Find a Connection

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Our role as educators has changed drastically in the last 2 weeks.  Many of us are finding a new normal which involves teaching remotely through new technology and or other means.  This teacher hat is more than likely not the only hat you wear and thus you may also be considering how to care for an elderly parent, how to homeschool your children, and so many other things.  This past weekend, I was able to tune in to a webinar hosted by Dan Meyer about distance learning that really resonated with me. If you would like to listen, it is posted here.  

Here were his 2 main points

  • Give students something interesting to think about

  • Make connections (teacher to student, student to student, teacher to teacher)

While both bullet points are important, I want to focus on the second one.  We are only going to get through this if we choose community – even at a distance.  MCTM has so many ways for teachers to connect during this time of need and it is showing that people are looking for connections.   Within the last week we have had 20+ educators reach out to join the MN Math Teachers Closed Facebook Group. If you are already a part of this group, invite your colleagues to join us as well.  Within this group teachers can ask questions, we can post opportunities for professional learning, we can digitally put our heads together to create something, and it ca be a place where you find ‘like minded’ people.  

To find the group, head to facebook.com in the search bar – MN Math Teachers Closed Group, then click join.  You will be asked to answer a few very short questions, but that is it. If Facebook is not your thing, use Zoom or Google Meet to hook up with friends, family, or colleagues – while we have to keep our distance it does not mean we cannot see others or collaborate with others.  

Finally, remember there is not one right way to do this new normal.  We are all learning as we go. Give yourself grace and find someone to lean on.  You are strong. You are capable. We will come out of this stronger because we chose to work in community. 

Jessica Breur

Middle School Math Instructional Coach

Mounds View Public Schools