The week of May 4 was Teacher Appreciation Week. Under normal circumstances, teaching 20-30 students (or more) every day is challenging. Since schools closed because of the pandemic, teachers connect with their students online. I consider their efforts heroic.
I could be slightly biased because we have a longstanding tradition of educators in our family. Both of our sons are teachers. Chris teaches 4th graders in Las Vegas. Jeremy instructs high school English in a Seattle suburb. His wife, Jen, took a sabbatical several years ago from teaching 1st grade to be at home with their children. Two sisters-in-law are teachers (one is retired). Our nephew’s wife, a former elementary school teacher, stays at home with their four children. Almost overnight, these stay-at-home moms started homeschooling their kids—not an easy task!
Coming to You Live From Home
Chris teaches his kids
When Chris visited us a few weeks ago, I enjoyed listening to him teach his students online. A cacophony of voices responded to his instruction. His communication with the kids impressed me. I couldn’t help but think how this little slice of “normalcy “in their day made a difference for them. They sounded pleased to be there with friends and with their teacher—something they can count on every weekday until school is officially out for the summer.
Jeremy also meets with his students on Zoom —as well as “team-teaching” our grandchildren who are 7 and 4 with his wife. I think of all the parents who aren’t trained as teachers who also homeschool their children. Ordinary people stepping up to the task. They are heroes too.
Celebrating Teachers and Students
Last week for Teacher Appreciation Week, parents and students planned a parade to honor teachers and staff where Chris teaches.
More than 1,000 students in 500 cars drove past their teachers who lined up (6 feet apart) outside the school. Cars
Jeremy homeschools his favorite students
decked with balloons and signs formed a line that took more than an hour to roll by! That’s amazing—and so heart-warming for those teachers who have worked hard to get their students through this difficult school year.
Graduating seniors at Jeremy’s school came to pick up caps and gowns and a sign saying they’re graduating. Staff lined up in the parking lot (social distanced, of course!) and cheered seniors on for four hours as students drove through to pick up their graduation items.
Other stories of educators who have gone the extra mile—and more—offer bright spots amidst other negative news. One school principal drove to each graduating senior’s home (more than 600 students!) to congratulate them and give them their diplomas. Many others have taken extraordinary steps to show their students how much they are valued.
