Education After Covid 19 by Kyra

Education After Covid 19 by Kyra - May 2020 Scholarship Essay

The COVID-19 pandemic has absolutely changed our nations school system. As a high school senior in 2020, March 16th altered the course of my final year. I went from an active participant in my classes, 3 season varsity athlete with strong daily interactions with my teachers, coaches, friends and advisors to a virtual student. I was home with only my family working on a computer. I held out hope of Graduation and Prom until May 5 when we learned that schools in New Jersey would remain closed for the academic year.
Thanks to advances in technology students in 2020 are now able to continue their education using online learning. The challenge is to keep students connected with their schools and teachers while maintaining social distancing. Schools are more than a place of education, we develop friendships, identify support systems and learn to work as teams. Teachers struggle to keep students engaged without the daily interactions of a classroom.
Students young and old rely on peer groups. Athletics, clubs and extracurricular activities are a very real part of education and maturing. It is important to utilize remote learning tools and social media to foster these areas. Social media once seen as taboo, if use properly can help relieve the feeling of isolation.
Socioeconomic differences throughout the country add to the challenges face by the education system. All students and households need to have access to appropriate technology and resources. Districts, schools and individual students have distinct resource and financial disparities.
The true effects of COVID-19 on education remain to be seen. Students have varied learning styles, background and resources as well as physical, emotional and nutritional support outside of school. Students from economically challenged areas will likely be the most effected by the school closures.
As I plan to enter college in the fall as and Education Major concentrating on Special Education, I realize I will be learning a new approach to education. Changes related to COVID-19 will most likely continue. Social distancing, to some degree is here to stay. Gone are snow days, making up classwork due to illness and absence. Teachers will need to be even more creative in engaging students and parents. Teachers observe student daily for signs of needs and challenges at home, that needs to continue. Students with development and learning disabilities are the most vulnerable, they need to develop trust and bonds with the teachers. The expression "To Teach is to Touch a Life" is true. Helping students to learn is only one piece of being a teacher. Being a confidant, resource, and advocated are necessary components of a great teacher and that will never change.