Back to School: Tenacious Teachers in the COVID-19 Era
Back to school is a time of excitement, nervousness, anxiousness, and new beginnings for students and teachers alike. Let’s face it, back to school is busy and challenging enough. Throw a pandemic and completely novel landscape for learning and you have, well, 2020.
Teaching has become a fairly popular major choice for college students. According to a 2019 Niche article, Education is the 6th most popular college major across colleges in America, with about 102,219 degrees awarded. We talked to 8 outstanding teachers ranging in position, experience, school type, and grade level about why they chose teaching as their profession. We’re highlighting their tenacity teaching through what is definitely, not what they imagined. Read about their experiences below!
Jillian Darrah, 7th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
What made you want to become an educator/be in academia?
I chose to be an educator because I want to help foster a school environment where students feel engaged in learning, empowered to have a voice, and equipped for their futures. I know that middle school is a fundamental time in students’ lives where having teachers who love and support them can make all the difference.
How has COVID changed your classroom/job setting?
Since March, I have been teaching 100% virtually, and it feels like my job has completely transformed. I am learning a whole new way of engaging middle school students remotely and how to create a virtual classroom that feels genuine and safe. My colleagues and I have been working together each and every day with a ONE TEAM mindset, so that we can best support our students in this new setting.
What have you been taught teaching through a pandemic?
Teaching through a pandemic has taught me to appreciate the value of human interaction and the connections that teachers and students make when they are inside the school building. I miss the time that I used to have to talk to my students in the morning when they were unpacking at their lockers. I miss our conversations about the weekend and talking about the Eagles on a Monday morning. These are the moments that help to build a trusting relationship. Although I know that connections can be built in a virtual setting given time, joining into a Zoom session with “cameras on and mics muted,” just doesn’t have that same effect.
Advice to future educators?
Be patient. Sometimes we all just need some extra time, and that is ok. Be flexible. Every now and then, the lesson plan that you spent hours preparing will take on a life of its own. Let it.
Be YOU because YOU are enough!
Recommended Read?
Recommended Read: “Clap When You Land” by Elizabeth Acevedo
Michael DeLuca, Preschool Special Education Teacher
What made you want to become an educator/be in academia?
I have always known I wanted to be a teacher since I was a student in Elementary School. I grew up in Washington Township, NJ and the teachers at the schools I attended were amazing role models. I love working with children and making such a positive impact in their lives. If I can make an impact on at least one child, I have done my job as an educator.
How has COVID changed your classroom/job setting?
COVID has been a rollercoaster since the pandemic started in March. From March to June when teaching virtually, I felt such a disconnection from my students. This current school year, I am teaching virtually 5 days a week from my classroom.
I prefer teaching in my classroom than at home since I have all my materials, resources, and technological devices all in one space. I have the opportunity to see my students at multiple times throughout the day and work in small groups and work on their IEP Goals. It is most definitely a different way of teaching my students but with the great resources we have online, we try and make do everyday. I truly miss seeing my students in person each and every day. Teaching virtually is a totally different ball game than the students being in the classroom.
What have you been taught teaching through a pandemic?
I have taught throughout this pandemic that you just have to take it one day at a time. You cannot think about next week’s tasks because tomorrow might be a whole different challenge to face that might impact the following weeks. I have also learned there is no such thing as a stupid question. In this pandemic and especially in the education world, we are learning from our mistakes and it is okay to ask your fellow colleagues about something you do not know. Sometimes people think asking a question sounds like you are ignorant and not as educated as others, but it is not. It shows that you want to do better not just for yourself, but for your fellow students and classroom.
Advice to future educators?
As cliché as it sounds, advice to you future educators is just to be yourself. In education, we feel we need to compete with other teachers because their classroom set up is nicer, they have better materials, and that they have a better connection with their colleagues and student families. Whatever works for you in your classroom and for your style of teaching, just go with it. You earned your classroom fair and square and you do whatever you feel is the best for your students.
Recommended Read?
I highly recommend the book: “The Ultimate Happiness Prescriptions: 7 Keys to Joy and Enlightenment” by Deepak Chopra.
Julia McHale,
Pre-K Teacher
What made you want to become an educator/be in academia?
