot of... well... abnormal.

I think we have all tried our best to flow with the ever-evolving changes and constant climate of adapting to our new normal, but let's step back and recognize that this year was anything but normal!  In fact, as some normalcy returns, I think we are all realizing the gravity of what we have walked through since March 2020.

I'm just a parent.  I'm a parent to 2 middle schoolers and 3 elementary-aged children.  However, years ago I planned to be you.  I sat through college lectures on how to teach our youth.  I heard seminars on classroom management, learning to assess reading, learning how to engage students, how to teach multiplication, and creating lesson plans that made learning enticing while still checking the box of state regulations.  

One thing that was not in that University curriculum was how to navigate teaching both online and in-person simultaneously... or to teach completely online, only to return to the classroom full-time 3 weeks later.  I didn't learn how to teach unable to read the nonverbal cues of my students because their faces were half-covered.  I didn't learn how to operate zoom, keeping the attention of kindergarteners or middle schoolers with only my voice, where they had the control to log-off, walk away, or turn off their camera.  I didn't learn how to navigate 24 students all in various rooms of their homes, each wanting to show me their individual pets while trying to teach a math lesson. I didn't learn how to keep students physically distanced when one crux of childhood is a misunderstanding of personal space.  I didn't learn how to comfort a student and connect while at a distance.  I was taught a lot in those 4 years of college... and all the things I learned in my 4 years, you did too!  All of those modules sprinkled through an education degree were used to craft your classroom, your teaching style and lay as the foundation of your professional years.  However, in the course of a summer, you were expected to take your normal teaching MO and adapt it to whatever was asked of you from the federal government, state government, and your school district.  

Students logged onto your zooms and eventually walked into your classrooms expecting to see the same safe, smiling face as always.  But what you were expected to deliver was far from the same.  

I can picture you last August, overwhelmed by what was expected and marveling at the vast amount of uncertainty that lingered.  I can only imagine there was a pit in your stomach.  I can see you deciding to forge ahead, despite how daunting the year looked.  You tweaked and changed lessons. You figured out how the new protocol fit with your already-set teaching style.  You prepared, put on a brave face, and began the year.   

I can't speak for all parents, but I think the vast majority would stand with me and salute you with a giant heartfelt THANK YOU.  I stand in awe of what you accomplished this year.  You took a year that looked nothing like normal and made it the best possible.  You were able to provide a safe learning space for our children... and I don't mean "safe" in the sterile pandemic definition of the word.  I mean that my children, our children, FELT safe with you.  They felt comfortable, secure, and because of that their little minds turned on, they learned, and they flourished! 

Here's to a well-deserved summer... may it be one of release, calm, and some poolside relaxation.  Thank you for all you have done these last nine months.  We couldn't have done it without you.  

Signed, 

One Very Appreciative Pandemic Parent.