Meet Ms. Taylor—one of 67 remarkable teachers shaping futures in our virtual classrooms.
What you see is an educator engaged with her students through a screen. What I see (and what may be hidden from you) is Ms. Taylor managing THREE computers, an extra keyboard, and a document camera (think of it as a modern overhead projector for those who haven’t been in a classroom for a while).
Today, I’m observing a 45-minute lesson in her quiet classroom. She consistently reminds her students to keep their cameras on and to stay muted so everyone can hear. She gently advises parents not to answer for their children and poses thought-provoking questions, connecting with EVERY. SINGLE. KID.
Even when students mispronounce her name, she responds with a smile and genuine joy. You can feel her affection for them through her voice and witness her unwavering patience as she delves into similes, metaphors, and onomatopoeia. Her teaching content is spot-on, and she delivers it flawlessly, meeting my expectations—no easy feat if you know me.
Surrounded by at least ten resource books, she’s spent over an hour at school, yet her purse and lunch remain untouched on a nearby counter.
Every single child is engaged. Every. One.
She didn’t receive training for this. There’s no degree or course in “pandemic teaching.” There’s no prep time or training sessions beforehand. She’s not compensated with “overtime” and hears daily (mostly from me) that “other duties as assigned” now define her role. On the same days she steps in to teach face-to-face classes due to a lack of substitutes, she continues to support her virtual students throughout the day. How does she do it? I have NO idea, but she and her team make it happen.
After six weeks of this new normal, students will soon choose between virtual or in-person learning again, and she’ll have to reset her routines as if the school year is starting anew.
So, if you ever doubt the dedication of teachers, remember this message. They’re not just ticking boxes; they’re showing up for themselves, their colleagues, and their students every day. They carry an immense burden that many will never fully grasp.
If you know a teacher, make sure to uplift them—every single day—they truly need it. If you’re one of my teachers, I couldn’t be prouder of you all! You make my heart sing, and I SEE YOU.
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