I believe I was born to teach. I’ve always been a role model and leader to my young siblings and cousins. I used to “play school” with my younger brothers and teach them things that I had learned in school earlier that day! I love to inspire but also be inspired by others and I believe that is a huge part of my career. I learn something new from my students and co-workers everyday. The opportunity I’m granted with is being able to make a profound impact on young children and I would never give that up. Each day is different and exciting, and watching my students grow and expand their knowledge is unbelievably rewarding!
How has COVID changed your classroom/job setting?
There are definite pros and cons to our current situation but It’s so important to stay positive and support my students in anyway I can. It’s new and different for everyone. This shift has required me to use innovation and creative thinking in everything I assign. I’ve had amazing support from the parents/guardians of my students that have kept this learning experience smooth and successful.
Our school district gave each of the teachers plexiglass dividers for each student table, extra face masks for teachers and students, and an abundance of daily cleaning supplies. Although there are certain facilities that are currently unavailable, and employee interaction may be low at this time, we continue to rely on one another and work together so that all of our students are able to succeed.
I am continuing to highlight the importance of the teacher-student relationship and making them feel the most comfortable and safe they can be in the classroom.
What have you been taught teaching through a pandemic?
During this time I’ve learned to not take any moment for granted, because with the craziness and unpredicted issues that arise, you never know what will happen. I’ve learned to take this experience day by day, and to focus on the current moment. I’ve learned to present the perfect combination of patience and enthusiasm.
We are collaborating and working together more than ever in this remote world.
We are lucky to have the technology advancements that have been created thus far. They allow for communication, collaboration, creative learning and sharing.
Advice to future educators?
It’s okay to mess up, make mistakes and not be that “perfect teacher.” We learn from the messy experiences.
Sustain surprise... surprise is most helpful when we try something new and it works! Or when a student realizes he/she can accomplish something they didn’t think was possible.
You’re a larger than life figure to most students-Enjoy every minute of it!
Recommended Read?
Educated by Tara Westover!
Madison Agostini, Elementary Teacher
What made you want to become an educator/be in academia?
I was always so inspired by my teachers. It didn’t click that I wanted to become a teacher until I realized that students change teachers lives just as much as teachers change students’ lives. There is not another career in the world like it!
How has COVID changed your classroom/job setting?
It's definitely much quieter and lonelier. I am meeting with students virtually for a few weeks until hybrid starts. I am a first year teacher so I don’t have much to go off of, I am fortunate that my student teaching prepared me for in person teaching and virtual teaching!
What have you been taught teaching through a pandemic?
I have been taught that patience and flexibility are more important than ever in education. I also learned that it is so important to check on your students and to ensure that they are socially and emotionally taken care of during this. To me, that is more important than anything.
Advice to future educators?
My advice for future educators is that no matter what life and teaching throws at you, strive to be flexible and always stay patient. Most of all, remind yourself that you are enough!
Recommended Read?
Educated by Tara Westover. It’s a memoir and it is so inspiring.
Alyssa Lucca, Preschool Teacher
What made you want to become an educator/be in academia?
I have always wanted to be an educator because I love seeing how much education can change a child’s life. My favorite thing while teaching is watching a student light up when they finally figure out a problem.
How has COVID changed your classroom/job setting?
COVID has significantly changed the setting of my classroom. We used to have it set up so our students could switch classes throughout the day with different teachers. Now, we all have our own group of ten kids a day and they only really see one teacher all day.
What have you been taught teaching through a pandemic?
“I’ve been taught how while it is difficult for me as an educator, it is also very hard on the students as well. They also had their whole world changed so we all need to be sensitive and patient to that fact.”
Advice to future educators?
Advice I have for future educators would be to make it fun for the students! Learning, even in a pandemic, still needs to be exciting and interesting for them.
Ally Deas, Preschool Teacher
What made you want to become an educator/be in academia?
I could write an entire book about why I got into teaching, but I can say that it has always had a special place in my heart. Growing up, I always loved school and learning and I was in awe of how incredible my teachers throughout the years were. I admired how dedicated they all were to their work and how much fun I had during the day. I knew that I wanted to teach younger kids, early-childhood specifically once I got a little older. Since I was fifteen years old, every professional job I have ever had involved children in one way or another. During my college years while studying early-childhood education, I worked part-time at a daycare in my hometown and fell in love with being around preschool-aged children.
