By Zhiyuan Ma
As many students have already observed, students and teachers have had to quarantine due to how contagious omicron is. The massive increase in cases means that teachers have to adapt their classrooms creatively to ensure students are still learning while staying safe. Meanwhile, administrators have to make certain that there is a sufficient number of substitutes to cover for absent teachers.
According to administrative assistant Ms. Tipton, on average seven teachers are absent each day. There is currently a substitute shortage across the state. She said, “We can use at least another twenty to help out in our district only.” Substitute teachers are necessary because students have to be supervised. Without teachers and substitute teachers, learning can’t carry on.
While there might be a substitute available to supervise students, it’s a challenge for teachers in quarantine to continue instructing and providing support to those that are struggling. When Mr. Burdette, a history teacher, was asked about whether he would be concerned if he had to miss school for several days, he replied that he would be very concerned. However, he would “tape lessons and deliver as equivalent an experience to [him] to present as is possible.” Science teacher Mr. Olson said, “It’s difficult to try to be successful at a distance. They would have a substitute and I would have to direct the substitute… I hope [being stuck in quarantine] doesn’t happen.”
Another hurdle teachers face is figuring out how to accommodate students who miss school. Mr. Burdette remarked, “It’s difficult to teach to two substantial groups in completely different environments at the same time in the same way. I’ve had to change the design of my course to make it easier to follow remotely, and easier for absent students to catch up.” Because of how heavy his class relies on the internet, he said that his job is much easier than what would have been without technology. Ms. Battaglini, a math teacher, agreed that technology lessens the problem. “I use a Live Agenda so students can keep up with what is happening during the class periods that they are missing,” she said, “I am also posting some of the class notes and example problems so that students can read over those at home once they are feeling better. Hopefully this allows the students to follow along somewhat with what is happening in the classroom.”
Even though the main focus is on teachers and administrators, students play an essential role in the continuation of education. Ms. Battaglini observed, “I did miss a little over a week of class at the beginning of last semester and although it was an adjustment for students, they did a great job of helping each other out with the curriculum and did not fall too far behind.” Mr. Burdette also enthusiastically praised his students. “I’m proud of all the work EVERYONE has done to make this year successful.”
