As we step into 2021, it’s hard not to reflect on the whirlwind that was 2020. Many anticipated that year with excitement, declaring, “2020 is going to be the best year ever!” Yet, none of us could have foreseen the upheaval that awaited us. It felt like a prolonged period of déjà vu, where each day blended into the next.
For my family, the past year presented numerous hurdles. My partner and I decided to enroll our twins in virtual kindergarten. However, after just a few days, my daughter became overwhelmed. She stormed off in frustration during her handwriting lesson, cried through her math Zoom sessions, and submitted crumpled papers after feeling her work didn’t meet her expectations. I too struggled with this new online learning paradigm, often finding solace in ice cream during lunch to cope with the stress.
Amidst this chaos, we were fortunate to have an exceptional teacher. She approached each morning meeting with a class of twenty energetic kindergarteners with remarkable poise and humor. Handling interruptions, endless questions, and technical glitches, she demonstrated grace and determination that left me in awe. Her days were filled with teaching math and reading, leading live lessons, and reviewing assignments, all while forming genuine connections with her students.
As the novelty of virtual learning faded, this inspiring teacher’s dedication grew. She recognized my daughter’s need for extra help in identifying letters and sounds. Adapting her teaching methods after a few weeks of struggle, she devoted four days a week to personalized sessions that included letter scavenger hunts and practicing sounds. In just two months, my daughter made remarkable progress toward her goals.
While managing three young children under quarantine, this extraordinary teacher’s passion for education was infectious. She successfully taught my son to read via a computer screen, equipped him with strategies for math, and shared fascinating facts about plants, animals, and the universe. His excitement was palpable as he rushed outside nightly to observe the moon for his first science project.
Navigating the world of special accommodations was daunting, but this compassionate teacher supported me throughout. She understood my son’s need to eat and drink in small amounts due to his allergies, assuring me that it wouldn’t disrupt his learning or the class. When my son fell asleep during an afternoon session due to fatigue from his flare-ups, she empathized, regularly affirming my concerns.
As the twins wrapped up their final week of Zoom classes before winter break, the warmth and charm of their teacher radiated into our home. Her closing remarks encouraged reading over the break and expressed her excitement about the coming New Year. The silence that followed was palpable, and my son turned to me, saying, “I’m really going to miss her, Mommy. Can I have just one more day with her?” My daughter echoed his sentiment, expressing her sadness at the end of the class.
I am immensely grateful for this dedicated teacher who has positively impacted my children’s lives. She instilled hope, confidence, and joy during a tumultuous time, providing comfort and companionship when isolation loomed large. Most importantly, she inspired them to learn and grow in an incredibly challenging year. A heartfelt thanks to all the educators who pressed on and motivated their students and families every day.
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Summary:
This article celebrates the dedication and resilience of teachers who adapted to virtual learning amidst the challenges of 2020. It highlights one teacher’s extraordinary impact on her students, providing support, encouragement, and inspiration during a difficult time, while also recognizing the challenges faced by families managing remote education.
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