No easy feat

After spending 12 days helping my daughter, a teacher in the Virginia Beach district, and my two young grandchildren become acclimated to a rather difficult opening of school, and after listening to lessons presented by eight teachers, may I suggest that parents should be very pleased with their children’s educators? One cannot imagine the time and energy teachers spend every day planning and producing engaging, challenging, informative lessons and activities to ensure children receive the instruction and practice they need. Those I have observed are patient, composed, kind and diligent. They are obviously totally dedicated to their esteemed profession.

As a retired educator, I did notice one major problem encountered by many: technology. Although a wonderful tool, it certainly has limitations. There seems to be far too much frustration as many become entangled in technology’s challenges. Precious instructional time is lost as teachers juggle a myriad of problems that keep popping up. Innovative instructors are finding various methods to keep students well informed about work and expectations. Students must remain patient and remember that their teachers are there to help.

We don’t know what lies ahead. Certainly, person-to-person classroom instruction is by far the best educational solution, but health and safety is paramount. Let us all remain calm, patient and understanding as we recognize the dedication, diligence and perseverance of our teachers and all essential personnel.

James Karle, Virginia Beach