SILVER LININGS

ROYALTON TEACHERS FIND SILVER LINING IN COVID CHALLENGES BY PETER CARAM

Teachers’ jobs in 2020 at North Royalton City Schools and around the country are changing because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instruction that used to take place face-to-face is now happening virtually, and several teachers - while admittedly not fond of the change - are also finding hidden benefits. “I do not like online learning,” said Tony Kleem, a history teacher at North Royalton High School. Yet, he enjoys teaching kids and knows that online instruction will protect us and keep people safe; he just dislikes it.

Despite his initial uncertainty about this new teaching style, Mr. Kleem has discovered that online learning is not as bad as he thought it would be. It may be different, but “we humans adjust well; it doesn’t mean we enjoy it, but we adjust,” he said. “Every kid has been forced to learn this way, so they’re all on the same playing field.”

Kleem does see a silver lining to the changes brought on by COVID. ”Young adults are very adaptable. This might make all of us care for people more, have more empathy and kindness. If we look back at different generations, they all had something to overcome. This is our time to overcome and make the “This pandemic has taught me that world hopefully better,” Kleem said. The students in Kleem’s class have been helpful not just with participat- kids can adapt and are resilient.” ing but helping Mr. Kleem teach them through online learning. “I teach like I normally do. I lecture using the smart board instead of the chalkboard. My smart board is shared with the students at home,” Kleem said. He likes to make teaching fun for himself and learning fun for his students. “I try to play Jeopardy games and take virtual field trips with the students,” Kleem shared.

He also has made extra accommodations due to the pandemic. “I know I give more time to hand things in because of Internet issues either at school or at home,” Kleem said.

Gina Stabile, ELA teacher at North Royalton Middle School, agrees with Kleem that teaching online is no substitute for connecting with her students face-to-face. “There’s not a whole lot I like about teaching online versus in person. I miss seeing my students and connecting with them in a more personal way. I miss the energy I get from a classroom full of students. I miss greeting students at my door,” Stabile said.

She did find value in the few weeks she was able to teach live in the classroom before going back to all virtual. “Initially it was difficult to connect and build relationships with students,” which is something I value so much. However, being that we had a little bit of class time together, it has been easier this time around to connect with my students,” she said.

Stabile is optimistic that the challenges students are facing will not hold this generation back. “I think that since this is a global pandemic, we will not be as behind as many are thinking we will. I think

the whole world is struggling to figure things out right now,” she said. “I do think a positive from all of this will be students’ ability to problem solve a bit more on their own. I think kids are having to become more motivated to work and to keep up with their learning, and I think the students who are taking advantage of that will actually be more successful in the long run.” North Royalton HIgh School ELA teacher Dawn Saringer sees better organizational skills as the key to success during these times. “Remote learning has taught all of us teachers and students to be more organized,” said Ms. Saringer. She adds that making sure to have an organized system in online learning is the only way she can teach remotely. Despite her best efforts, however, she feels there will always be something essential missing from online learning. “I miss not having that day-to-day, face-to-face interaction with my students. It has been difficult finding ways to truly make connections with students using online tools,” Saringer admitted. Saringer’s big concern is the fact that the current generation of learners was already too comfortable interacting through their phones rather than face-to-face. “This generation has become way too comfortable ‘talking to their phone,’ and I am worried that remote learning may be encouraging more of this. Having a conversation with a human face to face is fading, which can’t happen!” she exclaimed. “I do my best to have as much face-to-face conversation and teaching with my students remotely through Google meets.” Despite the challenges, the three of them have a sense “This pandemic has taught me that of optimism for the future. “Keeping a classroom positive and engaged was always important,” Saringer explained, “but kids can adapt and are resilient.” -Ms. Saringer

this pandemic has taught me that kids can adapt and are resilient.”

Stabile revealed that her understanding of what students deal with outside of school has significantly increased. “I will allow students more freedom to apply my content to their personal style and interests, and I will continue to understand the individual needs of all learners. I will definitely grow from this experience and I hope my learners will too,” Stabile said.

For his part, Kleem has kept his sense of humor, “Say goodbye to snow days! Or flu outbreaks - we can teach from home.” COVID-19 has moved instruction from the classroom to the bedroom for many North Royalton kids.