Teacher Appreciation in the Age of Distance Learning
Dear Families,
While this unfortunate remote-learning situation is not what any of us would have chosen for how to spend a third of the school year, it seems to me that there have been some positive outcomes. The most notable has been the increased communcation and collaboration between teachers and families. The lines between school and home have blurred considerably, to the benefit of our students. We are all working together better and more often to ensure common understanding of what and how students are learning. We clearly are
all
teachers, working together toward a common goal.
Since this adventure began in mid-March, we have been so encouraged by the outpouring of support, appreciation, and respect shown for our staff by the community. Our staff members and faculty continue to work hard every day to make distance learning as effective as possible. They miss your kids, the sense of community that makes Northwood School so special, and the opportunity to be energized and inspired through in-person collaboration and interaction. Despite these challenges, they are persevering in their efforts to figure out a whole new way to teach, plan, connect, engage, communicate, assess, celebrate, support, and encourage. Our educators are always deserving of respect, appreciation, and gratitude, but now more than ever as they tackle new challenges. We know that families have also had to make significant changes to accommodate distance learning and we are so appreciative of your flexibility.
Next week, Teacher Appreciation Week, is an opportunity for teachers and families to continue to share appreciation for each other. In this age of distance learning, I think that all of us are realizing more and more what it truly takes to be effective in the pursuit of educating, supporting, and nurturing children. We've always known that we all have a role in teaching Northwood's kids, but it is so much more evident now. Being successful in this endeavor requires a lot from us all. It takes committed partnership between schools and families. It takes patience and perseverance. It takes communication, collaboration, and cooperation. It takes a whole school community that is willing to unite and work together to learn a new way of doing things.
Since we are all teachers these days, let's make sure to appreciate and celebrate each other next week. Thank you to
all
of Northwood's teachers, whether it's your job title or not, for all you do and who you are.
Jocelyn
