Let\u2019s be honest, virtual teaching is still new and not what anyone expected.<\/p>\n
If you found your way here, it is likely because teaching in 2020 has proven to have more twists and turns than your favorite county fair roller-coaster. The good news is that while virtual teaching is different than a traditional school day, great teaching will always be great teaching and great teachers will always be great teachers. We\u2019re masters of reading a room, switching things up, and making the impossible happen. But a new question persists: how does this happen in a virtual setting? As teachers, we do what we\u2019ve always done \u2013 whatever it takes to reach our students. We lean on the foundational truths of teaching in order to make a virtual classroom come to life.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why we\u2019ve launched the Teacher PD Launchpad \u2013 a free, resource hub where elementary educators share timely insight based on the three E\u2019s of education:<\/p>\n
Engagement refers to the level of effort, motivation, and curiosity our students and families show towards learning. Engagement includes how we, as teachers, create intentional opportunities for students to connect to their learning. It encourages us to examine when they\u2019re really involved and getting messy with their work. Are students simply listening to you talk about the objective or are they responding in a collaborative Google Slide with partners?<\/p>\n
Equity questions how we are meeting the individual needs of our students. How do we ensure ALL children receive what they need regardless of current circumstances and distance? Equity is ensuring all students have access to high-quality enrichment opportunities. It also encourages us to audit our curriculum to ensure all students see themselves in the stories they read and have opportunities to embrace other cultures throughout the school day.<\/p>\n
Empathy requires us to teach with an open heart. We give grace to ourselves, to families, and to our students because we know everyone is doing their best. A virtual world limits our social interactions and leaves many of our emotional needs unmet. Empathy is how we care for each other given the uncertainty of the times. Empathy could be starting the day with a quick moment to see how everyone is feeling or with a social emotional lesson.<\/p>\n
Join us as these Rocketship teachers share how they\u2019re using these three E\u2019s to guide their classrooms. We all have to start somewhere and the best place to start is here and now!<\/p>\n
Check out our Teacher PD Launchpad<\/a> today!<\/p>\n