A Podcast Episode for Educators Reopening Schools

 

One of the most interesting realizations I’ve come across about going from distance learning back to in-person learning came while interviewing Tanya Gonzalez, a teacher of the visually impaired, for our special Equity, Disproportionality & Design (ED&D) podcast episode on reopening schools. 

 
 

During that interview, Tanya reflected on the students she’s taught virtually, and how some thrived in that model in ways she hadn’t expected. After a few months of virtual instruction, Tanya realized she faced a new challenge: Now that she’d learned about her students in a way she never expected, how would she take that expanded knowledge and transform the way she served students in-person? 

“Throughout this entire year of virtual observation, which is what I consider it because I’m instructing but a parent or sibling is also there most of the time, I’ve been thinking ahead about what’s worked at home and how I can build on it once the students return to school.”

Sixteen months ago, we were challenged to take everything we knew about in-person instruction and make it work for students in virtual instruction. And now, we’re challenged with the reverse: taking the lessons we learned from virtual instruction and making it work in-person.

In March of this year my teammates and I, Olivia Rivera and Marcus Jackson, started interviewing educators to learn about how they were thinking about schools reopening at the start of the year. We assembled these stories into a special special episode of the ED&D podcast, which you can listen to now on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

During our time listening and talking with educators, we heard perspectives on mental health, gratitude, humility, and discovery. The people we interviewed shared practical tips for preparing for the school year, like using video messaging, preparing procedure manuals, and greeting students in a way that honors what they’ve been through. 

We wanted to make something for you to listen to while you prepare for the year. We wanted to record our voices and the voices of educators so you know we’re right here with you in spirit, if not in person. And though these last sixteen months have been difficult for all, we’re choosing to focus on the fact that we’ve all learned a thing or two. My teammate Olivia put it best: One of the challenges that we face as we reopen schools isn’t to be what we used to be, but to strive to be what we learned we could be.”

The School Reopening Podcast Listening Companion

Here are some resources for you to review while you listen to the episode. 

State and Federal School Reopening Guidance:

Social-Emotional Learning and Mental Health Resources

SELPA Content Leads

The Equity, Disproportionality & Design team is one of five SELPA Resource Lead agencies. Visit these websites to learn more about how we can help you improve your special education systems:

Thank you to the California Department of Education and the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence for their ongoing support. 

Other Helpful Tips from the Episode

The educators we interviewed in this episode shared some things they were doing as part of their reopening process. Here are some suggestions discussed in the episode: 

  • Plan communication: Make your school community feel heard by getting their input as you plan your communication 

  • Prepare to be flexible: Plan your work, then learn by working your plan. As you implement safety precautions and communication with the community, social support, and academic support, be open to observing and improving your plans based on how it’s going. 

  • Value and use your own experiences as a student to build empathy: Reflect on your experiences as a student and take note of what you needed to be successful. Give that to your students as they return to school. 

  • Take care of yourself and take care of each other: As educators we cannot give to others what we don’t have. Educators must model self-care, so others can do the same.

Podcast Hosts

  • Ryan Estrellado

  • Marcus Jackson

  • Olivia Rivera

Podcast Guest(s): 

  • Fabiola Bagula, Senior Director Equity, San Diego Office of Education

  • Laura Cervantes, Resource Parent, San Diego South County SELPA

  • Mike Freeman, Senior Executive Director, Professional Learning and Leadership Support Services, Shasta County Office of Education

  • Jim Perondi, Orientation & Mobility Specialist, San Diego South County SELPA

  • Jeremy Sawtelle, Director of Specialized Student Support, Shasta County Office of Education

  • Leticia Segura, Principal, John Otis Elementary School, National School District

  • David Toston, Senior Advisor Equity & Innovation, California Collaborative for Educational Excellence

Many other educators contributed to this show by sharing their stories or giving input. Thank you to all the folks who generously gave their time to help us make this podcast.

 
 
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