Pandemic Ponderings from Mrs. Pittman

When I first arrived at school this morning, I decided to take a selfie to share with my siblings in our group chat. There is no mistake that I am smiling beneath the mask and the shield. I think I look ridiculous. However, that’s not the purpose of this post. 

Teacher friends, keep the faith. We’ve got this. Yes, this is an overused pandemic phrase that I never thought I would succumb to typing. Yes, there are a lot of frustrated and discouraged individuals in the ranks right now. Yes, this is foreign to what we know well. Like so many things in life that cause discomfort, this too shall pass. (I think I’ll be trading the shield for some glasses as my forehead is feeling irritated.) And an anti-fog face shield? Please! Fifteen minutes of me blathering excitedly about musical theatre in Drama class this morning, and I could barely see the students in front of me for the thin veil of mist. 

Two weeks ago, we left the fronts of various classrooms and transitioned to online teaching and learning. While this was not without hiccups, teachers across the land rose to the challenge and transitioned rather quickly to delivering curriculum in a new format. Headaches and strains were common in the first days. We navigated our virtual classrooms guided by our desire to teach our students and to do the best we can for them. Thankfully, we were also supported by caring and resilient administrators.

It’s no secret that tensions are running high. I have read several posts from teachers of various stages of their careers. I have read and heard praises and criticisms from individuals who do not work in the field. I’ve seen smiles, saw tears, and have pretty well witnessed the highs and lows that have come with this stage of the pandemic. In recent days, I also read an article that saddened me. It pertained to the countless educators who have left the profession. Reasons vary from teacher to teacher, and all come with a variety of different circumstances and perspectives.

A few days ago, a former student and grad of 2020 reached out to me to see if I would provide her with a reference for her post-secondary studies. She aspires to be a teacher. I said yes as I know she will make one heck of a one. Fingers-crossed she gets in!

Earlier this evening, I heard from another former student who has already completed her first undergrad degree. I provided her with a glowing reference as well. She touched base earlier to let me know that she was accepted to the Education faculty of her choice as she too aspires to become a teacher. I know she’ll be an amazing one.

If I were to go back in time and speak to a bright-eyed 22-year-old me, would I still encourage her to race to the Education building to drop off the application to the faculty at the eleventh hour? I was mere months away from graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and English. A Bachelor of Education degree was always a possibility. (Plus, I wasn’t quite ready to leave the confines of my home away from home.) Even with all of the uncertainty in today’s world, I know my answer would be a resounding yes. While journalism had always been my first choice regarding career plans, I consider myself incredibly blessed to have a job I love and look forward to reporting to daily. I pride myself on my lessons and the connections I have made with my students. It’s not always easy. I do know it has always been worthwhile.