Advice for New, Novice and Veteran Educators Returning to In-Person Learning and the Hybrid Classroom
It is mid-February 2021 and some educators are preparing to go into the physical classroom for the first time this school year. Even though I have been an educator for many years, this return to the school building promises to be distinctly different. For the first time in my career, educators are returning to the classroom in the middle of the school year not after a restful summer or even a summer filled with professional learning, teaching summer school, enjoying time with family and friends. Nope, for many this return to the physical classroom is smack in the middle of teaching in the virtual classroom. As we go boldly into the physical classroom, here are a few tips I hope will make the transition easier.
First, you are not alone. We are all new to this situation and navigating our new normal together. There are educational leaders in your school. Some of you will be meeting them face-to-face for the first time. Others will see familiar faces. Either way, educational leaders such as Reading Specials and Instructional Lead Teachers are resources. Greet your fellow educators with compassion and understanding. Discuss their new routine and find out when and if they will be able to provide support. If you are new to the building, you may also need to know how to get supplies such as math manipulatives, reading books, materials for science experiments, art supplies, etc. Make a "Need to Know" list for your return. You may not receive all of the answers to your questions or all of the information you “Need to know” on day one. However, creating your list will give you a starting point.
You are more prepared for face-to-face or hybrid teaching than you think. There are so many things that you already know. Take some time to reflect on the known. What have you learned about yourself, your students, and the curriculum during distance learning? All of that knowledge is with you as you enter the school building. You are not starting at "0". Build on what you already know as you move into this new situation.
If possible, try to go to the physical building a few days before your designated report date. Use that time for you. Get to know your surroundings. Where are the adult restrooms and the copier? What is the procedure for entering your building? How will your students enter and exit your classroom? Think about your classroom set-up. Do you need additional furniture? Or does furniture need to be removed from your room so students can sit 6 feet apart? Having things in place will help you adjust and feel more comfortable.
Your time is precious. Set a schedule and stick to it. You are not required to remain in your building past your scheduled designated work time. To make the best use of your time in the schoolhouse, plan out your day and keep in mind tomorrow is another day. Accomplish what you can and start fresh the next day. If you choose to stay late at work (and if it is allowed), make sure that time focuses on completing your task. My most important tip in this area is to set a "hard stop" time (a time you will stop working finished or not) for your workday. If 5:00 pm is your designated hard stop time, make 5:00 pm non-negotiable. You should be in your car at 5:00 pm, not packing a bag. As a matter of fact, don't pack a bag! It's 5:00 pm. No more work for you today.
A few essential personal supplies will help make your work life easier. Unfortunately, my experience as a teacher has taught me that there are times that the adult restroom does not have what I need. There have also been times that I forgot to bring a spoon to eat my soup for lunch. With this in mind, consider getting a few supplies for your comfort and wellbeing. For example, I have a "Personals bag" with toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer, etc. I also have a separate supply of plastic eating utensils, napkins, salt, pepper, etc. These little comforts save time and add to my peace of mind. Even Beyoncé has hot sauce in her bag. What do you need, for you, to make your day easier? Bring it with you.
Finally, your wellbeing matters. Before going back to the physical building, make a plan to take care of yourself. How do you take care of yourself now? If your answer is "not well enough," you have to make changes. Set aside time to do for you. Please put "Me Time" in your plan and on your schedule. Even if Me Time is10 minutes in your car drinking a Frappuccino and listening to your favorite song, do it! What do you enjoy? Reading a book, walking, talking to friends, listening to music; do something fun for you. No matter how small, you must take care of yourself to successfully take care of others.
Remember the airplane survival rule of putting on your oxygen mask first before helping others. Flight attendants tell you this not because it's selfish. They ask you to put on your mask first because you cannot help anyone else if you run out of oxygen. Grab your patience, your teacher bag with needed personal supplies, your understanding of teaching, and your oxygen mask because ready or not, we are going in.
