Part 2 - SHSE
As I drove away from SHSE, I felt nothing but relief.
I was now in job-limbo, but I knew that SHSE was not sustainable for my mental health or my teaching career.
Over the several days, I was in constant contact with my new principal and HR, finalizing everything for my new job. Less than a week later, I was back in the classroom.
My new job was a bit different, and I'm sure many teachers would complain if they had the same situation, but for me, it was a oasis after a year in a desert. I was teaching biology and forensic science. I was teaching juniors and seniors for the first time. I was teaching in three different classrooms - rotating throughout the day. I was beginning two weeks into the second semester. I was starting in a new district and learning everything on the fly - new systems, new grade books, new acronyms (we all know every district has their own acronyms for everything). But I was willing to do all of it for this new start.
I was able to teach again. I had coworkers to collaborate with. I had administrators who cared about the students as individuals and as learners.
It was not long until I felt my rhythm coming back.
I had all of February and half of March with my students and loved getting to know them, and them getting to know me. We had a routine and were having fun, but then we were cut short by COVID.
Distance teaching is a different ball game. Its challenging to keep in touch with students in the same way you do in the classroom. You can't do a quick check-in, you can't gauge their facial expressions.
But, it's made me appreciate MMHS so much more. From the first day, the focus as been on our students' well being. Administrators and teachers have been worried about ensuring our kids are fed, safe, and have access to our counselors and social workers. Those services were worked out first, then we tackled academics, but with a heart for the students who don't have access or are dealing with other circumstances. Our area is being hit hard by the virus, and MMHS is being cognizant and compassionate of this.
For the academics, I am still loving it. For my students engaged with the learning, they have had great feedback for me and have been asking great questions. During live sessions, they have been appreciative. It has pushed me to find creative ways to teach and explain things - always looking for the best way for students to learn a concept.
I have also learned more about my coworkers within the past two months through our collaboration sessions, and they have been able to see my strengths and weaknesses as well. Coming in at the middle of the year, it is easy to become an island, but this strange season of teaching has relied so much on collaboration and provided me a unique opportunity to get to know my coworkers to much faster than I think I would have normally.
I am not thankful for COVID by any means - I would still give anything to be back in a normal classroom and see my students every day - but it did provide me with some unique insight and opportunities that I don't think I would have had otherwise.
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