Hold On To the "What Ifs"

This week, our district will transition from 100% in-person learning to hybrid learning. Our district made this decision because the number of COVID-19 cases in our county have risen. They made this decision to keep our teachers and students safe. As you can imagine, many people, who are not in the classroom each day,  have very strong opinions about what should or should not be done. And it makes sense because each day, parents send their children to us -- the most important people in their worlds. And it makes sense because they are fearful -- this world is scary right now.

As I finished the last few sips of my cup of coffee this morning, a notification came across my phone. It was a message from my ELA team leader Jason Kohls.  In this message, he affirmed the anxieties and fears that many of us teachers are feeling. He encouraged us to take a deep breath, to remember that we are in this together, and to continue to do what's best for kids. We were never trained to teach during a pandemic. We were never trained to teach online. But we are called to love, to inspire critical thinking, and to create hope. His final comments to us were: remember the world is still a place that we can make better. 

And isn't that truly why we do what we do: to make this world a better place? 

So teachers, let's do what we do best. Let's hold on to the "what ifs" - no matter what form of classroom  we are teaching in right now -- online, hybrid, or in-person. Please know that when I say this, I am not downplaying how hard this work is. I am in the classroom every day - just like you. I read the negativity online - just like you. I fear for my health - just like you. But I cling to the "what ifs" like the air I breathe. The "what ifs" sustain me.

For example, what if smaller class sizes means:

• I can truly see and hear my students for who they are and who they want to be? 
• Our classrooms are safer spaces?
• The content we teach becomes that much more meaningful?
• The way our students learn becomes more individualized?

These are a few of the questions that have crossed my mind this week. I was called to teach. It is part of my soul. 

I am scared. And I am beaten down by negativity online. And I am tired. My anxiety is high, my hair is falling out, and I struggle to sleep. The weight of this job is not lost on me. But I believe with all of my heart that the world is still a place we can make better. Our students make this world a better place. So for now, I hold on to the "what ifs". 

What if you join me?