Written by Sydney Weber
The previous two articles in this series discussed student concerns with a letter and interview from a student, Helena Dowler, and the administration’s response. In this article, we will discuss these subjects with a teacher at East Ridge High School, Ms. Gina Carbone.
Helena Dowler’s letter on January 11th brought up many concerns from herself and fellow students about how they were being affected by distance learning and how support from teachers and administrators was lacking. In response to the email, Carbone states that Helena “initiated conversations with administrators, teachers, and peers.” While Ms. Carbone believes that teachers are working hard to support students, Helena’s concerns are valid. Carbone feels that Helena’s letter to teachers and administration started up new conversations about how those concerns could be recognized and supported. She notes that distance learning has created a very difficult situation for everyone, but specifically students. “Students have given up a lot that they did not even realize,” observes Carbone as she describes the situation students are experiencing. COVID has thrown students off from their normal lives into a situation that nobody could have imagined.
An interview with Principal Smokrovich revealed that while the administration provides support and ideas for teachers on ways to reach out to their students, many teachers have to take initiative to further their support. While administrators and counselors work to reach out to students with emails and videos, the extent of support from teachers varies. Distance learning has created so much isolation between students and teachers and also between teachers and their colleagues that teachers have to take that initiative to reach out to students themselves. “I try to make it clear that mental and emotional well being is a priority,” says Carbone. While she works to reach out to students and prioritize their well-being, many teachers deal with this idea in various ways.
Distance learning has created a challenging situation for students and teachers alike as everyone works to find normality in an abnormal situation. Ms. Carbone states in her interview that distance learning has not only been hard on students but also on teachers and administration. “The most difficult thing is not seeing the students every day,” says Carbone when discussing the challenges teachers and administrators face. She feels that one of the hardest parts of distance learning has been not seeing students face to face. While teachers can talk to their students on video platforms, it still feels very isolated. Ms. Carbone discusses the fact that on online platforms, “You do not hear the little things anymore.” This has been one of the biggest challenges teachers have faced as they do not have the same interaction with students as before.
With hope for a return to in-person learning in the near future, Carbone states that “I am going to challenge myself and others to be mindful and not just return to school as it was.” Distance learning has been burdensome for many, but Carbone is certain that it will have some positive effects as teachers adapt to new ideas and situations. With all of the challenges of COVID and distance learning, it is important to keep in mind that while everyone is facing a difficult situation, there is support in our school community.
