Page 59 - EdViewptsSpring2021

schools, keeping a steady connection simply replicate in-person instruction in-person school experience as closely
with staff is normally a challenge – and into a digital format. In many cases, as possible. This type of thinking
a lack of physical visibility created a I listened to teachers venting their translated into rules or procedures
seemingly insurmountable obstacle. frustrations at being short on time that had at times negative impacts
I looked no further than the back of my to digitally retype handwritten or on students’ wellbeing, such as rigid
office door for inspiration – hanging hardcopy worksheets – for hours upon rules for using the restroom, having
there is a sign that reads, “’Too busy’ hours. This type of work cost teachers a drink or snack, and schedules that
is a myth. People make time for their sleep, their health, and their hindered flexibility on families. Remote
what’s important to them.” I created morale – at little to no gain in student learning is our chance to question why
a standing Friday Zoom session that achievement. and how we do things, not to blindly
served as an informal, grab-a-coffee, I felt compelled to tell teachers translate all of what we do into a new
chat and decompress time between that there wasn’t an expectation mode. Students refrain from snacking
science teachers and myself. I let my of perfection in these extenuating in their school classroom for many
staff know abundantly that this time circumstances – neither during an logistical reasons, such as integrative
was reserved for being connected and observation nor on a day-to-day basis. pest management, but at home
lowering their stress level – and that If a worksheet had to be replaced students can eat while they work –
it was a space where no judgements by something else entirely, that critical consideration during a time
or evaluations would take place. To was ok. In fact, hidden among this when food insecurities ran high and
my surprise, each week’s session was approach was an invitation to expand schedules needed additional flexibility.
well attended, with many of my staff instructional strategies and activities Rigid schedules can be helpful in
attending multiple times and thanking into something more authentic and bringing routine and order to a chaotic
me for a space that allowed them to meaningful. Swapping out a worksheet situation, but not allowing families
vent, socialize, and connect with their for a breakout room and small group the flexibility to work asynchronously
colleagues across the district. discussion was an improvement in can have devastating consequences.
many ways, not just a time-saver. I If our customers are our students,
stressed to my staff that I wanted them then our focus must be on customer
engagement and satisfaction – not
Give permission to not be to take risks, try new things, and try to arcane company policy.
perfect find resources that made life easier for As we gradually make the transition
them and their students. Just because
Teachers are often perfectionists and something is easily and quickly found, back to hybrid and completely in-
rule-followers. When faced with the doesn’t mean it isn’t worth using or person instruction, our mindset
rapid transition to remote learning, and that it isn’t good work. There’s nothing shifts and considerations that are
throughout the back and forth between to be gained in making something made now will govern the morale
remote and hybrid instruction, I that’s already been made. and capacity of staff and students
observed many teachers reaching returning to their schools. The
for not only an impossibly high bar, improvements and adaptations made
but a misguided effort to replicate Replicate the best parts of to our teaching, course content,
the in-person experience in a remote school – not the worst and classroom environments will
mode. While I commend teachers for springboard learning for years to
their Herculean efforts in providing the I looked at remote learning as an come – or leave it stagnant. The
richest, most thorough educational opportunity to question so many silver lining of a rapid shift to remote
experiences, the level of stress and practices that exist in education learning is an once-in-a-lifetime
exhaustion endured by teachers simply because they’re past practice opportunity to grow and change to
exceeded the real or perceived gains or because of physical logistics. I reflect a new normal and students
in outcome. Most costly in these observed many teachers confusing who learn best by constructing
exhausting efforts was a mission to remote learning with replicating the knowledge on their own terms.

About the Author

Al Lewis is a Curriculum Supervisor for Science, Technology Education, and Library for Gloucester
Township Public Schools. He also serves as District Test Coordinator. His areas of passion include
raising STEM career awareness to historically underrepresented groups, creating authentic scenario-
based instructional experiences, and growing as a servant-leader. Al is currently completing a program
with NJ EXCEL for his School Administrator certificate. He lives in Williamstown with his wife and
children.

Educational Viewpoints -57- Spring 2021