I enjoyed every moment I got to spend with them because there was truly never a dull moment and young children have such incredible minds with their endless curiosities about life. My senior year of college I completed my year-long student teaching experience, and I was so blessed to be selected for a preschool practicum. I had the absolute time of my life getting to be with those children every single day and being a huge part of their classroom and daily lives. I had an incredible cooperating teacher whom I worked alongside learning her techniques, classroom management tips, how to lesson plan accordingly, new projects and science experiments and so much more. Every day felt like an adventure whether we were making our own slime, a model volcano, a pretend car wash, or making soup in a crock pot. It is the sheer joy that I get from all these moments just seeing how excited the children get when they learn or discover something new that instilled my passion for teaching.
How has COVID changed your classroom/job setting?
After college graduation, I knew that I wanted to continue my journey working in preschool so I immediately got to work applying for any open positions I saw. Around mid-August I finally received an offer for a preschool position and I have been teaching at this school ever since. Given the very unique circumstances this year due to COVID-19, I know many teachers have been forced to teach at home from behind a computer. I however am still teaching in-person to a group of nine preschoolers. Given the circumstances of COVID, we are only allowed a maximum of ten children per classroom. It has been really interesting so far teaching such a small number of children, and although we have to put a huge emphasis on hand-washing, sanitizing and of course, social distancing, I am really enjoying this unique time to spend more one-on-one time with each child. I am learning more about an individual child than I would have prior working in classrooms with up to twenty children at once. It allows for more meaningful discussions in a shorter amount of time. Teaching in early-childhood, I have learned that COVID year or not, you have to adapt quickly and be ready for any sudden changes to come your way, so I am taking each day as it comes in order to prepare for anything. I am also staying on top of my parent and family engagement/communication since families are no longer allowed inside our building due to COVID. I am sending as many photos and daily updates as possible for each child through our family communication apps.
What have you been taught teaching through a pandemic?
I never expected upon my college graduation to be faced with teaching during a pandemic, so I had a lot to adapt to. I am very thankful to be teaching in person with my ten children, however, there was still a lot of information I had to learn in order to keep everyone safe. We have to clean twice as much as we used to, and trust me, with preschoolers there is never too much to sanitize. I also had to learn how to really have an understanding mindset when it came to working with such young children during such a confusing and scary time in our world. There are some days they just feel sad, or frustrated, wondering why I can’t take my mask off, or why we have to constantly wash our hands. They may have questions or concerns about why their older siblings are doing school from home now, or why their parents are working from home too. It’s my job as their teacher, and for some, their very first teacher, to ensure that they are being cared for, that their questions are answered, and that they feel safe while in my care
Advice to future educators?
Given that this is my first official year of teaching, I still have so much information to learn. However, the best advice I can give to those still in school to become a teacher, or hoping to go to school to become one is to always have an open mind. Teaching is a profession that never comes with the same day twice. You can have your entire week planned out to a “T” and suddenly realize you have to make a change day of based on children being out, an activity not going according to plan, and so many other roadblocks that could be in your way. But it’s ok, because as long as you are doing your job to ensure your children are happy, and learning something meaningful, you have done a fantastic job already. Especially if you want to teach young children, my biggest advice is to keep that open mind, be creative, be silly, laugh A LOT, give lots of love, and have loads of patience. It sounds like an exhausting career, and I won’t lie, sometimes it can be. But we become teachers because we thrive on the chaos and the time spent with the best question askers, pretend players, and people in the world – kids.
Recommended Read?
If you are interested in early-childhood education, I highly recommended getting a copy of Assessing and Guiding Young Children’s Development and Learning sixth edition, by Oralie McAfee, Deborah J. Leong, and Elena Bodrova.
Kelly McSteen, 4th Grade Science and Social Studies Teacher
What made you want to become an educator/be in academia?
I cannot say that it was my plan to become a teacher originally. I graduated from Penn State University last May with a degree in Supply Chain & Information Systems. As I was contemplating what to do with my time after graduation, I came to the conclusion that whatever path I chose, I wanted to have a significant impact on those I was working with and those that my organization served. Teach for America approached me in the fall of my senior year and informed me that a lot of my skills and goals aligned with that of a Teach for America corps member. The more I got to thinking about it, the more I realized that teaching could be the opportunity that I had been searching for. Although I did not have a formal background in education, I had experiences in multiple positions through which I was responsible for creating curriculum, planning events and activities, and mentoring students and volunteers. So, I decided to apply to Teach for America, and I was accepted and placed in TFA’s Eastern North Carolina region, which is where I am now teaching!
How has COVID changed your classroom/job setting?
