We are nothing if not flexible and adaptable:​

• During the pandemic, we had a weekend to shift our teaching online. I taught myself everything Google Suite had to offer, and created a variety of alternative materials online. Our collaborative online community was very helpful. We leaned on a plethora of EdTech tools for interactive learning, practice quizzes, demonstration of learning, and tests.

• In the space of a year, we shifted to a new LMS for all reports and administrative work, had to move all our files from our old system to Google Workspace, and then when Google set new storage limits, we had to move them to OneDrive. Oh, and we work with about three LMSs.

  

We support each other:

• Engagement, mental health and success is critical, and we regularly collaborate to identify problems, ideate on strategies, design and implement projects, and then collect student feedback for continued iterations.

• We help each other. Some of us are stronger at technology, while others are classroom management pros. We mentor new teachers, and share our expertise with seasoned and new teachers alike.

• We're empathetic by trade. We 'get' people and their behaviours, emotions, needs and frustrations.

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We're dynamic and humble:

• You have to bring high energy when providing instruction or students lose interest.

• Yes, we brag about being dynamos, but we also recognize that we can always do better. We receive feedback from students, parents, and our bosses, and we use this to continuously improve.

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We’re multi-tasking pros:

• As a teacher, I juggle multiple priorities at all times - supporting students with cognitive difficulties (and the other students), catching up students who have been absent, managing behaviours, solving technology problems (student laptops, photocopiers, etc.), responding to parent emails, marking assignments (and providing meaningful feedback), and meeting deadlines for IEPs, report cards, and administrative work. These are only a few of our tasks.

• I have to constantly think on my feet and be able to change my day plans at a moment’s notice (maybe the WiFi is down, and I can no longer do my presentation or students can no longer do online research; maybe we had a surprise assembly/fire drill/lock-down), prioritize like a pro, stay calm under pressure (whether it’s a student meltdown or a hold-and-secure), and be hyper-organized.

• We wear many hats: We're social justice warriors, environmentalists, equity experts, event planners, writers, designers, school committee members, amateur nurses and psychologists... And I challenge you to find anyone else who can stretch an annual budget of $250 and still provide varied experiences. 

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We’re life-long learners:

• The education landscape is constantly changing, and I am constantly training myself in new software/ new industry standards/ new curriculum.

• We are often asked to teach subjects in which we have no prior knowledge. For example, when the Math curriculum changed, we suddenly had to teach coding (which I hadn't done since 9th grade). This year I had to develop a music program for the first time. The only instrument I know is drums. We do research, and then consult SMEs to develop inspiring learning paths.

• We’re can-doers; nothing is impossible. Bring on the challenge. And our job description is about four pages long! Admittedly, we don't like that last part.