Think about this…

Classroom teachers have had their world turned upside down this year. The typical morning now looks like…

Waking up early to check emails to make sure they’re up to date on today’s policies for distance learning

Answering the struggling parent who just can’t exactly remember long-division

Trying to get in a cup of coffee before their own children wake for the day and they become a ringleaders trying to juggle the newfound part-time gig of homeschooling

Planning for Zoom meetings with students

Trying to navigate this new curriculum that they’ve had to pull together, and still trying to make relationships with the students in their classroom – even from miles apart

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Teachers are working harder than ever before and trying to navigate new waters. Many principals, superintendents and other admins are doing a fantastic job with support, but how do we help them feel connected? Here are a few tips:

1. Show empathy.

It’s important to remember that we’re all facing hardships and experiencing some level of trauma. Some districts were more prepared for distance learning than others, some teachers have worked remotely before, and some haven’t. Regardless of the situation, teachers have had to adapt and learn on the fly, without much notice. Be patient when they take five extra minutes to sign into the Zoom staff meeting (they may have had to help their own children with fractions). Provide words of encouragement when they’ve accidentally hit the mute button and are talking to themselves without even noticing.

Most importantly, stick with this consistent messaging – normal curriculum will NOT happen this semester. It’s more important to ensure students are learning, students are growing, and they feel loved. It’s less important that EVERYTHING that was in the plans gets addressed. The curriculum that’s taught once we’re all back in school might look drastically different, but that’s a problem that we’ll deal with when we get there. Focus on today, focus on what you can do to support your students with what you have.

2. Recognize that your teachers may have helpful ideas when it comes to policy changes – include them in establishing school-wide rules and routines during this new norm.

Teachers across the country have been posting to social media trying to help each other with routines, tech help, and other ideas.

For example, one teacher may be implementing morning meetings each morning at 10 am with their students. Whoever can pop on live at 10 am gets to see their teacher via Zoom face-to-face, and if students are unavailable, they can watch it later, on replay. If this is working really well for one teacher in your school, ask them about the logistics of what they’re doing, and try to implement it across the grade, or even across the entire school.

3. Delegate different tasks to your teachers.

Lots of teachers/schools are posting about theme weeks for their schools. With the cancellation of things like Prom, Spring Sports, Graduation, etc. these are great morale boosters! Have a group of teachers brainstorm different theme weeks that their class can participate in.

For example, have a crazy sock week. Each Zoom Classroom day, students show off their craziest socks. Or, honor your seniors. Have parents or students tweet out their senior pictures and have a district-wide graduation party via Twitter. Use a specific hashtag and have your principals/superintendents retweet.

Whatever the fun activity may be, involve your teachers! This will give them a chance to connect with each other, and with their students, and bring a sense of normalcy.

4. Have a quick Zoom meeting (this could also be an email if you are strapped for time) regarding online engagement.

While it’s important that all students complete the tasks that they’re assigned in one way or another, remind teachers that every student’s situation is different (they know that better than anyone else). It is OKAY if students don’t log on live every day. Encourage them to reach out to the students who cannot attend live classes in different ways (maybe a letter home or try to coordinate a phone call, or ask the parents to set something up).

Just as you’re showing grace to your teachers during this new norm by working with their schedules and offering support, remind your teachers to give themselves some grace when it comes to worrying about their students.

5. Practice self-care.

Send your teachers fun articles, memes or other resources and encourage them to take time for themselves. We’re all stressed, but this is a great time to take a step back and do something for ourselves.

As educators, we’re all facing hardships – your teachers need you now more than ever for guidance and support. Even from 6 feet apart, we can be connected and build relationships.