By: Jordan Hasty, Staff Writer

In the event of the Coronavirus pandemic, the 2020-2021 school year has urged formidable changes in everyone’s lives. Teens, particularly, have been drastically affected, causing a deep and immediate change no one was prepared for. With the wide-ranging detriments the virus has inflicted, adolescents have found difficulty coping, becoming tunnel-visioned on the disruptions occurring in their lives. This is a normal response, as the impact of the pandemic has led to significant amounts of distress — yet with students caught up in their hardships, we have failed to keep in mind the jarring actuality that most teachers are feeling one and the same. Just one year ago, teachers were greeting students enthusiastically as they entered their classrooms. Now, with the absence of side-conversations, being able to notice when students are visibly struggling, and face-to-face interaction coming to a halt, teachers have been met with various challenges this virtual school year. More than ever, teachers have felt the stress with learning how to effectively teach online while also maintaining their personal daily lives. On one hand, they’re juggling grading assignments timely, taking calls, responding to emails from students/colleagues, meeting one-on-one with students, and curating remotely formatted assignments and lesson plans. On the other, they’re grappling with upholding their mental health, keeping up with household duties, maintaining personal obligations, and taking care of their families. Despite the contrary, teaching from home is not easy, and that is made exceptionally clear this year.

But teachers are not alone, students have undoubtedly struggled too. Since the last day in the classroom on March 13, 2020, some have found themselves slipping into unhealthy lifestyles, thus experiencing rapidly sinking mental health levels. The interference of COVID-19 has increasingly consumed the lives of teens daily, triggering a blind eye towards the difficulties teachers have been dealing with simultaneously. It is absolutely acceptable that adolescents are feeling this way, and the resilience that has been shown upon the younger generation during this pandemic is immensely empowering. That being said, it is important to acknowledge what our educators are forced to contend with as well. There are new challenges presented while teaching virtually that are not necessarily present when teaching in person. Moving to instructing entirely online, the social aspect that the classroom brings utterly diminishes. Instead, classic classroom interactions are narrowed down to teacher’s speaking in non-verbal clues such as raising a thumbs-up to ensure students’ comprehension to gather a sense of how students feel and check their understanding. It is no longer as simple as scanning the classroom to see if any child is struggling, disengaged, tired, or overwhelmed. Jokingly, Ms. Tutaj, a history teacher here at Mills who was met with a similar experience, explained that the new teaching style “feels like walking on land with full scuba gear on.” Fortunately, Tutaj, as well as many other teachers, have been able to view this matter from a positive perspective, but it does not erase the subconscious awareness of feeling “alone” on Zoom. For social teachers, making the adjustment is especially testing, as student-teacher bonds are nearly unachievable in the world of virtual instruction. Forming a connection with a mere 20% of their students, as opposed to a regular school year, according to a recent study done by My Teaching Partner-Secondary (MTP-S) program, has unequivocally taken an emotional toll on educators. Despite this, even when there is no direct face to face interaction with students, most teachers still try to provide the ideal environment they can over a Zoom call. Whether this be creating interactive and creative classwork assignments or simply showing up with an enthusiastic attitude — a little goes a long way. For some students at home, class is their only escape, so a teacher’s bright attitude can inflict a more positive impact in hindsight. Though this change has been unfavorable for many, it is vital that as students and teachers, we learn how to succeed together. While it is important for teachers that they let their students know that they are always there for them, it is also dire that students give back and convey their appreciation.

Aside from the numerous changes made within the classroom for teachers, catching up with their personal lives has become a great concern to boot. The unprecedented difficulties accompanied by the worldwide pandemic has only added to the pressure that teacher’s face everyday. Naturally, educators are geared to put others’ needs first, particularly their students. Yet, now more than ever, it is a critical time for teachers to make their own well-being a priority. However, adapting to the new “normal” at home can pose quite an issue as well in terms of finding a balance. With children in all-day preschool and daycare, Tutaj herself is quite familiar with the obstacles of parenting and teaching alike. “If we couldn’t afford it, and if daycares and preschools weren’t open, there is no way I could be teaching right now,” Tutaj expressed. Luckily, the convenience in her situation merits a less strenuous level of difficulty, although it might not be the case for all. Even so, it is a struggle for teachers to not only teach and grade online, but virtual learning also means an increase in emails from both students and other colleagues. Figuring out a work-life balance on its own is puzzling in itself during normal times. Sprinkling the pandemic into the mix that has blurred lines between work and home, and the struggle becomes real. Oftentimes, educators stretch themselves out thin in order to be responsive to students or others in the community, providing as much help as feasible. Regardless of the increased amount of time spent in front of the screen, instructors are still going the extra mile to be of aid to students, staff, and colleagues, pushing the boundaries of their own health to the backburner. As the student-body becomes more aware that the teacher’s efforts, specifically now, are heightened, it is highly encouraged that we express our appreciation more outwardly. Ultimately, considering what seems like a never-ending list of responsibilities that are thrown at teachers daily, students should recognize and appreciate their efforts. 

Teachers are human too, and a little praise every so often can go a long way. It doesn’t require significant time or investment — a short and simple note, message, or email expressing your gratitude would certainly suffice. One of the primary motivators for instructors is seeing students succeed and put in effort during class sessions. Merely showing up, being present, and actively engaging by typing in the chat, or using virtual reactions could lift your educator’s day. We are living through a moment in history accompanied by challenges we have never faced before, and teachers have continuously aimed to inspire us, not with their creativity but elasticity considering the circumstances. As our educators continue to tackle the issues at hand with the utmost positivity and thoughtfulness, the least us students can do is increase our efforts to reciprocate their gratitude and externally recognize their kindness towards us. They are working hard managing an ever-growing list of duties. Teachers deserve recognition for their flexibility and understanding during the unprecedented times society is currently amidst, by all means, do not hesitate to express your encouragement if you feel pulled to do so. Our educator’s efforts to transform their practices and ability to find ways to keep a connection with students despite technological blockages should not go overlooked.