Dear Teachers,
Thank you for being so brave. You did a really hard thing.
Unlike years before, you walked into this school year not knowing what could possibly happen to your life, wondering how Covid-19 could potentially spread. You had to embrace the unknowns of in-person learning during a pandemic and trust new safety protocols that had never been tested before.
You had to adapt quickly to new teaching dynamics and systems and become flexible with switching up classrooms between online and in-person learning.
Beyond time intensive lesson planning and grading, you were keeping your classroom sanitary. Parent volunteers were no longer able to help which left you to manage it all on your own… You carried it all.
And how in the world do you teach kids how to read when you’re wearing a mask over your face?! I have no idea, but you had to figure out.
Others of you juggled how to manage online classrooms and the technology learning curves. Even though you experienced extreme Zoom fatigue, you tirelessly found creative ways to keep your online class engaged.
You showed up.
Even when it was difficult, you pressed on.
I know showing up for our children everyday wasn’t easy. We all had fears about Covid, but as teachers, you had to face those fears head on. You had a job to do, and you did it so bravely.
Some of you lost loved ones to Covid-19, and you still showed up to teach.
Others of you were at high risk of catching Covid-19, and you still showed up to teach.
Because you showed up, our children got a great education, an opportunity to connect with others and the necessary experiences for developmental growth.
We are so thankful for you. Thank you for stepping up and showing up in a very trying time. We admire your fortitude to keep the school system running. It could not have been done without you!
On behalf of all the parents, thank you, teachers.
