Opinions and Ideas From Teachers

7/20/2020

By Brian Coll

I simply asked a few teachers the same questions and at the end, asked them for some thoughts without any spurring on from me if you will. I didn’t want to influence them, and I don’t want to influence you in anyway. Each family, in every community across our country has to ask themselves some questions, and do what they feel is best. I was going to list each question, and then list the answers, however, I enjoyed reading each teacher one by one, and I got more of a feel where their mind was at, sometimes teachers of different levels felt one way, where a teacher in another level felt different. I am going to list the questions and the answers one teacher at a time. Thank you for answering my questions to the teachers who participated.

Teacher 1

*Tell me how long you’ve been teaching? what grades?

I have been in Special Education for 24 years total- my first 7 years I was a teacher’s assistant. I went back to school to get my teacher of the handicapped certification and  I’ve been the head teacher of a preschool disabled/autism classroom for 17 years now.

1. How comfortable are you going back to school as a teacher?

I am extremely nervous about this. We are preparing as best we can for a possible hybrid situation, but that still puts myself, my coworkers, and my kids at risk, not to mention what I could possibly bring home to my family. My students are extremely hands on and most have behavioral concerns (i.e spitting, biting, aggression,,tantrumming, hitting etc) as well as potty training and eating assistance….- I cannot figure out how I’m going to keep myself safe during those all of this! Even with a mask on and gloves!

Also, our parents are often not good with keeping their kids home when sick- how is this going to work out?

2. What can parents do to help you as a teacher this coming school year with so much in question?

They can begin to work on handwashing, wearing a mask, and social distancing. They can familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations and read up on COVID. They can practice social distancing now.

3. What can the school do to help you as a teacher, once again, with so much going on?

They can provide us with PPE and enough of it! They can make sure that our cleaning company is properly trained on sanitizing and doing so frequently. They can “hear” us when we say this is going to be a huge challenge overall! They could provide us with extra personal/sick days and not penalize us when we need to use it for this.

4. This question would apply more for younger students, would it be a good idea for younger students to have the same teacher as the year before if the school is starting on line for the foreseeable future? Would being familiar with the teacher help?

Yes, I think familiarity helps somewhat at least with special ed. My kids participate in ESY (Extended School Year which we are doing now in July/August). I currently have the same students from this past school year for that reason- they know me, I know the parents (there is much parental involvement in distance teaching). In September (whether remote or in person) 2 of my current students are moving up to Kindergarten so I will keep my other 3. I can have a total of 6 students in my class this school year so I could possibly get 3 more kids.

5. This question would be for older students: Would having the students stay in one place for longer periods of the day help out with the potential spread of the coronavirus? Example would be, the teachers move room to room to teach other subjects.

We don’t have “subjects” in my program- we teach according to the students’ IEPs. Our kids stay in their classroom all day, except when pulled for speech, OT, or PT or for recess, etc.

6. I would love to hear how you feel about the whole situation, without any prompting from me.

At first I was slightly supportive of the hybrid model with 2 days a week in person, the rest remote. Now, with all the numbers increasing and all the uncertainty, I am for ALL remote- at least for the foreseeable future. It’s just too risky. I am extremely anxious over all of the indecision with this. My gut tells me  that if we open, we will probably be shutting down often and quarantining often too. Is it even worth going through all that? Shouldn’t we just focus on improving our remote teaching strategies?

Teacher 2

Tell me how long you’ve been teaching? what grades?

I’ve been teaching PreKindergarten for 23 years.  

1. How comfortable are you going back to school as a teacher?

I have no concerns on returning to school.  

2. What can parents do to help you as a teacher this coming school year with so much in question?

Parents can be patient, kind, understanding, and cooperative. 
Wash school clothes or uniforms as much as possible.  Keep your child home when sick.  

3. What can the school do to help you as a teacher, once again, with so much going on?

4. This question would apply more for younger students, would it be a good idea for younger students to have the same teacher as the year before if the school is starting on line for the foreseeable future? Would being familiar with the teacher help?

I think that all teachers need to back the curriculum up about 2 months and start there.  

5. This question would be for older students: Would having the students stay in one place for longer periods of the day help out with the potential spread of the coronavirus? Example would be, the teachers move room to room to teach other subjects.

Our school will have traveling teachers except for certain classes.  

6. I would love to hear how you feel about the whole situation, without any prompting from me.

I think we need to be smart.  Wear masks when around others, in and out of stores, etc.  Wash your hands more often.  

