Teaching Post-Covid

I recently received an email from a university student who was asking if I had any additional advice for teachers in 2022, especially with COVID and just the general state of teaching in America.

I think the most important problem that teachers have some control over is burnout.

• Teachers need to eat and exercise regularly. This means not working through your lunch hour. Teachers need the time to re-energize.
• Another thing teachers need is some kind of hobby outside of education whether it is some craft or sport or something that will give them joy outside of the classroom. This will go a long way to helping teachers from getting burned out.
• Staying prepared and organized. Gather necessary materials needed for a lesson a few days in advance and don’t wait until the last minute. This helps you focus on the lesson that day rather than on preparation.
• Last, teachers need to stay away from those who only have negative thoughts to share. Negativity is unhealthy and contagious. This is different from an occasional rant or venting. This person has only negative things to share and finds nothing joyous about being a teacher.

As for teaching post-covid, teachers need to look at students from a different perspective.

• During the pandemic, students picked up many bad learning habits. Teachers need to identify these bad habits and try to teach the students better habits. This can’t be done all at one time and teachers may need to conquer one bad habit at a time. Teachers will need twice as much patience because it is easier to learn a bad habit than to unlearn it.
• Many students may suffer from anxiety. During the pandemic, the student’s world was packed with fear and uncertainty. It may take a long time for them to feel safe and secure again. They need to learn that the world is always changing and that nothing can stay the same forever. Students need to learn a different perspective where they see change as an opportunity and not something to fear. Modeling this behavior and discussing it with students will take time but is very effective to show students how to deal with change.
• Keeping a class routine will give students stability that they haven’t had during the pandemic. By having a routine, they will know what to expect and can focus more on learning new skills.

What other suggestions would you give? Please share.