From the
start, let me be clear. When I talk about
“educators,” I am referring to everyone who works in our school system. Teachers and classroom aides may be the ones
educating students in the classroom, but bus drivers, cafeteria staff, counselors,
librarians, custodians, office staff, sign-language interpreters, maintenance
staff, administrators, nurses, speech-and-language pathologists,
diagnosticians, substitute teachers, and everyone else in our schools plays a critical
role in educating our students.
Few, if
any, saw this current situation coming. Though
many of us were watching the COVID-19 story unfold in other countries, I doubt most
of us had any idea we would be following directives to stay home, searching for
sources for masks and gloves, educating all students virtually, and watching a
true partnership between teachers and parents develop before our eyes.
Years ago,
I read the book On Death and Dying by Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. It was fascinating as she outlined the steps
one goes through when diagnosed with a terminal illness. I have gone through these stages myself when
I have lost someone I love.
As I
watched my friends—some who are teachers, some who are parents of school-aged
children, and some who are both—deal with the sudden reality of school closing
indefinitely, I soon realized many of them, too, were going through these
stages: denial, anger, bargaining,
depression, and acceptance. I think I
can say the same for many/most of our children.
What I love
is that acceptance did not take as long as it could have. Parents, some deemed “essential”
who still must go to work, some who are working from home, and some who have
been laid off indefinitely, were suddenly thrust into the role of homeschool
teacher, or, some might say, administrator/counselor/teacher/support staff. Teachers, all at varying levels of digital
fluency, had to step into the role of virtual teacher almost overnight, as our
cafeteria staff adjusted to Meals on Wheels, our administrators had to figure
out how to oversee this distance learning while motivating staff, parents, and
teachers, and many other members of Team
Education took on new, unchartered roles, too.
And I’ll rise up
I'll rise like the
day
I’ll rise up
I'll rise unafraid
I'll rise up
And I’ll do it a
thousand times again
And I’ll rise up
High like the waves
I’ll rise up
In spite of the ache
I'll rise up
And I’ll do it a
thousand times again
For you…
All we need, all we
need is hope
And for that we have
each other
And for that we have
each other
Instead of
saying, “Together, we can,” I say, “Together, WE ARE!”
Over the last couple of weeks, I have seen countless posts
about great resources that have been made available for our students/teachers/parents
for as long as #RiseUp continues. Here are
several I just had to share. (They are linked):
500
Free Online Courses From Ivy League Schools That Will Make You Smarter (and
Less Stir Crazy) Got time to kill?
Check out these classes from the likes of Harvard, Yale, and Princeton.
Education
Companies Offering Free Subscriptions due to School Closings (Updated) :
Amazing Educational Resources (Check
out their FB page,
too!)
These
Education Companies Are Offering Free Subscriptions to Parents During School
Closures (including Audible, Rosetta Stone, Khan Academy, Scholastic,
Mystery Science, and more!)
Welcome
to Art For Kids Hub! - Here you’ll find all kinds of art lessons for kids,
including how to draw for kids, even painting and origami for kids.
I would be remiss if I did not also share some links to
mental-health resources, as well. This
has been difficult for children and adults alike. You’re not alone.
Coping
with Stress and Anxiety at Home Webinar, McAllen ISD
Mental Health
and COVID-19 and Dr.
Christine Moutier Discusses Managing Your Mental Health on CNN Town Hall, American
Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Ten Percent
Happier LIVE, Live guided meditation + a virtual break from social
distancing.
Free. Every weekday at 2 p.m. (and videotaped for viewing at
any time)
Finally, I
would like to share this
video sent to me this afternoon by Alex Trevino, director of McHi Mariachi,
six-time state champions, from McAllen High School, where I ended my teaching
career. Videos like this speak to me of
resilience, of finding a way, of strength, of courage, of community, and of
love.
Parents, Educators, and
Students: If YOU have resources you have
discovered and/or if you have videos to share of #RISINGUP, please post the
links in the comments under this blog post!
I do not say, “Together, we can.”
I say, “TOGETHER, WE ARE!”
Chris Ardis retired
in May of 2013 following a 29-year teaching career. She now helps companies
with business communications and social media. Chris can be reached at
cardis1022@aol.com. (Photo by Linda Blackwell, McAllen)
