Tips for Teaching During a Pandemic
If you’re a teacher at this very moment, the words I am about to spell out for you are nothing new. But, teaching during a pandemic is insane!
Prior to the winter break, my district had full intentions to return to face-to-face instruction as we have been this school year. However, with the alarmingly high increase in COVID cases right now in our area, it was rightfully decided we would do blended learning this week and reconvene later this week to plan for next week. While that is definitely the best decision for all parties involved, I was beyond upset when our superintendent informed us of that decision.
I am as Type A/Enneagram 3 as they come. If you know me on a professional level, you know I am always several weeks ahead when it comes to plans, my copies are completed way in advance, my lesson plans are super detailed, and my email inbox is always cleared out by the time the work day is finished. I thrive off of organization and predictability.
News flash for those who are like me: THIS IS NOT REALISTIC, especially during a global pandemic. I have tried my hardest to plan ahead and do things that I’m used to doing during a “normal” school year, but it’s just not possible. Before I sat down to write this post today during my lunch break (I told you I’m a total Enneagram 3!), I had tears in my eyes. I had to shut my door at work so nobody would see me bawling my eyes out. I was so overwhelmed with trying to do things I’m used to doing but knew deep down that wasn’t possible. Then, I became even more upset at the fact that I was upset for what would appear to be no reason to anyone who isn’t like me. (I know that sounds so crazy, trust me!)
It has taken me 5 months into the school year to actually realize this and begin to understand the unnecessary stress I’ve been putting on myself. With that, I rewrote this post to be centered around the top 3 things I have taken away from teaching this year. If you’re nothing like me, these tips may be things you practice and preach all day every day. If that’s you, I’m jealous and aspire to be more like you! But if you are like me and are still having a hard time dealing with what teaching this year looks like, please take a moment to reread these tips to yourself and know you are doing a great job.
Tip #1: Leave your work at work
This is something I finally began to practice last year after 4 years of teaching and was getting good at. Cue COVID and all things changed. At the beginning of this school year, I got in a bad habit of bringing my work home with me. I would tell myself “if I can just get this one thing finished at home before going into work tomorrow, I’ll be less stressed tomorrow.” WRONG. Bringing work home with me caused me to be an okay mom to Cohen and an okay wife to Collins, not to mention it causes loads of anxiety for me. If you are someone who can bring your work home with you and it not impact your home life, you do you boo. But, just know leaving work at work is okay and it’ll be there for you tomorrow.
Tip #2: Change is okay
Ooof. Typing that out makes me cringe a little. Change in any form, whether big or small, can be detrimental to anyone. One of the few good things coming from this pandemic is that I am learning this tip to be true. It’s okay for your pacing guide or lesson plan to get off track. It’s okay if you have to change what you’re doing in one class from your other classes because students were absent several days and need to get caught up. Change is okay. Let it happen.
Tip #3: Toxic positivity is a no-no
Have you ever just been on the verge of tears because you’re anxious, sad, mad or a combination of those things while at work, and then someone says something along the lines of “well, it could be worse” to you? Oh man. This irks me just thinking about it. This year is not the year for toxic positivity people. It is okay to not be okay, and everyone is entitled to their feelings and emotions. Upset about Little Johnny repeatedly not abiding by your classroom management rules? It’s okay to be mad. Anxious about having to teach more than 1 content this year? You’re allowed to feel that way. Don’t let anyone make you feel like your feelings don’t matter. THEY DO. It’s important for you to deal with your emotions as you see fit and then move on. Don’t be a Negative Nancy 24/7, but I am giving you full permission to cope with what you’re facing and then overcome it like the super teacher I know you are.
Tip #4: Love your students
This is the only thing we as teachers can truly control this year. It’s the reason why the majority of us teach. Build relationships. Build classroom community. Love your students. The old saying “they don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” speaks volumes. Love your kiddos.
Have any other teacher tips you’ve learned during teaching this year? I’d love to know!
Article Written by Co-Author: Morgan Wright