McBlogging

Well. I'm sitting in my car in the McDonald's parking lot writing this blogpost because my internet is down at home.

Today was a remote learning day, so some readers might be wondering why I didn't just write this blogpost earlier when my internet was working. Contrary to popular belief, when teachers work from home we really are working.

My day involved troubleshooting usernames and passwords so that my students have a fun way to review vocabulary with interactive online games instead of reading a PDF.

It involved sending some happy birthday emails and cat GIFs to students who are trying to celebrate safely during a pandemic.

I updated my presentations with more current and relevant examples and pictures because teaching is reinventing even when it ain't broke.

And of course I had to triple check all of my virtual learning links to make sure that my online classroom is running smoothly and safely.

Then I painstakingly reworded a test to fit the character limits of Kahoot so that my kids can take practice tests as an engaging online quiz. And of course I threw in some wholesome Taylor Swift and NBA memes for good measure.

I emailed answers to student questions ranging from "is there a zoom today?" to "can you write me a recommendation letter?"

The best part of my day was reading through discussion boards where my students and I got to know each other better. They shared their likes and dislikes and talked to their classmates about The Office and basketball and their pet dogs. 

And I'm really sad that we didn't get to do icebreakers in person. You see, no one wants my kids back in school more than me. I am painfully extroverted. I've had my classroom unpacked and ready to go since August. 

I miss talking to my kids about who won the soccer game and what happened on Grey's Anatomy and which celebrities are feuding on Twitter. I miss them making fun of me. I miss them cringing when I sing along to the Glee cast album in class. I miss spending too much money on Halloween candy at Target and then being shocked that they always go for sour stuff over chocolate. I miss how excited they get when they think they got me off topic but in reality I am a train that is easily derailed because I genuinely love talking to them about the things they care about. 

As much as I wish things would go back to normal tomorrow, I think it's important to consider the long-term consequences of high schoolers returning before teachers are vaccinated. 

You can find more information here. And if you agree, I would appreciate you signing this petition. And if you disagree, that's fine too. There are no easy solutions that will make everyone happy. In the words of Tamra Judge, "that's my opinion."

We're not asking for "more days off" because I can assure you, virtual learning creates MORE work for teachers, not less.

All we're asking for is time. To reopen safely and sustainably.