2020 has been the most unusual year for all of us so far. This is perhaps the first time that schools have been shut for so long and children are at home 24/7 with parents. Irrespective of the ongoing debate regarding the online classes and school fee, we can’t overlook the fact that teachers are going beyond the call of duty to teach your children.
Don’t you think these unsung heroes of COVID-19 need love and respect from their students’ parents more than ever this year? Let’s tell you why.
1. Adapting to a New Model of Teaching
Teachers have risen to occasion and learnt the nitty-gritty of the technology to run online classes. It’s one thing to know how to operate computers and browse the internet. But, it’s altogether a different level to conduct virtual classes through high-end technology, learning management software or mobile apps. They went through weeks of rigorous training to familiarize themselves with technology during the period what otherwise is usually a school vacation for them.
If your children’s online classes are running smoothly barring some technical glitches, it is because teachers spent relentless hours mastering it.
2. Working More on Less Pay
Most schools have slashed their teachers’ salaries due to lack of funds. For a moment here, let’s not discuss why and how. Rather, what’s more important to know is that it is the reality. Teachers are putting in a lot of hard work and extra hours despite the salary cuts.
They don’t want their beloved students to suffer the loss of studies or miss out completely on the new academic year. They are doing more than what they are receiving. Let’s not forget the some of these teachers may be a single parent or a sole breadwinner of their family or may have debts and loans to pay.
3. Managing a Chock-a-Block Schedule
Apart from professional duties which require them to conduct virtual classes, attend school meetings and preparing lesson presentations, teachers have to also manage their families and personal commitments. No daycare or school for kids, no maids for household work, caring for elderly, a working spouse, online classes of kids, parenting guilt – teachers are going through same pandemic struggles as all of us. They don’t even have the flexibility of work hours because the classes have to commence at a particular time only.
Despite all the challenges of work-life balance, teachers welcome your children with a happy smile every day without reflecting an iota of stress or any worry lines on their face.
4. Relieving Parenting Workload Off Your Shoulders
If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers.
-E.W. Howe, American novelist, newspaper and magazine editor
Parenting is a huge responsibility in itself and when it is clubbed with lockdown, you know what happens. When children go to school, you don’t have to worry about engaging them for those hours. But, with no schools, homeschooling and engaging kids at home turned out to be an additional burden on parents.
Let’s admit that teachers have provided some respite to all parents through online classes and creative engagement activities so that you have peace of mind for a few hours.
5. Taking the Judgements and Criticism in Their Stride
Teachers know that they are often being monitored or watched by parents and school management during online classes. This not only invades teacher-student privacy but also makes them vulnerable to critique. When they receive unwarranted negative feedback or opinions on their teaching methods or class behaviour, they still take it gracefully and in good spirit.
The ongoing situation has taken a toll on everyone and teachers are not barred either. Teachers are doing every bit to connect with their students and run online classes seamlessly. Let’s cut them some slack and give them all the appreciation they deserve.
Salute to all teachers out there. Thank you!
Respect to all teachers.
Yes. All parents need to understand that the situations is not easy for teachers either. But, they have coped up amazingly well and for that reason alone, we need to give them kudos.
Indeed they deserve respect. My neighbour is a school teacher and from what she tells me, I can relate her situation with every point mentioned here.