At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was nervous but optimistic. I knew it would be a challenge to effectively reach and teach all of my students and keep them engaged online, but I had a team of colleagues working against the same challenges.
Now, nearly a year into the pandemic, I find myself exhausted. I never thought this would last as long as it has, and the persistence my students had is now wearing very thin.
Current statistics show a 78% decline in student motivation brought on by distance learning. During spring quarantine alone, students lost 0.6 years of learning.
Even in kindergarten, when students are chronically absent they may lose up to 15% of their literacy skills. Students this year who have not been in school or have not had appropriate support through distance learning will suffer an even greater loss.
As educators, we chose teaching because of the impact we make on the lives of our students day after day. We give them hope and a safe haven and are their beacon of light. We have the power to inspire them and shape their futures. I miss seeing their faces in person every day and I miss seeing them light up when they learn something new.
Teachers have always been creative, but we are quickly running out of ideas on how to make distance learning work this long. Luckily, there is a light at the end of this
Luckily, there is a light at the end of this tunnel. Over the next few weeks and months, my colleagues and I will have the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine — a vaccine that will protect us and our loved ones as we transition back to in-person learning.
Hundreds of teachers across our state are excited to step back into their classrooms and get back to doing what they love. This vaccine is going to allow not only myself, but also fellow educators across the country to do what needs to be done to serve our students.
I encourage all Oklahomans to make an informed decision about getting the COVID-19 vaccine. And in the meantime, please do my fellow educators and I a favor by continuing to follow social distancing, wearing a mask, and taking other precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19.
It’s up to us to make sure our children can thrive in the classroom again.
Kathryn Szallar is a kindergarten teacher at Deer Creek Elementary in Edmond, OK.