Thoughts of a Quarantined Teacher

Becoming an online teacher has been pretty easy for the most part. Don't get me wrong; teachers all across the nation have had to put numerous hours into rewriting lessons. They've spent time contacting students and families to make sure they were doing okay and had enough food. They've given feedback on assignments, answered countless emails, hosted virtual classes, printed out material to be mailed home, attended virtual faculty meetings, and learned how to use technology in ways they've never had to before. But if we're being honest, those are the easy things. Every teacher I know is a master at adapting. They can create lessons quickly, and modify content in the blink of an eye. That's just what teachers do.

The problem is, teaching isn't meant to be easy. It's been almost three weeks since I've seen my kids. Almost three weeks since I've gotten to interact with some of my most challenging students. Almost three weeks since I've gotten to be a real teacher.

When I think of the best teachers, I think of encouragers. I think of all of the twisted ways that certain students show love, and how great teachers are willing to love them all the same. I think of teachers that show students they are important and valuable, even when they may not have realized that before. I think of teachers who go out of their way to comfort and advocate for students who are struggling. But it's hard to comfort and advocate for students that you no longer get to see.

A student's home environment undoubtedly plays a factor in how well they are able to live and learn.

Today I came across this article on tech access in homes and it is sobering. I've included the main graphic below.

These statistics aren't fun, especially in a time where we've been forced to teach/learn online for an indefinite amount of time. As a teacher, I'm tasked with teaching all students. Not just the wealthy. It's hard to admit that minorities and those in poverty are the ones that won't be able to access my online content. They won't be able to see my helpful videos, email me questions, or catch up with me and others on GoogleHangouts. Yes, I will do my best to find work that will keep them on track with the rest of the class. Yes, I will mail them numerous readings, practice problems, and notes of encouragement. But honestly, it won't be enough.

In a world where coronavirus is the main talking point, many students are silently falling further behind. The worst part is that this isn't new. It's not caused by Coronavirus, and it won't go away when we have a vaccine. Educational inequality has existed throughout the history of the US. After all, schools are funded by property taxes. We used to divide races into different schools as long as they were "separate but equal." Now we divide them by income level and don't even pretend they're equal. Have we really come so far to move so little?

Occasionally when scrolling on social media, you'll come across something that is actually helpful. Today I came across this quote from Mr. Rogers that I hadn't heard in quite a while.

“My mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world.”- Fred Rogers

Sometimes I'm so saddened by the world that I forget that I've been given plenty of chances to make it better. I'm encouraged by those I know who are advocates for the voiceless and those who take time to tutor and mentor students who may not have gotten the help otherwise. All around me I see teachers who care. Teachers who are doing their best to help students in any way possible. In a time when it would be so easy to disengage from work and become consumed by technology and distractions, I'm thankful to work alongside so many people that continue to pour their hearts out for others. It is this passion that drew me into teaching, and this passion that helps me keep hope in a time where hope isn't as easily seen. Thank you teachers for all you've done, and all you will continue to do.