Planning for Uncertainty: 5 Steps To Open the School Year Successfully in the Pandemic

Planning for Uncertainty: 5 Steps To Open the School Year Successfully in the Pandemic

Many of us had hoped, maybe even dreamed, that the COVID-19 Pandemic would be behind us. In fact, early indicators during the summer pointed to a new, refreshing look at the 21-22 school year. Having worked tirelessly since the pandemic began in March of 2020, educators have been exhausted and seemed poised for a return to some sort of normal in the fall. However, recent spike's in the positive COVID-19 cases, and fear of a 3rd wave of the pandemic have required educators to pause. Unfortunately, most of the regulations and policies are out of our hands. What we can control, however, is how we react to those policies, restrictions, and guidelines. 

Here are 5 steps that will help educators open the school year successfully:

  1. Be as transparent as possible - There are many opposing sides to this issue and without getting political, it is important to know where folks stand with the issues of mask-wearing, social distancing, and travel. As educators, it is our job to stay neutral and develop a plan that is best for the students and staff. With that said, when you send your message out to the community, be as open as possible and be prepared for debate. 
  2. Empathize with your staff and students - It is easy for people to put plans in place and then have others implement them. For those of us who are in school, there are various stages of acceptance with the pandemic. As a school leader, it is important to remember that you are dealing with people. Listen to concerns, assure everyone that you are doing your best, and be honest. 
  3. Climate and Culture Plan - How will you adapt your Climate and Culture Plan to ensure that not only are you making the building safe, but also creating shared experiences, lasting memories, and pride in your school. No matter what the restrictions will or won't be at your school, it is crucial to continue honoring the hard work of your staff and students. 
  4. Create Space - Have you examined the impact that the pandemic has had on people? Everyone, in some form or fashion, has been impacted and it is important for school leaders to create space. I suggest making outdoor classrooms, mask breaks and even impromptu lessons to be conducted outside. 
  5. Take time to fill your own cup - The old adage goes, "You have to help yourself before you can help others." This rings true as school leaders across the country will soon be burning the midnight oil to make everyone safe. If you are not taking care of yourself, however, you will be of little help to others. Be sure to develop healthy habits that can allow you to do something besides check Email and research pandemic numbers. 

If you can integrate these 5 steps into your re-opening plan, you will be on the track for a positive school year no matter what obstacles are thrown your way. Nothing is ever going to be full proof. As I mentioned earlier, there are people on all sides of this and you have to be aware of the implications at your school. In addition, you need to empathize with parents who sacrificed a great deal to allow us to implement hybrid and virtual instruction. Although they may have gained a sense of respect for teachers and educators through that experience, many need to return to work. They want their students to be back in person with all the supports and interventions that come along with that. 

Remember, it is not what happens to you in life that matters, but rather how you react. 

Similar Articles

How AWS Cloud Computing Is Transforming Education

It has been for the world to see that the education sector has been in a constant state of transformation, adapting to the evolving needs of today's digitally savvy learners. It makes sense too -- with a generation now used to instant access to information and personalized interactions

Teaching History With Passion

Explore history beyond mere dates & dynasties. Discover passionate teaching methods & engage students deeply. Unveil the past with fervor!

e-learning

In today's digitally-focused world, learning is no longer a static process confined to classrooms and textbooks. The rise of eLearning has opened doors to accessible, flexible, and deeply engaging learning experiences. As technology becomes more sophisticated, it's now possible for businesses and learning institutions to unlock even more potential by crafting personalized learning journeys for each and every individual learner.

architect

Dive into the transformative world of architectural visualization and thermographic infrared imaging. This article explores how these advanced technologies are reshaping the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings.

Difference Between Attestation And Apostille

Attestation is the process of providing verification or authentication of documents and marks as legitimate according to legal standards and conventions. An attestor certifying documents to ensure they meet legal specifications will vouch for them and authenticate them accordingly

A teacher is teaching students in the class

Discover how school counselors positively impact students' lives with 8 transformative strategies. Explore the vital role of counseling in education.

 The Impact of Education and Coaching Classes: Nurturing Academic Excellence and Beyond

Education and coaching classes play a vital role in the academic journey of students, offering personalized attention, specialized expertise, and exam preparation support. These classes provide a conducive learning environment, foster critical thinking skills, and contribute to the holistic development of students.

Moving Your Classes Online? Here’s How To Make It Work

Enrolment in online education has undoubtedly increased over time, especially over the last decade. The emergence of situations like COVID-19 has made online education more prevalent in recent times.

USA flag

The United States of America's flag represents all it stands for in our nation. It is not to be treated with contempt or dishonor, which is why people in the US display their flags with pride. We will go through the many connotations the USA Flag has for those born and raised in the United States.