... but tonight I bounce back!

Miriam's bitmoji and a cat smile with eyes closed.

 Based on things I've experienced, seen, and heard from people, here is a list of things you (yes you) can do to support teachers during COVID. 

1. Allow space. Give teachers space to grieve, be upset, be anxious, AND be creative. We need space for it all, as we are doing it and experiencing it all. 
2. Don't make teachers the automatic enemy. Please understand that most of us don't have much choice with what we are doing now. For some things, we literally have been told what we can and cannot do and what we can and cannot say. For other things, we've been given a general directive, but have so little room for movement or time to complete things, there is no practical choice. We are doing the best we can with what we have been given or commanded. 
3. Help us understand your digital needs. I cannot necessarily help you get devices, but I can direct you where to go. I cannot force your child to sit in front of a computer or complete work from the school, but if you tell me what your child is struggling with, I can do my best to help. I can talk to your student, provide compelling materials, and provide accommodations.
4. Protect us and protect your students. At this point, we know just enough about COVID to know that we MUST take protective measures. Please, if you insist on sending your students physically to school, make sure they come to school with: two masks (in case one breaks, gets lost, gets dirty, etc), hand sanitiser, tissues, wipes (antibacterial if possible), plenty of water, snacks, a device and/or supplies for class. While I have hand sanitiser in my classroom, extra masks, supplies, and outlets for devices... They are not in infinite supply. The hand sanitiser provided by the school will run out. The masks (provided by me) will run out. I have supplies, but each time they are used, they must be cleaned (while I also clean the room, supervise the hallways, prepare for the next class in person and digitally, and go to the bathroom if needed). I have a limited number of outlets. NONE of the water fountains are open and I do not have extra water. The cafeteria is only open at certain times and I want your students fed. If you have trouble providing these, let me know and I will do the best I can to help. 
5. Cut us, and your students a break/give us the benefit of the doubt. We are less than a full month in and already I spend a good deal of time answering questions about grades, sometimes within an hour of posting them. I get it. Grades are important and in this current atmosphere the universities and testing orgs are telling us so little about what, if any, changes are coming. But I can spend my time answering these questions or preparing to teach and support your students. I know not all teachers do, but many of us send out regular progress reports (with notes), weekly newsletters, and have forms to request grade updates. Please use these. Help us support your students in the most effective way possible. And... on that note... cut back some of the pressure for perfection on your students. They, as we, are doing the best they can. 

So that's five. What am I missing? What else do teachers need from parents and the community?

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