Lessons I learned from teaching during the pandemic: Miami-Dade’s teacher of the year
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Lessons I learned from teaching during the pandemic: Miami-Dade’s teacher of the year
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When I was invited by the Herald to write this column, I immediately thought of a phrase from Qui-Gon Jinn, the “Star Wars” Jedi Master who trained Obi-Wan Kenobi. Jinn would say, “Be mindful of the future. But not at the expense of the moment.”
Without a doubt, this past school year truly proved teachers were mindful of the future but not at the expense of the moment. As teachers, we pivoted at a moment’s notice but were always aware of how it could affect the learning future of our students. We also learned that the most essential tool for all of us — teachers, parents, and students — is the power of RESILIENCE.
I say resilience because this past year added value to our teaching practice. Educators gained confidence in presenting materials to students in innovative ways. In turn, we established successful methods to get children to respond to our teaching in unique ways.
I think of that quiet child who in a face-to-face classroom may not raise their hand but who then began to respond and ask questions in a virtual setting. That is powerful.
I have thought long and hard about how we can use what we learned this year to propel us to new heights in the upcoming school year. One fact is clear: We need to keep the communication flowing!
Having face-to-virtual-face parent conferences has enabled us to reach parents that we may not have otherwise been able to get into the classroom. We helped parents maneuver through online resources to help their children; we can use the technology to translate a parent virtual conference and have flexibility in scheduling meetings.
However, another fact is clear: Staggering statistics show an increase in feelings of sadness and hopelessness among our children. This has resulted in an increase in suicidal thoughts, attempts and plans. Luckily, our school district has provided us with specific tools, such as Mindfulness Teacher Training, that help us help our children and increase their resilience.
We need to be “mindful” of what we have all been through this past year. The toll it has taken on the mental health in our community cannot and should not be ignored. As teachers, we can facilitate this process through positive dialogue.
Rather than engaging in discussions about what students missed out on, we are tasked with bringing attention to what they have gained.
Being “mindful of the future but not at the expense of the moment” also means acknowledging that as we enter the 2021-2022 school year, we understand that not all of our children will hit the ground running. We need to meet students where they are. If ever there was more of a need to individualize, this year may be it.
Finally, let’s think about how we can keep a balanced amount of technology in our classrooms. This past year taught me how to maximize technology in such a way that it does not make me feel as though it is “minimizing” my value as a teacher.
In other words, “be mindful of the future. But not at the expense of the moment.”