The pandemic has not been easy for any of us, but it’s really had it in for teachers. When they’re not dealing with school closure u-turns, they’re being blamed for results day chaos, goaded by politicians or labelled as “lazy” – all while negotiating the perils and screen freezes of remote learning.
Add to that, the fact that schools have remained open throughout the pandemic for vulnerable and key worker children – often without PPE for teachers – and it’s remarkable that some teachers have an ounce of energy left.
But they’re a resilient bunch – and nothing is more important to most than supporting their kids. This week, a photo of one reception teacher perfectly summed up the energy at play.
Just walked past Mum recording a lesson for her reception class. Look at that set up π #remotelearningpic.twitter.com/U8CF0oSX1e
— Mr R (@Mr_R_PE) February 3, 2021
The teacher, photographed by her son (who’s a teacher himself), was snapped surrounded by soft toys, beaming at her class, in a make-shift, child-friendly studio.
Amandeep Turna, a PR, from Slough, was among those who liked the image, and has been equally impressed by the work of her own mum, year six teacher Harjinder Turna, during the pandemic.
“She’s been recording herself reading Cogheart, the book her students are studying at the moment, to try and make it more engaging for them, which I thought was cute,” she says.
Other posts have shown the lengths teachers are going to, in order to make lockdown a little jollier for their pupils.
There’s been more soft toys…
Lol It looks like Reception teachers are the same nationwide. This is my set up today pic.twitter.com/gvzHaeUIG0
— Tina Fresco (@teenyfresco) February 4, 2021
That's fab! I just tidied up a very elderly polar bear to join my remote lesson today. pic.twitter.com/J4nZjT8Vau
— AnnaPitt (@AnnaPitt) February 4, 2021
And fancy dress for the younger learners.
Showing our nursery children how to make a parachute for Jack to safely get down the Beanstalk. Iβve had the privilege of being a TA for37 years and still going ! pic.twitter.com/j1m49f5Gpl
— Lolapy (@Lewis1966Ceri) February 4, 2021
Yarrrrrr. Shiver me timbers, itβs pirate day in nursery. pic.twitter.com/0rTQXC1sMz
— Ravenstone EY (@RavenstoneEY) November 10, 2020
I record my history lessons about the Vikings as Sven Stingasson pic.twitter.com/dUc8z1SylX
— Emma Stinga (@emma_stinga) February 4, 2021
It’s far from easy with the older pupils…
This is me teaching Y12.
Not shown: me pleading for someone to turn on a camera and say hi so I'm not just talking to myself! pic.twitter.com/28ZllKl4pM
— Jenny H π° (@JenHistoryCW11) February 2, 2021
But teachers are still remembering birthdays…
Really miss our traditional birthday celebrations in class. I try to make them as special and memorable as possible for each of my students. Busy Birthday Month ππ₯³π#januarybirthdays#remotelearning@LRE_Wranglers@LosFresnosCISDpic.twitter.com/7G5RwSGGVA
— Cecilia Vega (@vega_lfc) January 28, 2021
And keeping kids active…
A fantastic lockdown activity to keep everyone active! ππ’π΄ Here is my attempt! I will be setting this as a whole school challenge next week! ππΌπThank you @Alex_Bramley3 for the challenge! Free app – HomeCourt #edutwitter#lockdownpic.twitter.com/m8KF63cipM
— Mr Withers πΆπ»ββοΈπ ππ (@MrWithersAHT) January 15, 2021
Yes yes yes the #snow returns for the #DailyDyson challenge … #fitness to break #COVID19 boredom… hope it brings a much deserved smile and motivates you to do some press ups today pic.twitter.com/nGgMTBDYi4
— Chris Dyson FCCT (@chrisdysonHT) February 2, 2021
All while redecorating their homes!
Christmas is over. It was time to redecorate my virtual classroom.#TeachingESL#itutorgroup#eslcenterslc#Teach4Speechpic.twitter.com/ygtvt0zsqm
— Melinda Owen (@Teacher4speech) December 28, 2020
Virtual classroom reorganizing done! pic.twitter.com/kgEEzHzSDv
— Alisha (@nolatulip) February 2, 2021
Teachers, we salute you.