Tomorrow? We Teach

Hey, a little while ago, or in a little bit, I might write about what’s going wrong – complaints, blaming those in charge, expressing anger at the virus….

But right now – NYC teachers, we are in for tomorrow. Virtual teaching. Day 1. Best of luck!

If you can do well off the start – fantastic! If you don’t get there tomorrow – it might take a few days. But we will get there. Be patient with yourself. This is hard.

Don’t expect to recreate your whole classroom – or to teach as much as you normally teach.  You’ll miss some administrative stuff. It’s ok. Things will go wrong – it’ll happen to many of us. You are not alone.

Tomorrow you will think about lessons. You might think about grading. In some schools you might have to worry about attendance (why???) You might have to move a virtual card.  You’ll probably have to think about e-mails.

But for a moment tomorrow, think about this instead: a system of over one million children just ground to a halt. Tomorrow you, you personally, are playing a role in restarting it.

And think about this: You are trying to provide a modicum of instruction, of structure, and of personal contact to your students. You will try your best. And even if they don’t say it, your kids will be appreciate it, and will be happy to see you.