‘New Normal’ at School: What a Teacher Wants Parents to Know
By Johna Underwood
We are halfway through the school year! Time to celebrate! Unfortunately, this is also a time when teachers leave the profession. And this year, many teachers are choosing to do just that. Parents may wonder why this year has been so difficult on teachers considering that schools seem mostly “back to normal.” As a teacher with 17 years of experience, I can say these have been a difficult few years. And this year, though better, has brought new challenges. Yet, many of us are staying in the classroom, learning the “new normal.” Because the first thing teachers want parents to know is that we believe in your students.
We also know these last two school years have not been easy on parents either. Juggling work while trying to help students learn from home was overwhelming. We know because many of us are parents. Perhaps you asked some of the same questions I was asking in my home: “How do we find the correct assignment on Google Classroom? What time is your math Zoom lesson?” We also know that just because parents helped students get on the bus or dropped them off at the school door this past August doesn’t mean this year got much easier. The world still seems far from “normal.” We teachers understand that; we are right there with you.
Additionally, we want parents to know that students often feel the same way adults do. Learning last year was different. Students had to tackle new online learning, spent more time learning from home, and likely did a large part of their socializing through a screen. And neither did their lives suddenly become “normal” when they walked through the school doors in August. They may be aware of their families’ continued struggles. They may have their own fears. They may simply be unsure how to navigate the social situations of being back on a campus full of students.
So, since teachers, parents, and students are all struggling with these challenges, teachers would also like parents to be encouraged. There are ways to support students, such as renewing routines. Teachers and administrators know that transitioning successfully into any new school year involves reestablishing school routines. Yet, students lost more than a year of routine school and social interactions. To help students start on the path to a productive school year, many schools worked diligently to refocus on safe and respectful school routines. Parents can help support students’ success at school by reviving home routines. Bedtime, wake-up time, playtime, and homework/study time routines can help students manage the daily stresses of school, especially as we wrap up the holiday season and move into the long spring semester.
Speaking of routines, last year, it wasn’t uncommon for students to spend most of a day using technology. We even encouraged it. But that may not have been completely positive. Technology can be helpful. It can give students access to helpful information, provide support for learning difficulties, and increase student interest. But teachers also want parents to know that unchecked access to technology, especially social media, can create obstacles to success. Though we have shifted back to more traditional classrooms, technology will continue to play an influential role in students’ learning and social development. Therefore, it is beneficial to establish technology routines right along with our other classroom and home routines.
As we work to establish routines, open communication continues to be necessary for student success. But, I want to acknowledge that parents and teachers have not always had productive communicative experiences. Communicating well — thoughtfully, purposefully, and professionally — is complicated! And yet, better communication can improve the learning environment. Teachers want parents to feel comfortable to call or send an email if a student is struggling, academically or emotionally. Parents might consider contacting their school’s counselor. Counselors can keep teachers aware of students’ struggles while also providing important school information and resources for parents. Additionally, parents shouldn’t hesitate to communicate the positives. Teachers love to know what sparks students’ excitement and can use this information to engage students in learning.
Ultimately, teachers want parents to know the reason we continue to teach, even in this challenging “new normal.” We want to help students find success even amidst their own challenges, to become confident, well-rounded, and thoughtful learners. We believe in our students.
Johna Underwood teaches English at Gatesville High School.
