BALANCING ACT: TEACHERS' JOURNEY TO HYBRID EDUCATION

After the pandemic, schools and teachers are figuring out how to switch back to inperson classes. They're dealing with the effects of the disruption on mental health. Going back to school brings both excitement and worry as teachers try to make safe and supportive classrooms for students, even with a lot of uncertainties. The idea of hybrid education comes up as a possible solution. It mixes regular in-person teaching with online learning, offering more flexibility.

One good thing about the hybrid approach is that it's flexible for both teachers and students. It lets students learn at their own speed and in ways that suit them. They can use online resources and work on their lessons when it works best for them. Also, using technology in class means there are more learning tools available, not just from textbooks.

But switching to hybrid teaching has its own challenges. Teachers have to get used to new ways of teaching and using technology. It's a learning process for them, too, as they figure out how to use online tools in their lesson plans. And making sure students stay engaged and connected in a hybrid setup needs new ideas and good communication.

One big concern is how the pandemic has affected mental health. Being away from school and friends for so long has been hard for many students and teachers. There's been more stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. As schools reopen, it's important to support mental health and help students feel like they belong and have people they can connect with.

Even with all the challenges, hybrid education gives a chance for new ideas and improvements in education. It lets schools and teachers create different kinds of learning environments that suit different students. And focusing on mental health means taking care of the whole student, not just their grades.

As schools and teachers deal with these changes, teamwork, creativity, and being resilient become important. By working together and making the most of hybrid education, schools can offer better learning experiences for everyone. It's not just about adjusting to the changes but also about finding ways to make education better in the long run.

-oOoThe author is Teacher III at DELA PAZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL