I was recently asked by Scottsdale Independent reporter Melissa Rosequist to respond to several questions about what it’s like being quarantined at home, particularly with having the SUSD school year canceled.
To be sure, as a working solo mother of two high-energy boys ages 4 and 7, the recent circumstances are challenging. I relied on school to keep us in a routine and on a schedule --- and to give me time and space to work, exercise and reflect.
As I worked on how to best describe the impacts on my family’s lifestyles, I thought about our SUSD teachers who have made the rapid transition from traditional classroom learning to virtual teaching.
SUSD was only one of several districts in the state that responded so successfully. In fact, while neighboring districts are having only one Zoom classroom session per week --- my first grader and pre-schooler are having daily Zooms with their class, providing a much needed connection to their teachers and friends.
On behalf of our organization, Yes To Children, I want to thank teachers for their commitment to put students first even in the most challenging of times. I am seeing it every day.
I got to thinking about all the teachers who are parents as well.
Like so many of us, their kids are learning from home. Teachers are not only experiencing the same challenges we are, but they are also continuing to help their students learn by using the latest digital tools and adjusting to new teaching methods. And dealing with parents like me who are admittedly ill-prepared to teach.
I have heard teachers’ stories that are both heartwarming and humorous. Some are even sad.
Many, if not most, teacher-parents are working under intensely stressful conditions. For example, one teacher recently worried that she was putting her young daughter on the “backburner” because of all the new and increasing demands on her time.
A teacher’s nine-year-old girl lamented that she didn’t want to see her mom on the computer so much. Another wrote that “Between the training after hours, lesson preparation, grading and the many hours I have been on the phone trying to connect with my students to get them online, my time with my daughter has dwindled.”
All of us are experiencing the challenges of this epidemic. But whenever the demands of work and parenting don’t mesh as well as I wish, despite my best intentions, I think of our SUSD teachers who are exceeding expectations time and again with grace, professionalism, humor and creativity.
Thanks SUSD teachers, we are in awe of your dedication and flexibility and thankful for your continuing presence in our students’ daily life.
Editor’s Note: Melinda Gulick is a co-chair of Yes To Children.
