Teachers’ Voices

Reflections on the Return to School

- By a local independent school teacher and Mount Daniel parent

“This is the best day of my life!” exclaimed a Lower School student on his first day back on campus in seven months.

This fall, I helped lead the smooth transition of nearly 300, PreK to grade 4 students to in-person learning at an independent school in Maryland. Prior to October, my colleagues and I had already tackled what seemed impossible—pivoting to distance learning with a few days’ notice in March; sustaining a rigorous teaching schedule for months; trying to meet the needs of the children in our own homes. When the new school year arrived and the path to reopening was uncertain, we built strong class communities with our new students. We assessed the academic and social needs of children who presented differently after their lengthy absence from typical instruction. We adapted our curriculum to the virtual setting, again. Online instruction is not what teachers signed up to do, and no one believes virtual instruction is better for learners of any age. It is for this reason that our school fully committed to bringing our students back to campus as soon as it was possible. In the process, I learned that…  

• Teachers who returned to the classroom immediately witnessed the joyful engagement of all learners. Understandable worry about safety and the stressful effort required to rethink learning in the midst of a pandemic, gave way to a deep recognition of the irreplicable value of in-person learning. Teachers are known for their creativity and ability to respond to whatever presents itself in the typically running of the day. During COVID, we have generated songs about masking; employed references to zombie arms as a reminder to keep 6-feet apart; and also managed to teach units about phonics, mathematical equations, and community helpers. We have found ways to rethink pedagogy to meet children’s needs from a safe distance. In person learning in the midst of a pandemic is hard, but no one becomes a teacher because they think the job will be easy.

 I have also learned: 

• Even the youngest children can adapt to new ways of navigating their schools; faithfully wearing masks, washing hands, and keeping a distance. The payoff of being together with a community of learners makes these inconveniences beyond worthwhile.

• No tech tool that can replicate the meaningful dialogue, opportunities for socialization, and ability for to differentiate instruction in the classroom. The greatest growth as academic and social beings happens when we are together in the same room.

• Strong, innovative leadership is required to bring children back to in-person learning. This includes the School Board, administrative team, PTA, Facilities, and Health Department. An "all hands-on deck" approach is essential to train teachers, adapt the physical plant, and provide on-going, supportive, two-way communication between families and the school. The partnership needs to look different and feel stronger than ever before. As we move closer towards our shared goal of bringing children back to school fully, I am hopeful that the plan and messaging will become clearer, more consistent and inclusive.

All of our children deserve to enjoy “the best day of their lives”—previously known as a normal school day.