As far as school goes, kids need to be back in school.  If everyone takes the necessary precautions, we will be just fine.  

Teacher 3

tell me how long you’ve been teaching? what grades?

17 years.  1 year as a behavior interventionist, 8 as a 6th grade math, sci and social studies teacher and 8 years as a high school computer tech teacher. 

1. How comfortable are you going back to school as a teacher?

I am not worried about my own health personally.  I however cannot imagine having to have a “In Memoriam to those we lost to Covid 19” page in the yearbook next year. Many students and co-workers of mine are immune compromised and at risk.

2. What can parents do to help you as a teacher this coming school year with so much in question?

Patience.  We truly don’t know anything yet and in some cases know less than parents. 

3. What can the school do to help you as a teacher, once again, with so much going on?

I would like to know what will be the procedure for when a student in my class tests positive for covid.  Will my whole class need to quarantine? Will those come out of my sick days or will I be able to work from home?

4. This question would apply more for younger students, would it be a good idea for younger students to have the same teacher as the year before if the school is starting on line for the foreseeable future? Would being familiar with the teacher help?

I do not teach younger kids but yes that would be a good idea.  Teachers will have less time to bond with their students this year due to closings and etc.  It would benefit both the teacher and the student to start the year with a preexisting relationship. 

5. This question would be for older students: Would having the students stay in one place for longer periods of the day help out with the potential spread of the coronavirus? Example would be, the teachers move room to room to teach other subjects. 

The issue here is that often times high school students are at different levels with different topics.  I.e. I was in advanced math in high school but regular English.  I would have to be in a room all day with kids who were also advanced math and regular English.  I don’t think it is practical but if it is possible I support this idea. 

6. I would love to hear how you feel about the whole situation, without any prompting from me.
In 17 years of teaching this is the first year where I felt like I did a bad job.  Converting from teaching in person to online was a disaster.  I saw maybe 2 to 3 students a week (out of 60).  Online teaching does not work but going back to school in person will be a disaster, it really sucks. 

Teacher 4

Tell me how long you’ve been teaching? what grades?

20 years, 2nd grade this year, but I have taught K-8

1. How comfortable are you going back to school as a teacher? 

I am itching to go back into the classroom. Teaching from home was so difficult and not what I want to be doing. I didn’t feel as though I was able to help or get through to my students. When I would do zoom calls, maybe 3 would log on and I hated not seeing my kids. As for comfort, I do worry, but the need to support my students supersedes that. 

2. What can parents do to help you as a teacher this coming school year with so much in question?

Parents can follow the expectations put out by the CDC and keep kids home if showing signs of COVID to protect their fellow students and the staff at school. 

3. What can the school do to help you as a teacher, once again, with so much going on?

I would appreciate school provided PPE like plexiglass around my desk. I would also like to make sure the desks are the appropriate space apart and any other guidelines from the CDC concerning cleaning of the classrooms. 

4. This question would apply more for younger students, would it be a good idea for younger students to have the same teacher as the year before if the school is starting on line for the foreseeable future? Would being familiar with the teacher help?

I think for some students it would benefit, but there have been times where I have seen personalities conflict. Those children should not have a second year with that teacher. Where I teach we are keeping the classes together so they are with the same students. Teachers will be different. 

5. This question would be for older students: Would having the students stay in one place for longer periods of the day help out with the potential spread of the coronavirus? Example would be, the teachers move room to room to teach other subjects.

I was speaking with Middle school teacher friend and that was an idea that came up for her school. The cohort would stay in their classroom and the teachers would switch to provide less contact in the halls.

 
6. I would love to hear how you feel about the whole situation, without any prompting from me.

If I could keep my kids home I would. My worry is we have a two person working home like most other parents. When I go back, my kids go back. My middle schooler must take the bus. I have no other way to get him to school. My elementary child is a walker. Who is going to make sure she gets there safely?  My husband is essential and can not leave this computer to take her. I can not put either set of grandparents at risk. I can be as safe as we are, but there are always so many unknowns. 

Teacher 5

How long have you been teaching? What grades?

I have been teaching for about 15 years.  I have taught all grades from K to 8. My first ten were in Philadelphia teaching 4th grade and the last five have been in middle school, teaching English as a second language and a reading specialist in a variety of districts from Cheltenham, Norristown to Radnor and Chichester.

1. How comfortable are you going back to school as a teacher? 

I am honestly more worried about the students and making sure they would be safe from the virus.  So I am not very comfortable.

