Normally, the beginning of a new school year would bring its usual mix of excitement, anticipation, and nervousness. This is true for both students and teachers (parents too). But in the age of Coronavirus I think it is fair to say that many approach this new school year with even stronger emotions and anxiety than usual. There are many opinions out there about whether schools should open in person or through distance learning. The point of this post is not to debate that question. But I do want to capture this moment in time so that years from now my kids will be able to look back and get a sense of what it felt like. I also want to say before I get into it that this post is an attempt to reflect on some of the questions and feelings that I think many may be going through in communities all over. It is not meant as a commentary on any specific community or school. I am proud to work at a school that is full of reflective and supportive educators. And truthfully, all our schools are blessed with caring and thoughtful people. This is a crazy time and we are all trying our best to figure out how to navigate these choppy waters. To be honest, I am scared to write this blog. Vulnerability, though often praised as a virtue, can bring judgement from others. Despite this risk, I think the potential benefit of others feeling seen and validated makes it a risk worth taking. So here goes... Dear Student, I know you are entering a school year feeling scared. You have a lot of questions on your mind. Will I be safe if we go back to the building? Will I be lonely if we do not? Will anything feel normal anytime soon? When will I be able to just hang out with my friends, or go to a restaurant, or sit together on the floor with our backs to our lockers? Will I have to sit staring at a screen all day long, and then be assigned more homework on the screen to do at night? Will my classmates judge me when they see my zoom background or bedroom? Will my teacher be able to see me over the computer if I have something to ask or share? Will my teacher be able to "see" me and get to know me if we are not in person? Will I get enough exercise if I sit at my desk at home all day? Will I actually learn everything I need to learn this year? Will I get help if I am struggling? Will I miss out on all the fun things I was looking forward to, like sports, Shabbatonim, school trips, and Color War? And if we do go back to the building, will it feel normal? Will I see any classmates outside of my learning pod? Will I be allowed to leave class here and there just to blow off some steam? Will wearing a mask all day make it hard to breath, to talk, to concentrate? Will I be able to understand what the teacher is saying behind their mask? Will anything this year feel normal? Those are all very fair questions. And they (and you) deserve an honest response. The truth is, I don't have all the answers. Usually parents and teachers are supposed to answer your questions. And we can talk about some of the technical answers of how things will work and what we can do together to have a great year. But I get the sense that you are not really looking for a specific answer to a specific question. I think what you may really be seeking is validation. Is it ok for me to feel nervous, anxious, and scared? And the answer to that is definitively, YES. Maybe I shouldn't tell you this. After all, I want to reassure you and comfort you; not make you more nervous. But the truth is that I'm scared too. I am also wondering about how I will succeed this year and how I will stay safe. Teaching is not easy even under normal circumstances. The idea of meeting brand new students each year, getting to know each one individually, and figuring out how to help facilitate their learning and growth is a lot harder than it sounds. When people ask me "what do you teach?" I don't answer "Tanach." I answer "I teach x number of amazing young people and try to help them on their journey of self-discovery and growth." This is what makes education such an amazing calling. It is complex, interesting, and meaningful. But one thing it is not is easy. And teaching in the age of Coronavirus is even harder. How will I get to know my students through a screen or a mask? How will I make sure that I am safe if we return to the building? How will I create opportunities for my students to learn in Chavruta or work collaboratively if they must stay 6 feet apart and if some choose to stay learning from home even after we return to the building? How will I assess what you have learned and give you meaningful feedback that will be helpful? How will I develop not only your Tanach skills, but your Social-Emotional learning competencies as well? How will I help you feel inspired and connected spiritually? How will I feel comfortable and relaxed if we are in the building? How will I balance work and family if teaching from home? I'm sure if we wanted to we could each add many more questions to our lists. And if we invited parents into this conversation they would have a whole list of their own questions as well (I know this because I do have lots of questions as a parent this year, even more than usual). While we are at it, we could invite the school leadership team to join us. I guarantee you they have a million questions as well, including how can we keep everyone safe, learning, and happy, knowing that whatever we decide will please some and disappoint others? Here's what it boils down to: what we are all going through now is not normal. And none of us have all the answers. But, and this is key, this year can still be an incredible year. If we are a little more patient, and understanding, and caring with each other. If we communicate openly, honestly, and respectfully. If we realize that we are all in this together and are on the same team. I'm not going to tell you not to feel scared. I'm scared too. What I want to tell you though is that a) it's ok to feel that way, b) you are not alone, c) I am here if you want to talk, and d) we can do this. I hope and pray that we will find a vaccine as soon as possible and we can get back to the normal issues of life. But we do not have to wait for that to have an incredible year. This year will also have lots of fun and funny moments. This year, even while practicing social distancing, we can grow closer than ever through this shared experience. This year, we can grow through adversity and build skills like grit and resilience that will help us for the rest of our lives. This year will make us stronger, kinder, wiser, and braver. This year we will learn together. We will laugh together. We will grow together. I'll make you a deal. If you are having a tough day just give me a signal and I will understand. If you want to talk about it I am always here for you. If you don't want to talk, that is ok too. You see, being brave doesn't mean pretending that you aren't scared. It means going forward even when you are scared. One step at a time, one foot after the other. And you are not alone. We are all on this journey together.
