#SOL20 - In Praise of Teachers: Notes from the Pandemic

I Think (M.A. Reilly)

Writing clears the mind. I know this and I still avoid it. Yesterday's post helped me.  Giving a name to the paralysis I felt allowed me to actually be more productive today. So too was rereading the poem, Pandemic, with its hopeful way of being in the world.

I've been thinking through how to best ensure 42,000 learners are being well taught. Early this morning, I opened LinkedIn and read this post by Christian Valentin-Gladden, a teacher with Newark Public Schools.

I later learned from Christian that his dog, Febie, would be make a cameo appearance today during his Zoom conference time with his students.

The day before I spoke with third grade teacher, Elisa Lee.  She has been posting videos for her students.  She uses iMovie and iRecorder and then edits. The time it took to make each video is considerable and so is the obvious love she has for her students.

Here are links to two:







The principal where Ms. Lee teaches shared with me that Ms. Lee’s mom is using her daughter's online lessons to learn English.

Ms. Lee’s mom’s transcription.

These are just two of countless great teachers. The commitment of teachers--all educators--to shift into new roles and find new creative ways of working is humbling and inspiring. Thank you for all that you do.