As an elementary public school teacher with 12 years of experience, I’ve worked with children aged 2 ½ to 10. Throughout my career, I’ve supported children and families facing challenges like ADHD, autism, and anxiety, and I’ve sought community resources for those grappling with poverty and homelessness. I’ve taught through my own pregnancies and family issues, and I’ve helped children cope during lockdowns, unsure of their reality. Like many teachers, I left for spring break in March 2020 and never returned to my classroom that year. Since August, I’ve been back to full-time, in-person teaching, but this year has brought unprecedented levels of burnout. Here are some of the things teachers and students have lost during the COVID pandemic.
1. Time
To ensure safety, students now enter the classroom directly upon arrival—30 minutes earlier than before—and it takes an extra 15 minutes for parent pick-up. That’s 45 minutes of my planning time lost each day. With teachers frequently quarantined and without substitutes, we often keep kids in class instead of sending them to specials like PE or Music, further reducing our planning time. The earlier arrival also forces me to report to school 15 minutes before contract time on days with meetings, adding up to significant lost planning hours.
2. Presence of Mind
Juggling multiple potential COVID scenarios has fragmented my focus. I’ve prepared extensive emergency plans for various situations, from individual quarantines to full-class closures, which distracts me from being fully present with my students. The “what ifs” of the future and catching up on missed past opportunities constantly weigh on my mind.
3. Consistency
The online learning option has resulted in a fluctuating classroom population, increasing from 16 to 26 students throughout the year. Each new student necessitates a readjustment of our classroom community and academic focus. Unpredictable quarantines further erode any sense of routine, complicating our teaching environment.
4. Work/Home Separation
The increased workload has blurred the lines between my professional and personal life. Teaching from home has become the norm, and the concept of a “sick day” has shifted dramatically. On the day I was diagnosed with COVID, my entire class went into quarantine, and I was expected to begin remote teaching the next day. Despite feeling unwell, the expectation was to continue teaching as long as I could manage to click a mouse.
5. Community and Collaboration
COVID precautions have isolated us—teachers and students alike. Collaboration, once a core value, has become nearly impossible due to distancing requirements. Our school schedule has been adjusted to prevent overlap in common areas, eliminating chances for casual conversations and support among colleagues, leaving many of us feeling alone in our struggles.
6. Money
Despite working harder than ever with less support, my paycheck has decreased by about $200 a month due to pandemic-related budget cuts. Our school district, which serves low-income families, did not provide raises this year. Additionally, a stipend for extra professional development was suspended, and our health insurance premiums have risen significantly. My classroom budget was drastically slashed, forcing me to allocate funds for essentials like mask lanyards.
7. Faith in Humanity
In March 2020, teachers were celebrated as heroes, but by August, we faced criticism for questioning the safety of our working conditions. The public’s perception shifted dramatically, and teachers became targets of scrutiny on social media. The pressure to perform and meet varying expectations has intensified, leaving teachers feeling overwhelmed and unsupported.
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Summary
This year has led to significant losses for teachers, ranging from diminished time and mental presence to disrupted routines and financial strain. The pandemic has not only isolated educators but has also challenged their well-being and community collaboration. These challenges have far-reaching implications for students, who ultimately bear the brunt of these changes.