There has never been a back-to-school season like this one. Schools across the country—from small, private elementary schools to large, public universities—grappled with how to open. There’s no “pandemic playbook,” after all. As plans unfolded, teachers stepped up, ready to educate students, whether their schools opened remotely, in person, or with a hybrid format somewhere in between.
Now, more than ever before, we have so much to learn from teachers. Those working from home had to start from scratch and figure out how to effectively teach students remotely. Longstanding lesson plans had to be revised. “Classroom space” had to be carved out at home. Equipment had to be set up. Talk about a lesson in adapting to circumstances!
Teachers going to their schools to teach in person might be uncomfortable, afraid of getting sick. They must constantly take measures to keep themselves and their students safe. These days, in addition to clearly conveying the curriculum, teachers must ensure that students keep their masks on and remain at least six feet apart from one another. They must learn the names of students whose faces are blocked by masks while struggling to be understood through their own mask.
Last year, being a teacher was just being a teacher. This year, being a teacher is being a teacher, a medical professional, a therapist, and a juggler extraordinaire.
If you’re a teacher, thank you! These unfamiliar routines and long days can be draining, so be sure to take steps to minimize stress. Consider these options:
Answer emails once or twice a day. Checking your inbox all day long can make you crazy. Looking less often can save time and reduce stress.
Schedule “me time.” Set aside time throughout the week to do yoga, go for a run, take a long bath, sit outside with a cup of tea, or listen to your favorite music. Whatever helps you unwind, do it!
Give yourself credit. These are unusual times. With all the unknowns and unexpected challenges you’re sure to face as the school year unfolds, you’re stepping up to handle them. You’re still teaching, and the students are still learning.
All of us at Corexcel are in awe of teachers during the pandemic.
We respect you and we’re learning from you. Thank you Teachers!!!
Has there ever been a better time to show appreciation for nurses? We don’t think so. These skilled medical professionals are in the front lines of the battle against COVID-19. Whether or not they work directly with coronavirus patients, nurses show up at work day in and day out to take care of the patients who need them. Their dedication in the face of personal risk must be recognized.
You’re home, socially isolating. Maybe you’re working remotely. Unless you’re on the front lines of medical care or you work for “essential” business, chances are you have extra time on your hands. Why not take that online course you’ve long said, “I’ll take someday”?
The idea of meeting face-to-face is becoming less and less common. In wake of the recent string of viruses world-wide, many companies are embracing the idea of employing remote workers to run their day to day operations. While the convenience and agility of working remotely sounds easy enough, it is also imperative that supervisors and managers alike are practicing the best strategies to effectively oversee their remote employees.
As a leader, it is important to deliver clear and concise communications to subordinates. The importance of nonverbal communication is often overlooked in today’s workplace. Learn to deliver clear and concise messages with our newest online course