Unexpected detours

COVID-19 creates one unexpected detour after another. The latest is the multiple detours related to school as we know it. If this were a summer similar to every summer for the past 34 years, I would be preparing to meet my new students with a number of new and traditional teaching/learning learning experiences. I would be updating my classroom environment and teaching once again as I continue to reach for more brain-friendly, child-friendly teaching and learning. Each year has been better than the year before when it comes to what I could do with and for the students thanks to continued study on my own and with colleagues near and far. COVID-19, however, has interrupted that positive pattern by creating a number of not-so-positive potential fall scenarios.

How should teachers react to these detours? What should we do?

Educate yourself
As I look back at my career, the worst times were times when I wasn't well informed about changes and possibilities. Times when I gave in to plans and processes that were not positive for me or the children. The best times in education have been times when I was well informed about the potential that existed.

Create an if-then-or-else plan
Think about the many possibilities on the table, weigh the risks, and make a plan. For example, at this time, my plan includes the following steps:

• Educate myself about all the possibilities
• Follow the COVID-19 mandates to stay as healthy as possible
• Focus on personal health 
• Advocate for win-win fall plans--plans that will be safe, healthy, and positive for students, families, all school staff, and the community
• Understand the plans well, weigh the risks/rewards, and make the best decision for personal safety and good teaching/learning too

Fair share of sacrifice

COVID-19 creates a need for sacrifice, and in a good society, that sacrifice would be equally shared across class, race, geography, religion, and personal culture. Sadly, it appears that the pandemic sacrifice has been unequal. While the stock market still gains and house prices rise, many wealthy get wealthier, while many of less means suffer more. As society faces a pandemic, we need to look out for the rights, livelihoods, freedom, and health of all members of society. We have to spread out the risk, sacrifice, and opportunity too. No one should be asked to make a sacrifice that is too great or life ending. We need to provide the environments and protections to salvage as many lives as possible at this time. I want to think about this as I make decisions and advocate for what is right and good at this time.