As you probably know, COVID has completely altered what education looks like. My school requires us to be on campus for the majority of our school day, however we are teaching our scholars remotely using Zoom, Google Classroom, and many other platforms. We teach students for about 2-3 hours a day, which is less than half of the time that they would normally spend in school. Planning for a daily lesson has shifted from creating deliverables and physical materials to creating Google Slides, Kahoot! Games, and facilitating group activities through the use of Zoom breakout rooms. Teaching during COVID-19 has also created barriers for families that did not exist before, such as not being able to access education if you do not own a device or have access to reliable internet.
What have you been taught teaching through a pandemic?
What I have been taught through the pandemic is patience, grace, and resilience. I would be lying if I said that all of my lessons have gone exactly according to plan and that there have been no hiccups due to unstable internet connection or poor translation of an activity into a digital space. It takes patience to deal with all of the issues that accompany virtual learning, and sometimes you have to sit back and say “alright, this didn’t work, and that’s okay!” I have learned to give grace to others, and give grace to myself. We cannot control when the internet stops working or when an 8 year old scholar is not a technology wizard and they have hundreds of questions regarding Google Classroom or a virtual assignment. Most importantly, I have grown to be more resilient throughout this process. You wake-up, hop back on Zoom in the morning, and try again each day! Virtual learning is not a walk in the park, but we must keep working at it and improving each day for our students.
Advice to future educators?
My advice to a future educator would be to remember your” why”. I know that sounds cliche, but it is so necessary, especially during these times. Teaching is definitely not an easy profession, and I have gained so much respect for all of my former teachers and professors since joining TFA. Sometimes when you come home from a day of teaching, you are simply exhausted or you are frustrated because something did not go right that day. However, as soon as I get on Zoom and see my students each day, I remember that I am here for them and I am the one that has the position and tools to set them up for future success, and that is my “why”.
Recommended Read?
The Hunger Games or Harry Potter Series.
Danielle Pricskett, 4th Grade ELA and Math Teacher
What made you want to become an educator/be in academia?
I honestly really struggled in school growing up. I had a lot of trouble focusing and it took me a long time to figure out strategies and approaches that worked for me. I wanted to become a teacher so that I could help others find a love for learning and help them in that process. Plus, there is nothing better than working with kids! You always have a plethora of fun stories!
How has COVID changed your classroom/job setting?
This year my class has been broken into 2 groups, an AM and PM group. I teach half of my class ELA and Math in person in the morning and the other half of my students ELA and Math in the afternoon. When at home for the other half of the day, students are receiving Science, Social Studies, and their specials online. Each morning I have to take the student’s temperatures before entering the classroom. The students’ desks are 6 feet apart and many items have been removed from my classroom to help with the cleaning process. I've had to make many changes to how I instruct my students. Most of my day in years past consisted of group work. We are now not able to complete group work traditionally due to social distancing. Additionally I would often pull a couple of students who were struggling with a given concept to the back to guide them in a small group. I am not able to do that now and must deliver most of my instruction in the front of my classroom behind a clear divider. All in all, even though this year certainly does look different and has presented many challenges, I have truly missed not being in the classroom.
What have you been taught teaching through a pandemic?
Teachers always need to be able to quickly adapt and change their lessons, but last year was definitely the biggest wrench thrown into the mix. I feel like truly knowing your students and their home life is so beneficial! One of the biggest things I learned at the end of last year was to be sure parents are aware of how to access digital platforms. Even though we worked on things like Google Classroom daily, when we had to suddenly switch to digital learning many students were having trouble logging in from home on a different device. Also, many students live with grandparents that really struggled in helping with work digitally. Teaching virtually last year was very challenging. What I found was even though there are tons of amazing resources out there, sometimes simple is better. I had a simple format I followed weekly for my students. Once I developed this system it took stress off of me and my students had a much easier time navigating through their assignments from home.
Advice to future educators?
YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Reach out to colleagues and share lesson plans! Join groups of educators online and seek out advice from others. Every year of teaching is constantly different and presents new challenges. However, the most important thing is to take it one year at a time. Do not compare yourself to others and feel you are not doing enough. Start out simple and you can make super, over-the-top lessons as you have some years under your belt. Set realistic expectations, and try not to devote every spare minute to creating lesson plans. To be a great teacher, your number one priority has to be your own mental health!
Recommended Read?
The Reading Strategies Book by Jennifer Serravallo!
