Time to Reflect?

Recently the leader of our regional ISD's English Language Arts Collaborative, Kelly, reached out as she often does with a request. In a workshop she had attended, she met a woman named Andy who was looking for published essays about what it was like to teach during the pandemic. Kelly asked us if we had any published stories about our experiences teaching during the pandemic that could possibly be forwarded to Andy. In their conversation, Andy also shared an opportunity to reflect, write, and participate in a program called The Things They Carry Project. According to the organization's home page they offer, "Free Writing Workshops To Help Healthcare Workers, First Responders, and School Personnel Process Traumatic Memories and Make Sense of Their Experiences"

As I read through the email, I was provoked to go back and look at some of the writing I actually did at the time, spring of 2020 and into those two following years. Much of what I wrote was about my personal experiences and not necessarily about teaching, though I have myriad stories to tell. Whether or not I would pursue participation in this workshop program, I am not sure, though it seems like a wonderful resource. But the idea of writing about these teaching experiences, especially as policy makers and talking heads continue to shape the public’s perception of what really happened in education over the past few years seems like an important exercise. So this is not so much a post about those experiences as it is a call to action, for myself and any other educator who feels they may want to share their stories.

I am sure many others have already done so in various ways. Either through personal journals, blogs, articles, and even poems. These stories are being told. But I think it’s time I start my own. As a new teacher and having almost only taught during a pandemic so far I feel it’s important.

The pandemic for me became yet another roadblock in my path to just being a teacher. After many years of finding my way back to this profession, I was once again thrown a curveball. But it was the same pitch for all of us this time. I had others to rely on, consult with, and share in the challenges we all faced. I look forward to seeing what comes from this initiative in my own writing practice. What it might look like. How much I might actually have to say.

Like all writing ideas, prompts, or callings, we never know what will come of it. But I am excited to take something so challenging and perhaps transform it into something beautiful.