Teachers Have Been Sending Positive Vibes Lately

This is the ultimate reflection of family engagement.

“Whatever is good for your soul, do that.” -Unknown

My professional mission is to

Ignite Family Engagement In Education.

I advocate for family engagement in education by responding to current events. I also explore educational issues as well as topics that have the capacity to either increase or decrease family engagement in school. My passion is to help educators and parents understand that their mutual dedication, cooperation, and the support that they share during the educational process create powerful outcomes for them along with students and our entire society. This topic embodies my writing platform.

Despite the fear, sorrow, anxiety, and uncertainly that now overshadows and compromises the well-being of global citizens because of the Coronavirus outbreak, there is good news that needs to be accentuated.

This article celebrates the pure goodness of teachers during this time.

A Quick Look At The Backstory

Once the Coronavirus began to rapidly spread throughout the United States in early to mid March, 2020, palpable concerns for the health and safety of all citizens dramatically increased. This included students and those who worked in the schools. An unprecedented decision was made to immediately close schools throughout the country until further notice.

The abrupt determination to shut schools down to slow the spread of the international pandemic and to prevent children, young people, and school personnel from contracting the virus did not allow for teacher planning or preparation. Teachers could not provide their learners nor their parents with strategies for remaining engaged in learning while they were at home. Many students walked out of school on the last day it was open without taking books and other educational materials with them because they were unaware of the closures. Teachers could not provide their students with extended assignments because there were so many unknown facts about the school shutdowns. The fear that was being unleashed on teachers and other members of society resulted in the need to retreat to the safety of their homes instead of preparing students and families for an extended period of time away from school.

The last day of school for students was, in most cases,

the last official working day for teachers

until otherwise informed.

Despite the fact that many parents, students, and other members of society approached the school closures with anxiety and apprehension,

the true professional character of teachers began to emerge.

Their Positive Energy Prevails

According to the pure essence of their profession, most teachers emanate an upbeat disposition. They are passionate about the role that they play in the lives of their learners and they maintain an unconditional professional love for them. Teachers are hardworking, dedicated, and resilient. Providing students with robust educational experiences that produce increased levels of academic growth is what teachers continuously do. All of these powerful characteristics reflect the pure heart of a teacher.

Many teachers have maintained a fierce level of determination to facilitate meaningful learning experiences for their students even though the doors of their school remain closed. They have engaged in quality planning and preparation from their homes and during their personal time to share instructional lessons, independent practice materials, and assessment activities with their student and their parents.

To me, these things represent

random acts of kindness

because, in many instances, school officials have not required teachers to provide instruction for the students because of the school closures. Teachers have volunteered to do so because of their desire to strengthen their relationship with their students and their families by simply being there for them. Teachers also provide educational support during this time because they want their students to continue to make academic gains.

Here are some of the special things that teachers have done for their learners during the global pandemic out of the pure goodness that always resides in their hearts.

1. Many, many teachers and school leaders have posted messages on their social media platforms offering to help parents educate their children. For example, Ms. Maureen Kummer was among several teachers who posted heart-warming message just like this thoughtful one: “While you are homeschooling/remotely/digitally educating your kids, if you need assistance with understanding something that has been assigned for your child, or if you need more resources, just give me a shout. I am a math interventionist, but I taught fifth grade for 24 years. I’ll be happy to try to answer questions. We WILL get through this! #bettertogether ❤️📕🖍✏️”
2. On March 23, 2020, television news channel and ABC affiliate KSAT shared an inspiring story. A group of teachers in San Antonio, Texas organized a parade of cars that drove through the community where their students reside. The teachers drove their cars that were decorated with signs that encouraged their students and parents to remain strong during this difficult time. As these thoughtful teachers spread love throughout their school community by also waving and shouting special messages to the families, their unconditional actions affirmed their efforts to remain connected to their students and parents. Here is the link to this heartfelt report: https://youtu.be/_GWOLMvwrko
3. Teachers have been creating learning packets closely aligned to their curriculum. These materials, which have been shared with families online, ensure the constant growth of their learners. Many teachers have also developed procedures for completed materials to be sent back to them so students receive credit for their efforts as well as their feedback to help guide their progress.
4. There have been numerous teachers who have created and posted various educational videos on their social media platforms. The teachers have read to their children, remotely delivered direct instruction, and engaged them in the visual and performing arts by having sing-along events and they have modeled the creation of artwork. Many teachers have also involved their own children in these unique activities as shown on many videos.
5. Teachers and school officials have displayed a spirit of compassion and empathy by responding the multitude of questions they routinely receive from anxious parents who are now assuming the responsibility of supervising their child’s learning at home. These professionals have also demonstrated their flexibility to utilize and adapt ideas that parents have shared to optimize efforts to keep their children actively involved in learning. They have also increased the confidence of parents who have not been able to believe that they were able to supervise their child’s education at home.
6. More traditional efforts have been made to keep the lines of communications open with parents. Teachers have regularly posted information on their teacher web page to share resources and ideas to keep their students engaged in learning while they are away from school. Other teachers routinely share classroom materials and electronic resource links as emails are exchanged with their parents as well as students. Some teachers have offered guidance by mailing letters and postcards to parents.
7. Some teachers have remained devoted to maintaining the sense of community that exists within their classrooms among the students. They have organized virtual classroom gatherings and meetings to give their students a precious opportunity to interact with and see each other.
8. Many educators and school districts have even resorted to promoting what is not considered to be old-fashioned ways to instruct students. The Butler Area School District in the state of Pennsylvania is one of these places. They have begun to use an old school method to provide instruction to students. Since many families do not have internet access, the school district collaborated and partnered with WISR, a local radio station. Teachers deliver instruction to students on the radio during designated times. Parents and students alike appreciate the radio station being transformed into a creative place that provides student learning.
9. Classroom teachers are not the only educators who have continued to engage students in their developmental programs during closures. Coaches are among some of the professionals who have relied on their creativity to continue to develop their student athletes. Here is one example. Jewart’s Gymnastics in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has displayed a desire to keep their gymnasts connected with each other and the sport that is such a big part of their lives. They developed live stream training schedules that were communicated to parents. This has enabled their athletes to participate in virtual conditioning and developmental sessions with their coaches.

What This Means To A Mom Like Me

Despite all of my years of experience as a teacher, principal, university professor, district level school administrator, published author, and family engagement influencer,

being a mother is what is most important in my life.

Just because I am a highly experienced educators does not mean that I have all of the answers as it relates to the development of my daughter. I believe in educational choice. I choose to surround my daughter around educators who display an unconditional willingness, resourcefulness, and flexibility to support my child’s education. I also choose to surround my daughter around educators who engage with me and share insights, recommendations, and resources that enable me to help her grow and develop.

All of the characteristics reflected in the actions of the teachers and educators that I described above reflect the characteristics of the educators who are my child’s educators. I am thankful for that.

On behalf of students and parents impacted by school closures because of the Coronvirus, we appreciate all that you continue to do to support all of us. Please except a virtual hug from students and parents everywhere.

Thank you for sending all of the positive vibes.

I invite you to join me by uniting together to create change in this area. Be sure to sign up to be on my email list at [email protected] to receive a periodic copy of my newsletter and specific information about advancing the

Ignite Family Engagement Movement.

Here’s my golden ticket that helps me accomplish my mission.

Dr. Deborah M. Vereen is a retired family and consumer sciences teacher, school principal, director of pupil personnel services, assistant to the superintendent for family and community engagement, and professor of multicultural education. Her website is www.Drdeborahmvereen.com and she is dedicating the rest of her life to serving as a Family Engagement Influencer.