As a mother of four, I currently have children enrolled in both public and private schools. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic forced our local school district to close, I’ve found myself stepping into the role of a homeschooling parent. This isn’t my first experience with homeschooling; I’ve previously taught two of my children at home. Given my background as a college instructor, you might think that jumping back into this role would be a breeze for me, but it has proven to be anything but easy.
The sudden shift to homeschooling all four of my kids has been overwhelming. Two of them have individual education plans due to learning challenges, and I’ve transitioned from being “just mom” to becoming both “mom and teacher.” I can honestly say that this experience has deepened my appreciation for my children’s teachers.
Teachers are truly remarkable individuals. They are like nurturing wizards, able to create something meaningful from seemingly nothing within moments. They have our kids in their care for hours each day, five days a week, for the majority of the year.
It’s no secret that teachers are overworked and underappreciated. If you know any educators, you’ve likely heard that the idea of summers, weekends, and evenings off is a total myth. My friends who teach are often found working late into the night, during the summer, and across weekends. Even holiday breaks provide them with a chance to catch up on classroom organization, grading, and emails instead of relaxing on a beach with a cocktail—though they absolutely deserve that luxury.
This global pandemic has highlighted the immense challenges teachers face. Teaching our kids is no small feat, even for those who are typically easygoing and don’t have special needs. Suddenly, I’m up late searching for videos on how to teach long division in “twenty easy steps.” And guess what? The math rules have drastically changed since we were children—our old methods are no longer acceptable.
Have you heard of D’Nealian? It’s a handwriting technique that prepares kids to write in cursive, designed to ensure they hold their pencils correctly. Does your child grip their pencil the right way? (Cue frantic research!) And what about the acronyms like STEM and STEAM? How can we ensure our kids are getting enough exposure to each? My mind is spinning.
Then there are the social skills. Just the other night, my tween expressed frustration at her little brother and told him to “get out of her bubble.” He understood her request and stepped back, recognizing the concept of personal space—a term they learned from their teachers. I certainly didn’t know that!
Managing the sheer volume of websites and passwords for each child is daunting. How do teachers keep all this organized? I can barely track the academic goals for four kids! How do teachers maintain order in classrooms filled with twenty-plus students? It’s almost as if they undergo some secret training at a magical school for educators, equipped with skills that help them manage everything flawlessly.
Not only do teachers ensure their students thrive, but they also juggle their own family responsibilities—caring for aging parents, young children, and partners. Many educators work second jobs to supplement their income, balancing countless responsibilities without dropping a single ball. How do they do it?
Being a mom and teacher is quite a strange role for me, even as a former educator. When I ask my child to finish their work, am I acting as mom or teacher? It’s a tricky balance. I often marvel at how teachers can handle it all without becoming overwhelmed by mid-morning.
Even during these challenging times, teachers are actively checking in on their students. They’re conducting online meetings, answering emails, and making personal calls. Some have even shared their personal phone numbers. Despite the chaos, they continue to be our kids’ guiding lights. We’re all stepping into their shoes temporarily, and it’s clear that we cannot compare to their level of dedication.
Teachers are shaping the future—yes, it sounds cliché, but it’s undeniably true. They have the critical role of helping us raise responsible, contributing members of society. They deserve our utmost support, recognition, and compensation. This pandemic has made us all acutely aware of their invaluable contribution to our children’s lives.
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Summary
Homeschooling during the pandemic has given many parents a new appreciation for teachers. The challenges of balancing teaching and parenting have been eye-opening, revealing the dedication and hard work educators put forth daily. It’s clear that teachers play a vital role in shaping the future, and their efforts should be recognized and celebrated.
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