Page 80 - EdViewptsSpring2021

for a few minutes, but for upwards Resiliency based on need. If we are teaching
of four hours, educators were in the After a year of pivoting from in person children (and not a curriculum), then
households of the children that sit before learning, to virtual learning, to hybrid these experiences with resiliency should
them every day. This was job-embedded learning, the prevailing thought is, be our central focus and let us find ways
professional learning in empathy. “The kids are so behind. How can we to harness this experiential strength and
Empathy says, “Take a walk in my possibly catch them up?” Should this be apply it to the lessons that are taught.
shoes.” Teachers could not turn off their our central focus? Or should we spend
cameras and being the superheroes more time recognizing the resilience
that they are, they took that walk and students have shown in surviving life As we journey through this crisis, we
allowed it to become their superpower. in the Pandemic? Maybe even further, can continually discuss the dangers
They learned quickly that poverty is we should create safe spaces where and ills it has presented us or we can
not a disability and zip codes do not students can engage in dialogue embrace these unique circumstances
determine outcomes (Taylor, 2020). with teachers or their peers to garner and turn them into a pivotal moment in
emotional support and pool resources education.

About the Authors
Dr. Alvin L. Freeman is an Assistant Superintendent of Schools, visionary and an exceptional
educational leader. His genuine relationships with students and families are unmatched. He has a
proven track record of turning failing school systems into thriving ones. He is a graduate of Upsala
College (‘93) and Kean University where he received both his Master’s (‘02) and Doctorate (‘16)
degrees.
Dr. Roberta Freeman is an Educational Leader and Adjunct Professor who is a disruptor of the status
quo. Her upcoming book, Leadership Reflections: Voices From Our Journey, is an eclectic collection of
writings for novice educational leaders of color. She is a graduate of Virginia State University (‘94) and
Kean University, where she received both her Master’s (‘04) and Doctorate (‘17) degrees. Dr. Freeman is
a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

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Educational Viewpoints -78- Spring 2021