Advice From Teachers That Have Already Reentered The Classroom
It will cost you extra time, effort, and resources
Get a voice enhancing machine of some sort
Get a microphone or some sort of voice amplifying machine.Your mask muffles your voice more than you think and students cannot see your mouth.
Sanitizer — Triple the amount you originally thought you needed
Students are children. Sanitizer will be used generously.
Wear scrubs if you can
And bring a change of clothes to work. This will help you have a change of clothes before you enter your house. Do not wear your classroom clothes back into your house. Throw those scrubs and masks in the wash as soon as you get home.
Bring multiple masks
We are all used to wearing a mask to the grocery store for 30 minutes. 8 hours is a different story. Be prepared to go through 3–5 masks a day. Essential oil on clothe masks can help as well.
Be mindful what you eat for lunch
You will be smelling it in your mask for the rest of the day. Or bring mints.
Extra shoes like Mr. Rogers
Classroom shoes stay in the classroom.
Do not bring work home
These times are trying. Teachers were lauded as heroes just months ago and are now under attack. Teachers’ lives are at risk. Teachers will die because of lack of action from school districts and states. These times are scary and it is ok to be scared. Make sure you give yourself free time and time to decompress.
Begin to digitize your curriculum
If you have not started yet, you need to do so. Students will need access to your class work at home. Videos, screenshots, slides, and other remote lesson options. Students will be calling out.
Slow down
Students are overwhelmed. You are overwhelmed. Your admin are overwhelmed. There is no reason to try to rush through content and curriculum.
Remember your students
For many, this is the most confusing and stressful time in their life. A global pandemic, protests across the nation, and violent government & police crackdowns. There is a lot being thrown at them. Please be kind, patient, and understanding with them. You may be the only adult supporting them right now.
