Teaching in times of Pandemic

Jasmine L. Cruz

Outputs were checked. Grades were given. School forms done. Despite of the pandemic brought about by Corona virus, we managed to finish another school year. This sudden change in the educational landscape that we’re thrust into brought about many challenges and struggles to all of us – teachers, learners and parents alike. We were all caught off guard in this sudden shift to remote learning. This past year, I have experienced as well as witnessed the adjustments made by everyone involved in this educational journey. As a teacher, I am so used of having a personal encounter with my learners. I like to feel the vibe of the class. Feels its pulse. I can adjust my mode of teaching through these vibes because I know what my learners need even without them saying it. That is what I missed during this remote learning. The school year started without knowing my learners. They are just a bunch of faces (sometimes, not even) seen in my social media account. Though try hard as I may, without seeing them, it is hard to establish a personal connection. I only know them through their parents who submit their outputs. I barely know my learners. All I know of them is what their academic performance shows. Which led me to the question: will this lack of personal connection make my students now less special than my previous students? I can honestly say, no. They are as special, if not more, as my previous students. Because through them, I was able to know that even in the hardest times, we can still find ways to cope and succeed. That I may not know them personally, but I tried to teach them all I can impart even in the limited chances that we have. Yes, this school year is hard. But pandemic or not, I always consider my learners as my children. And as such, I cannot give up on them. I will continue to believe in them and also believe that this pandemic will make this time of their educational lives more memorable because, yes, it is the time of changes, adjustments, struggles and challenges but also it is the time of triumph and strength and courage. Because even in this uncertain time, we learned to adapt and succeed in the adversity that we faced. Coz after all, in this journey called life, we may encounter each other again, and be given a chance to know each other in a more personal level.