Let’s get straight to the point. Right now, what teachers need most is our support, not criticism. Educators are tirelessly working around the clock, as they always have, to ensure our children continue their learning journey amidst the chaos of social isolation. Emails are flooding in at all hours, from the crack of dawn to late at night. They’re juggling multiple Zoom sessions, creating Google docs, recording videos, and managing various online platforms. Teachers are doing everything they can to keep education afloat, so why are some parents directing their frustrations at them?
I understand that many of us are feeling overwhelmed with the challenges of home learning. Trying to keep track of assignments and schedules can feel like an organizational nightmare, leaving us understandably cranky. Our frustrations are often misdirected, as we find ourselves venting at teachers instead of focusing on the true culprit: the disruption caused by the coronavirus. It’s time to shift our perspective. Our educators deserve our empathy and gratitude now more than ever.
The Shift to Online Instruction
Across the country, schools have transitioned to online instruction to adhere to COVID-19 safety guidelines. With many states implementing shelter-in-place orders, non-essential businesses have closed, and families are confined to their homes unless venturing out for essentials like groceries or medical appointments. The aim is clear: flatten the curve, alleviate the strain on our healthcare system, and keep everyone safe. Part of this effort involves adapting our children’s education to digital formats.
Teachers had to make a rapid pivot, saying goodbye to their students and transforming their lessons for home learning with little notice. They’re also navigating communication with students and parents, all while facing challenges of their own—such as limited internet access for some students. Schools provide a crucial support system, offering children safety, nourishment, and education. Many teachers are going above and beyond, mailing physical copies of assignments or setting up pick-up times for resources.
Balancing Responsibilities
Let’s not forget that these teachers are also balancing their own families. For instance, my daughter’s teacher conducts Zoom classes with one of her young children consistently in her lap. During a recent teacher parade, where educators drove by students’ homes to cheer them on, their vehicles were packed with their own families. Like everyone else, teachers are trying to manage prescriptions and groceries while adhering to social distancing guidelines. They have a lot on their plates.
Teachers Are Our Allies
Here’s the bottom line: our children’s teachers are not the adversaries in this scenario—COVID-19 is. In times of frustration, it’s easy to point fingers, especially at those who are reaching out frequently in our inboxes. However, these educators are doing their utmost to care for our children during this global crisis. They have always been heroes, despite the challenges of being underappreciated and overworked. The last thing they need is our unfounded critique.
We reached out to several teachers for insight during this national crisis, and their responses were truly eye-opening. For example, Sarah Collins, a second-grade teacher, shared her heartfelt concern for her students’ academic and emotional health, expressing, “I miss my kids deeply. We’re a family in the classroom, and not seeing them right now is difficult. I want them to know that everything will be alright, and we will reunite.” Another second-grade teacher, Lisa Franklin, emphasized that parents should focus on what is manageable for them. “If technology becomes too tricky, it’s perfectly fine to just read a book or practice some math facts,” she advised, reminding everyone that we will get through this together.
Middle school language arts teacher Mark Evans echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that teachers do not expect parents to recreate the school environment at home. He gently reminded us all that “everyone is doing the best they can—parents, educators, and students alike.” Your child’s teacher is your ally, not your foe.
Fourth-grade teacher Jenna Taylor pointed out that educators are also navigating uncharted waters. She reassured her students and their families that their best effort is all that matters right now, whatever that might look like. It’s time for parents to reframe their mindset; this is a challenging situation for everyone involved.
Shifting Focus to Gratitude
Why do teachers put in so much effort for their students? Because they genuinely care. They believe in the transformative power of a good education and are committed to their students’ futures. Instead of voicing complaints, let’s shift our focus to gratitude. Consider this: we are only undertaking a fraction of what our children’s teachers do, and it’s already proving to be a monumental task.
So let’s ease the criticism and instead channel our frustrations into self-care, whether that’s taking a walk or indulging in some light-hearted entertainment. We are all facing similar challenges. Yes, our kids are missing school, but that is not the end of the world. Our top priority right now—teachers, students, and parents alike—is to stay safe and healthy. Let’s take this opportunity to teach our children the importance of gratitude.
Additional Resources
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In Summary
Let’s unite to support our teachers during this unprecedented time, showing them the compassion and appreciation they truly deserve.