Page 58 - EdViewptsSpring2021
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Shifting Mindsets on
Remote Learning
By Al Lewis, Curriculum Supervisor for Science, Technology Education, and
Library, Gloucester Township Public Schools
Educators have risen to is eliminating barriers that impede strategies to teachers with ease.
the challenges inherent to instruction and learning. Just as Existing communication channels and
teachers have had to persevere and
stakeholders allowed teachers to seek
the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt to new obstacles, we also have support, and facilitated my proactive
performing their craft to shift our mindset and adjust to this and reactive outputs that helped equip
teachers for the rapid shift to remote
“new normal.” I’ve spent a lot of time
with new obstacles and throughout this past year considering learning.
barriers – often times to how to best support teachers as they What was most startling was the lack
endure what is most likely the largest
the detriment of their own disruption to education in our careers. of morale-building and relationship-
building communication. Teachers
felt isolated and I felt left without a
wellbeing. In both the spring’s channel to replace stopping by on a
quarantine and the fall’s foreseen Check in on your people prep period, before arrival, or after
switch to remote learning, teachers dismissal to stay connected to my
have proven time and time again – With all or most staff working from teachers. As a curriculum supervisor
they’re expert instructors and savvy home this calendar year, I found with staff spread out among three
classroom managers. As educational that I was able to provide resources, middle schools and eight elementary
leaders, one of our core functions instructional materials, and teaching
Educational Viewpoints -56- Spring 2021
