“We’ll weather the storm”
They say,
But they aren’t in the classroom everyday...
“We’ll weather the storm”
They say,
But they aren’t in the classroom everyday...
The start of the 2020 academic year has been a strange one to say the least. This time of year is always fraught with high anxiety for many and even higher expectations. As a sector we have always been adaptable and are well versed in reacting to the ever-changing preferences from exam boards and government. However, after a summer term (and summer holiday) full of delivering remote lessons, assessing work, predicting grades, justifying those grades and planning for an unknown start, those facing a new term with young people who have been out of classroom based education for 5 months are understandably apprehensive.
“Do what’s best for the kids”
They cry,
But that’s always been my mission in life I sigh...
The mainstream media has not helped this apprehension with headlines shaming unions for wanting clarity around safety measures. Added to this the undermining of teachers professionalism by the government with what is now being commonly referred to as the ‘exams fiasco’ by the media alongside ever changing guidance has led to a general confusion and anxiety about getting back to work.
One Daily Mail headline ‘Let our teachers be heroes’1 was a particular favourite of mine. The Oxford Dictionary defines this emotive word as “A person who is admired for their courage”2 but the mere suggestion that we need courage to re-enter a school building insinuates something is not quite safe or there is something to fear.
They didn’t see me
Late at night,
Trying to plan engaging lessons on Skype...
The one thing I would say about teachers is they exude resilience. As we have welcomed students back to Schools and Colleges this week, I have heard nothing but solution focused optimism, despite the apprehension. There is a general feeling of support for long lost colleagues finally back together again. My social media too has been full of sharing best practice, resources and ideas for anyone needing support. I myself am still not 100% sure how I will successfully deliver all elements of my courses in the new socially distanced Performing Arts studio, let alone the headache live performance requirements are bound to bring. But it has offered an opportunity for cross-curricular collaboration and discussion about doing things differently. Some say a change is as good as a rest. So maybe being forced to reflect on our practice and look for a different perspective on delivery models in this ever-changing world is only a good thing. For our Students, for ourselves and for the new future of education.
One thing is for certain:
I have,
The courage to teach!
- Melanie Rogers
1:Hacked Off. 2020. Daily Mail Misleads Readers And Tries To Bully Teachers: Government Policy On COVID-19 Should Be Dictated By The Science, Not By The Corporate Press | Hacked Off. [online] Available at: <https://hackinginquiry.org/daily-mail-covid19-teachers-unions/> [Accessed 10 September 2020].
2:Lexico Dictionaries | English. 2020. Hero | Definition Of Hero By Oxford Dictionary OnLexico.Com Also Meaning Of Hero. [online] Available at: <https://www.lexico.com/definition/hero> [Accessed 10 September 2020].
***If you are feeling anxious or stressed about this term there are plenty of places you can contact for support: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/
***If you want ideas or support, I would strongly suggest joining facebook groups and twitter feeds for your exam boards and subject areas; they are full of colleagues from a variety of settings ready to offer resources and advice.
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