A Teacher’s Heartfelt Poem about Teaching Online During the Pandemic Has Everyone in Tears. 

During these challenging times we have heard many stories from parents, grandparents, teachers, and educators regarding their struggles during this pandemic.  

To help us understand what our community has been experiencing during these unprecedented times, Scholar’s Choice asked their community to share their stories. Check out this heartfelt poem sent by a teacher outlining her experiences.  See why it has everyone in tears.

Adapting to Changing Times

A Poem by Janet Craig

It’s hard to believe that it has been almost a year

Since the dreaded word COVID first entered my ear

Nearly one year since my parents said we may never hug again

Nearly one year since the new normal and “back then”

“Back then” when we shook hands, travelled, made plans

Now following rules of which none of us are fans

Then when teaching was different, up close and carefree

Now with masks, distancing and new priorities

Well, at least that was teaching before this lockdown

The news that came and made everyone frown

We all knew it was coming; there was no other way

This virus it seems, is determined to stay

With no training, little help and very little time

I adapted and prepared for one week online

Knowing in my heart that it would last much longer

I challenged myself this time to be stronger

Stronger this time than I was last spring

When anxiety and fears made my eyes sting

With tears that cascaded down my face as I tried

To teach and look after two toddlers, and I lied

To people who asked how I was, I said I was okay

Because that is what a parent often does say

But this time around, I reached out to my colleague and friend

And we tackle each day together the best that we can

I am there for my students, from the moment the imaginary bell rings

Navigating technology and the challenges it brings

As I teach from my basement, my kids at their grandparents’ home

I am so eternally grateful that I do not feel alone

Each morning my class joins me promptly at 8:15

And we work until recess and lunchtime appear on the screen

Then off they go for some time away with their family

Siblings learning, parents working, their stress I don’t see

But I know many are juggling so, so much more

As the stress of this lockdown is like nothing before

So I ask the kids for feedback; Am I doing okay?

When they write me their journals each and every Friday

How are they feeling? What can I improve? What do they like?

Because remote teaching is not like riding a bike

It’s like riding a rollercoaster in the middle of a storm

Perhaps that because there were no computers when I was born

And I message the parents to keep in touch

Updating them on what we are learning and such

To see if they are happy with how things are going

As I can’t really see how their lives are flowing

Because I know that I am trying my very best

But this virus is putting us all to the test

Is my very best what is best for the parents, their families, my class

I need to know from them to adjust my tasks

And so far the feedback has been nothing but great

But I do question how long we can continue at this rate

I know everyone is exhausted, mental health is key

We have to look after each other you see

And I personally have decided to look after me

Each day I go for a walk, work out and enjoy my coffee

I read with my class during independent reading time

Because their mental health is important like mine

I think it’s important to model this right now

Because it too easy to forget how

How to take time away from the stress and the fear

To breathe, relax and escape from the reality that is here

Picking up a book is incredibly healing

Something we all need that this virus isn’t stealing

So while it is challenging teaching online

And this pandemic is historic and will go down in time

I must say there are some things to celebrate

One of them is singing, isn’t it great?

I never realized how important music was until we couldn’t sing indoors

I appreciate it more now than ever before

We are so fortunate to be able to teach and learn from home

To maintain the sense of community and not feel alone

To have access to technology to meet our needs

To provide the knowledge to plant tiny seeds

To let children know that although times are tough

That we will get through this; it won’t always be rough

That one day people will hold hands, travel and make plans

And think a little less about the virus that travelled the lands

But not forget because we have learned so much

About what is important, like family, love and touch

So whether teacher or parent or learner or none

You will get through this; don’t come undone

At the end of the tunnel is a light I can see

We will return to our lives and live happily

The classrooms will once again be filled with joy

But while we wait, remote teaching is what I’ll enjoy.

Read Part 2 of Janet Craig's Poem: CLICK HERE

Interested in sharing your story? CLICK HERE

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