2. What can parents do to help you as a teacher this coming school year with so much in question?

I think being both a parent and an educator, I can see it from both sides.  There is a lot of frustration to go around.  Parents can be patient and understanding with teachers, rather than criticizing and blasting them on social media. Also, I know many parents struggle with teaching their little ones at home, so just simply keeping open communication to let teachers know,  so they can support the parents.  

3. What can the school do to help you as a teacher, once again, with so much going on?

  I am thinking of Norristown and how the parents have the choice of online, hybrid or in person.  I think this is going to require many hours of preparation in order to meet the needs of all of the students.  The administration needs to provide time and help with resources to make the teachers’ jobs a bit easier.  

4. This question would apply more for younger students, would it be a good idea for younger students to have the same teacher as the year before if the school is starting on line for the foreseeable future? Would being familiar with the teacher help? 

Our school district is trying to keep the same classes together but not the teachers.  I think this a great idea to help the students emotionally/socially.  I definitely think keeping the same teachers would be an easier transition for the kids, but that means learning new curriculum for the already stressed out teachers trying to teach from a new platform with other challenges.

5. This question would be for older students: Would having the students stay in one place for longer periods of the day help out with the potential spread of the coronavirus? Example would be, the teachers move room to room to teach other subjects. 

Yes!  I think less movement of people in general would mean less germs overall.  I equate this to no large groupings under the guidelines.  That being said, it would be an adjustment for those students and teachers because it means the teachers would need to bring everything with them to the class which could mean behavioral issues due to the students sitting there idly waiting (I am using my inner city experience).  There would need to be a clear transition plan.  

6. I would love to hear how you feel about the whole situation, without any prompting from me. 

I am very conflicted about the situation.  As an educator I feel that online would be the safest option, but I also am aware of how many students would get left out and is that a fair system?  Would education be equitable at that point or would the gap get even bigger between the low income and high income districts.?  There are many students who cannot do this at home without support and parents that are unable to help them for whatever reason (working, language barrier, own learning struggles).  As a parent, I feel the biggest guilt that if I want to work, I have no choice but to send my precious treasures, fulltime if Radnor is not using an online option, because I do not have anyone to be home with them.  It is such a difficult situation for everyone and  it definitely cannot be solved with a “one size fits all” solution.

Teacher 6

tell me how long you’ve been teaching? what grades?

I’ve been teaching for three years and have been in education for 20 years.

1. How comfortable are you going back to school as a teacher?

I’m concerned but eager to get back.

2. What can parents do to help you as a teacher this coming school year with so much in question?

Talk to their children about the importance of following the safety precautions and get them used to wearing masks.

3. What can the school do to help you as a teacher, once again, with so much going on?

Provide spit guards/clear shields so we are able to teach with facial expressions, provide masks for children that need one. Hand sanitizers in every class. Reduce classroom size.

4. This question would apply more for younger students, would it be a good idea for younger students to have the same teacher as the year before if the school is starting on line for the foreseeable future? Would being familiar with the teacher help?

We could not do this because I teach in a  fifth through eighth Grade middle school. Many teachers that teach in fifth grade are not certified to teach in eighth and many teachers that are certified an eighth cannot teach in fifth. All the fifth grade incoming students would need fifth grade teachers.

5. This question would be for older students: Would having the students stay in one place for longer periods of the day help out with the potential spread of the coronavirus? Example would be, the teachers move room to room?

I think it’s a fair idea but our children need to move to a certain extent.

6. I would love to hear how you feel about the whole situation, without any prompting from me.
I teach in a school that is in Kensington. We service kids from a very low socioeconomic background. They will be the most negatively affected portion of society should we decide to remain at home. It is a difficult decision, many of our students live with their grandparents so if they bring something home it could have catastrophic consequences. I believe that with the advancement of treatment, and with the normative safety precautions, our children need to get back to school. I certainly don’t want to bring any virus back to anyone I love, but I volunteer to get into the classroom and do the best I can to provide education and a sense of normalcy to these children.

Teacher 7

Teacher 7, answered one question,

Question 2.

I am not comfortable going back to school. But I have a commitment to uphold to teach the students, whether it be remote learning or in the classroom abiding by the social distancing protocols/procedures.

I have to thank all of the teachers who reached out to me and helped with this. As a parent, I felt just reading their opinions helped me. We’re all in this together and I respect everyone’s opinions.