5 Ways to Support Teachers During Emergency Distance Learning

Teachers have been asked to defy the odds, do the impossible, create something from nothing… the list goes on. Raise your hand if 3 months ago you really thought that we would be in a situation where, pretty much universally, we are asking administrators, teachers, parents, and students to participate exclusively in distance learning. Anyone? Our teachers were essentially tasked with completely reworking our entire education system in a matter of days! I will go ahead and say I think they did a pretty bang-up job! Have we been perfect? No. Has there been trial and error? Yes. Can we do better? Sure. However, overall, as educators, we have managed to semi-successfully revamp our schools for emergency distance learning. 

I applaud all involved to make this transition as smooth as possible. For many, we are already a month or more into this endeavor, but our teachers still need support! They still need guidance and forgiveness! The following are 5 ways that administrators and schools can support teachers during emergency distance learning. Many of you are already doing these things! If you aren’t, it isn’t too late, and heaven forbid, we are in this situation again, you will be prepared!

Let Them Know it isn’t a Competition

It can be very easy to get sucked into the trap of "Pinterest" teachers. Or "Instagram" teachers. Let your teachers know that isn’t the expectation! Tell them that showing up and doing their best is enough! Tell them, “You don't have to live up to that image! You don't have to be perfect! Be yourself! Be there for your students!” If they can hear this message from their leadership, it will go a long way into easing their anxiety and stress! 

Make Self-Care a Priority

While it is important that we provide PD and resources to make sure emergency distance learning goes as well as possible. The mental and emotional health of our staff is the priority. Let your staff know that they must take care of their emotional health first. Their stresses at home are their priority. To best serve your student body, they must take care of themselves! Here is a link to my blog post on self-care. 

Let Them Know Failure is Okay

We should always promote risk-taking if it is to benefit students. Teachers should always have a green light to innovate, even if the results aren’t always “great”.  During the current landscape, teachers need to know that it is okay to mess up, it is okay that using a new platform and new resources creates some hiccups. Failure leads to growth, growth leads to improvements for our students. 

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

In uncertain times, teachers are going to have questions and concerns. Policies will change, plans will change. Make sure that EVERYONE is in the loop with the most up-to-date information. Make a habit of checking in with teachers regularly. Anytime you have new information, the teachers should have the new information. Leading during a crisis is challenging, the unknown is scary, make it less scary for your teachers by keeping them informed and a part of the decision-making process! 

Give Them Grace  

We are all doing the best we can! If a deadline isn't met, or life happens, it's okay! Tell your teachers to “Regroup, take care of yourself, and try again!”  We know we aren't going to see the tremendous growth we normally see during the school year. Make sure your students and staff are okay, that is priority!

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