Thoughts of a Teacher Teaching Through COVID-19

Written By: Kelli Claiborne

Elementary School Teacher

For most educators, the beginning of a new school year can be exciting and nerve-wracking. This year increased those feelings tenfold for me. With all the changes in students, schedules, and now even where we are learning it made perfect sense to be extra nervous.

As I come to the end of my first virtual nine weeks I want to take the time to reflect.Before coming into this school year I knew it would be tough, I knew I would be putting in long hours, and I knew that I would have to depend on my team more than I ever have before. Though I anticipated the bad I was so happy to experience the good. I can’t remember a time when I had so much support and communication with my parents. Even before the school year began I felt like we were all on the same team. With the goal of helping our kids learn as much as they can during such an unprecedented time. It brought joy to my heart to see so many families gladly take responsibility for their education and want to do their very best.

I also wasn’t prepared for just how excited all of the children were to get back to school. Yes, this was not what they expected, but for elementary school-aged children, they have gone above and beyond my expectations. They come to class, they participate in class discussions, and they try so hard! Even when we have a tough class they still come back day after day with a smile on their faces ready to try again. If that’s not beautiful and inspirational I don’t know what is.

Finally, I’ve learned and put into practice, to take time for myself. As an educator, I work hard. I’m sure every person that works in the educational system can say the same. It is so easy to focus on how much we do, how hard we work, and how there seems to just not be enough hours in the day. Instead of focusing on those things, for my own sanity, I have found small moments in the day in which I can take care of myself. Those moments can be me eating my favorite snack, drinking some hot tea, laughing at a silly joke, or watching my favorite food network show. This time has definitely shown me that it’s okay to prioritize myself.

So as we educators prepare for a new adventure, aka the second nine weeks. Take some time to reflect over your past nine weeks. What were the good things? What were the trying things? What can you do to take better care of you? And remember we can do this!