Today, I want to shine a spotlight on a remarkable teacher. I have 66 more just like her, but she stands out in a crowd.
What you see is an educator engaging with students on a screen, but what you don’t see is the complexity of her setup: THREE computers, an extra keyboard, and a document camera—think of it as a high-tech overhead projector for those who haven’t been in a classroom for a while.
I watched a 45-minute lesson in her empty classroom, where she tirelessly reminds students to keep their cameras on and mute themselves to ensure everyone can hear. She gently encourages parents not to respond for their children and poses thought-provoking questions to connect with EACH. AND. EVERY. STUDENT.
Even when students mispronounce her name, she responds with a warm smile. You can genuinely FEEL her affection for them in her voice, and her patience shines through as she teaches similes, metaphors, and onomatopoeia. Her lesson is spot-on, and she delivers it with seamless grace, meeting my expectations—a tall order if you know me!
With at least 10 resource books within reach, she’s been at school for over an hour, yet her lunch and purse remain untouched on the counter nearby.
Every single child is engaged. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE.
She didn’t receive training for this. There’s no degree in “pandemic teaching,” no preparatory course, and certainly no time to get ready. She doesn’t clock “overtime,” and is reminded daily (mostly by me) that “other duties as assigned” have redefined her workdays. On the same days that she covers face-to-face classes due to a lack of substitutes, she still shows up for her virtual students all day long. How does she do it? I have NO idea, but she and her team make it happen.
After six weeks of this, students will soon choose between virtual or in-person learning again, and she’ll start her routines anew as if it’s the first day of school.
So if you ever doubt the dedication of teachers, remember this post. They are checking off all the boxes while showing up for themselves, their colleagues, and their students. They carry a tremendous burden that most people will never truly grasp.
If you know a teacher, make sure to uplift them… every single day… they need it. And to all my teachers out there—I couldn’t be prouder of each of you! You fill my heart with joy, and I SEE YOU!
For more on related topics, check out this post on stuffed mushrooms, or visit Make A Mom for authoritative resources on home insemination. Also, March of Dimes offers excellent guidance on pregnancy and fertility treatments.
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