Teachers on the Frontlines
Whether it be going to work, celebratory gatherings, or to the grocery store, COVID-19 has disturbed the routine of life. As the global-pandemic drags on, it is important to recognize those on the front-lines of society.
The words “school” and “teaching” during an epidemic are no less than terrifying to be uttered or thought of, but for Sarah Kohlmeier and Sue Wielgosz, the love for teaching goes beyond their fear. With Governor Andrew Cuomo’s decision on August 7, schools were set to reopen in the fall for all grade levels. However, this transition from remote learning to in-person/ hybrid teaching came with dreadful anticipation.
Sarah Kohlmeier, an Elementary teacher for the deaf at the Rochester School for the Deaf, said how masks and social distancing are not easy guidelines to follow while teaching children.
“If a student is upset over something and takes their mask off my priority has to be helping them feel safe and comfortable before I can even address their needing to put their mask on,” says Kohlmeier.
Kohlmeier has learned that teachers are faced with the hardships of being a student’s support while still obeying the guidelines put into place by Cuomo and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Kohlmeier’s classroom is fully equipped with all the necessary cleaning supplies, however, she is not being given as much information as she would like.
“We don’t have clear guidelines about how bathrooms are being cleaned…and our kids don’t understand why they need to wear masks, which makes it harder in its self to ensure their safety,” Kohlmeier says.
Kohlmeier has utilized the CDC’s online article, “Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019” in hopes to guide her conversations with her students about COVID-19 and any questions they may have.
Because of the pandemic, Kohlmeier has become a partner with technology. Her school has decided to go into a hybrid format of teaching, meaning only three days out of the week Kohlmeier is instructing in person. But like most partners, Kohlmeier and technology have had their fair share of difficulties.
“Currently I’m learning to use Google Classroom and I have to figure out how to keep the kids engaged while using mostly digital materials instead of papers and hands-on activities,” said Kohlmeier, “I didn’t realize how much of my teaching relied on me being within arm’s reach of all my students at the same time.”
Before the pandemic, Kohlmeier’s students were placed at U-shaped desks with up to five students per table. Sharing materials and elbow room was everyday normality. With the school’s reopening, Kohlmeier’s classroom was given a full makeover.
“I’ve had to become a lot more hands-off. I can’t assist students when they write, I can’t give hugs, I can’t play fun games with them. I have sand, water, and light tables that I had to cover up because they can’t touch it. My bookcases. Everything. It all seems so terrifying,” Kohlmeier says.
Like Kohlmeier, even professors have been experiencing an array of emotions when it comes to the global pandemic.
Sue Wielgosz, an Instructor of Kinesiology and Athletic Training at SUNY Brockport, has found a way to make the most out of the limitations of COVID-19.
“I’ve found ways to incorporate the virus into the lessons in which I am teaching,” Says Wielgosz, “I’m trying to get my students to realize that this pandemic can relate to everything because it is an important learning lesson. My job is to well round my learning content with real-life examples and discussions so that it teaches a bit more about life. Like pieces to a puzzle.”
Uniquely, Wielgosz, while teaching the set curriculum, is also teaching students something more valuable for future use: Empathy.
“Everyone is going through something different during this pandemic. Either it’s not being able to see loved ones, being immunocompromised, or even just having that feeling of fear, it is important to remember that there is so much more to this bigger picture,” Wielgosz says.
Wielgosz continues to remain optimistic rather than pessimistic when it comes to the new precautions of teaching.
“I teach behind Plexiglass and wear both a facemask and faceshield…Especially within my field of athletic education, it is hard to not have practical exams and demonstrations when learning certain units, but it also teaches the students to improvise…many have been using siblings, roommates, or even parents to learn and perform practicals on…it’s kind of fun actually,” says Wielgosz.
From elementary to middle or high school to college, teachers continue to place themselves on the frontlines of the pandemic in order to benefit the education and well-being of their students. With an uncertain future, these teachers are willing to adapt to the punches being thrown at them.
“Despite the poor connections, laggy Zoom calls, or the six-foot distance,” Wielgosz says, “I am proud to be a teacher and continue to build relationships and connections between the students and myself.”
