01 Sep Teaching in the Time of Corona

Full transparency: I am a retired teacher. I am not in the classroom anymore, but I do have empathy for those who are.  After seeing a news clip of a parent ripping a mask off a teacher and physically assaulting her, I was compelled to write this.

I was going to write about Kid Lit, like always, but my blood was boiling too much. Of course, as children’s authors, many of our books, including my own, are about the importance of kindness and doing the right thing. This is not a debate about the merits of masks. It’s about decency.

I always loved the beginning of a new school year. As a teacher, it was filled with excitement and hope. A blank page. That was my New Year, and no matter how long I taught (a long time), every beginning brought excitement. I geeked out on new supplies, new ideas to spark kids’ interest, and of course, a new crew of kids with whom I would bond.

Teaching is great, but it’s hard in the best of times. Good teachers teach children, not a curriculum. They deal with different issues every day because kids are unique and have different needs. They sometimes have to juggle what they think is the right thing instead of what the school board may think is right. And there is virtually no downtime during the day. Good teachers are always “on.”  Then there are the nights and weekends filled with schoolwork. These are not complaints. They are just facts.

But teachers DO need support. Especially now. 

The last few years have brought teaching to a whole new level of difficulty. I honestly don’t know if I could do it. I taught for many years, and it wasn’t always easy, but…

I didn’t have to constantly ask kids to stop playing with their masks.

Or not sticking to six feet distance in the hallway.

I didn’t worry about catching a hugely contagious virus myself and bringing it home to my family. We’re not talking about the flu here.

I didn’t have to teach both online and in person. Often at the same time!

I didn’t worry that every time a child coughed, we’d possibly have to shut down for a few weeks.

I could get down close to my kids and whisper things in their ears.

I could give high fives and even hugs. I was able to encourage group learning because there were no physical barriers.

Teaching now, with all these barriers, means teachers are working harder than ever. Teaching in the time of Corona is beyond difficult. And yet, teachers and staff still show up every day.

So let’s at least lend them support. When I see people taking out their frustrations on the very people who are there for their children, I can’t help but get angry.  I know those people are not reading this blog, but I still need to say this. Whether or not you believe what your school district is doing is right or wrong, please don’t take it out on the teachers. They are there for your kids, and like us all, they are trying their best.

Rant over.

But I’d love it if everyone reading this would reach out to a teacher, librarian, counselor, maintenance person, or anyone who works in a school and thank them for showing up and doing their job.

Until next time when Charlotte Offsay will be here discussing her adorable new book, HOW TO RETURN A MONSTER, created along with illustrator Rea Zhai, stay safe!

Ellen

If interested, I’d love you to check out my website, http://www.EllenLeventhal.com to learn a bit more about me, my books, and my school visits. (Both virtual and one day in person again)