NEWS & OPINION EDUCATION
Emmalyn is in 2nd grade at Georgetown. Elliott is in virtual Kindergarten at Richmond Hill Primary School.
“For the first two weeks I was aiming my laptop at the board in my classroom and the kids were struggling and they couldn’t see anything and we were all frustrated one staff member, or administrator has and discouraged. Then I discovered the been saved from COVID-19, every inconve- magic of document cameras and it was like nience, headache, late night work, and tem- my life began again. I know it sounds absoporary stress is worth it.” lutely insane, but that first day with the Linda Duncan loves teaching art and document camera was one of the happiest social studies at Jenkins High School. “I days of my life.” have taught in Chatham County for 20 As does his wife, Westbrook concurs that years, all at the same school. My colleagues he misses seeing his students in-person. “As a teacher mom, I am really happy are my second family. We have a compas“The smiles as they enter the classwith the virtual experience for my two sionate, hardworking cadre of teachers, rooms, the banter, the jokes, the facial daughters as well. It was definitely chaland administrators and we are all doing expressions, their eyes when they get lenging to get all of our schedules and live the best we can. I am not willing to risk the something and even when they don’t, the sessions down, and we made a few mistakes at first, but we are getting the hang of lives of my family or my second family, who questions, the suggestions. I love all of it. I are all going above and beyond the call of love connecting with the students.” things now.” duty every single day.” He admits that there are struggles with Jannis Glover teaches English at JenDuncan also misses seeing her students virtual teaching and says, “We’re making kins High School. “I like virtual teaching the best of it. I’m getting better and more because it gives students and teachers flex- face-to-face. “I miss the classroom environment I comfortable with the technology, and the ibility in presentation of new concepts, and kids really do want to do well. They’ve time for students to complete assignments work so hard to create - the sense of community, playing music for my kids while overall been great about communicating depending on their schedules.” they work on art projects, being able to with me.” Like all other teachers, Glover misses use all of the great materials I have to do Westbrook notes that he absolutely the personal connection with students. big collaborative pieces. Teaching virtuagrees with the decision to do virtual “I value teaching the ‘whole child’ and ally is so hard to balance. I want my kids school. that means sometimes giving a hug, a to participate, to have their cameras on so “I’m following the recommendations of listening ear, and sometimes motherly I can see their faces and mics on so I can the medical professionals. When they say advice. Random students used to stop hear their voices, but I know many of them it’s safe to end social distancing and proby my class door for a hug between class don’t want to let the whole class into their tective measures, I’ll be cool with reopenchanges. Those interactions are what I homes. I have spent more time doing tech ing,” he says. miss most. Emails don’t have the same support than anything else so far, but we “I know it’s difficult for a lot of people effect, but it doesn’t mean I’ve stopped are only a month in and I have already seen to do virtual learning, but I think putting trying to establish those relationships. The other thing I miss is my Warrior Foot- a huge improvement in how the technology students and staff at risk is not the answer, is working and in the number of kids who and I’m not willing to do it despite how ball! I’ve always been my team’s biggest are both able and willing to participate, so I much I prefer in-person.” fan, but last year I became more of a team am hopeful.” Taylor Walton teaches 7th grade ELA mom.” Duncan’s husband, David Westbrook, at STEM. Glover concludes, “The caveat to all is also an experienced educator in his “I’m lucky enough to be able to work of the struggles with virtual teaching is twentieth year, most of which have been at from home. I’m very happy that I get to knowing that lives are being protected Jenkins High School. teach and interact with students daily,” she from COVID-19. I’ve had to tell my stu“I’d much rather teach in-person, but says. dents I would take a bullet to protect them “There are plenty of frustrations with when we’ve had to deal with news of school there have been some positives with virshootings If one student, one, colleague, tual teaching,” he says. CONTINUES ON P. 10 9
Micha helping Sarah, a senior at Savannah Arts Academy with her Statistics class.
BY KRISTY EDENFIELD “I’M really grateful for Dr. Levett,” says Rebecca Greenbush, a science teacher at Oglethorpe Charter School, about the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools Superintendent. “Her support of science has kept my family safe so far. I am frightened to return too soon,” says Greenbush. “Science is always hands-on, lab class and e-learning has not changed that! We just did our first lab last week and it went great! It does require parent support though, getting items like candy to make rocks, or sugar to make crystals, but so far the parents have been wonderful in supporting these types of experiences,” she says. “Adjusting my instruction to a virtual mode of delivery has challenged me to get creative and really take a look at how to structure the class so that the student’s screen time is monitored and meaningful. “What I miss the most is seeing the students each day. I love seeing their faces light up when they make connections with the content. I miss listening to them tell me about their interests and dreams. I also really miss being around my fellow teachers, but I’m thankful we are safe.” Greenbush continues:
CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPTEMBER 16 - 22, 2020
Teachers: ‘Taking the COVID bullet’ for their students