Uncharted Waters

Navigating the waters of education and talks of a return to teaching during a so-called “new normal” has not been without questions from some and criticisms from others. To each their own really. That is certainly not the intent of this post. All I know is that when I earned my teaching degree, no course even came close to addressing the issues that have arisen. Aside from the announcement regarding technology, yesterday’s announcement did not really provide much new information. Some might argue that it was poorly timed. However, if those who are so vehemently opposed to the technology announcement were to skim the Board’s Strategic Plan for the 2017-2020 school years, technology was listed as one of the priorities (at the bottom of page 13). It is no secret that my school needs upgrades and technology happens to be one of them.

I know a number of people are disappointed regarding yesterday’s briefing. If I were to look back to posts from March here on Facebook as well as the comments on various news outlets, the same level of discontent was apparent. The main difference is that the criticisms voiced then were about the schools not being closed quickly enough. I am vocal about a number of things and I do believe in freedom of speech. Many have been subjected to my status updates that should have been blog posts as well as my various blog posts through the years. However, calling out my employers as some have done (on social media no less) does not rank high on my list of goals. 

On a different note, I’ve seen a meme circulating on featuring a myriad of questions that teachers might have in light of teaching during this COVID-19 pandemic. Given that the author is an American teacher located in Boston, I feel their schools are at a substantially higher risk than we are in Newfoundland and Labrador. All one needs to do is look at the statistics. According to the CDC, there have been 13 556 cases in Boston with 9 504 recovered and 710 deaths. There are still a number of active cases in the city. (Overall in the state of Massachusetts, there have been over 104 659 cases.) While Labrador West has been fortunate enough to have not experienced any cases, I am not naive enough to think that it will remain that way.  Who knows what the Atlantic Bubble will bring? I am, however, hopeful that the curve that was successfully flattened in our province will continue. I am in no way making light of the 261 cases to date as well as the three lives that were lost.

Before sharing a quotation or meme, be sure to check the source as well as its country of origin. It is no secret that comparing the pandemic situation here vs. cities and towns south of the border would be like comparing apples and oranges. The numbers simply don’t add up. At the end of the day, THINK before you share:

T = is it True?

H = is it Helpful?

I = is it Inspiring?

N = is it Necessary?

K = is it Kind? 

It is all pretty fundamental when one decides to break it down and look at it in that manner. Students were taught the acronym from a very young age. Perhaps it needs to be revisited.

I am hoping that our COVID-19 status does not change and all will be permitted to return to the classroom. I miss the interactions with “my kids”  - otherwise known as my students. While I have enjoyed my time with my own teens, my husband, and my pugs, I do miss my school routines. Quite frankly, if there are no active cases in the province, we should be in the classroom. I feel an announcement saying we would be teaching and learning in a virtual classroom come September 2020 would have been premature.

Fear, misinformation, and a failure to look at the scenarios objectively will only continue to create widespread panic and dissension. Whether I am in my classroom with the scent of hand sanitizer weighing heavily in the air or in front of a computer, I will continue to teach and support my students to the best of my ability. Plus, I know that my employer and union will ensure that all is safe and equitable for all. We have been navigating through uncharted waters for months. I am grateful for the support from my administrators. Summers here are short - black flies be damned! I intend to enjoy it to the fullest without what-ifs, should-haves, and could haves plaguing every waking moment of my existence.