Returning to Face to faCe tEaching

TIp one: get in the door

My main goal of returning to work was just to get in the door. It had been eleven weeks since I set foot in the school door and I had a range of mixed emotions. Mainly nerves. Is it safe? What will the changes be? Will there be familiar things in place still? Has someone been in school with COVID? There was also, surprising a touched of excitement mixed in. One thing that surprised me returning to school was just how much I missed the familiar, the routine and even the structures. I rang my husband, like I do every morning, trying to slip back into the familiar. 

As I approached the school gate I saw a few familiar faces. As soon as I saw others in the same boat I immediately relaxed. I wasn’t alone anymore. I had spent eleven weeks removed from the physical presence of the familiar. Workmates and the welcoming smiles were the one thing that got me in the door. After that, I was relaxed and eased. The clear process, new structures, new routines and normal at my school were excellent and I immediately relaxed. I am lucky.

This was my story returning to work post Covid19. As I sit here and reflect, this may change where I live. Back to the uncertainty. One thing that has struck me as powerful over the last few months is that things I took for certain may no longer be so. There is no such thing as a guarantee. So what exactly was it that helped me cope the first few weeks returning to work. Here are my key insights:

Look for the familiar: it could be people. It may be your physical desk, items or even a place. Anything that brings a wave of the familiar can bring some comfort. I found things that I knew eased my mind and I started here. I cleaned my desk and set it up to how I knew. I tried to touch base and chat with people who I knew and missed.

​Routine: it sounds so easy but having a structure in a school day and a routine, making it easier to get into autopilot. One less thing to think about it. As tiring as it was, I found myself rhythm life throws up a curveball. Life throws a series of events as you that you didn’t even think of. Just focus on getting up, getting to work and face what each day brings.

Exercise and rest: they are recommended so many times yet so many times people write off these tips. Getting outside to enjoy some fresh air as much as possible is vital to help keep your mind stress free. Green time always helps me to calm and enjoy my day. Get active, get outside and if your body is telling you to rest then listen. 

Make a plan: as soon as I have a plan I am fine, it makes me feel like I have some say in a situation where I have no control. Having steps and plans can build momentum and assist in you feeling like you have achieved something for the day. 

One day at a time: it sounds so cliche but being present in each day helps to ground yourself. Teachers always have to think fifty steps ahead but in this current situation, you can’t. Just as you think you are into a rhythm life throws up a curveball. Life throws a series of events as you that you didn’t even think of. Just focus on getting up, getting to work and face what each day brings.

I feel truly humbled and blessed to be able to work back into a classroom and do what I do best: teach. Whether we need to lockdown later down the track and return to remote teaching in Victoria is not certain yet. All I know is that I am thankful to have a job and grateful to be reminded of why I enjoy face to face teaching. #twocreativeteachers #education #teach #teacher