Optimism

I teach in small school, in a village. I received master degree at music academy. Teacher training college, postgraduate studies and many other courses and traings. I’ve been a teacher for 31 years in small school in a village (incl. 15 years in kindergaden). When the pandemic started I was teaching in kindergarten, but now I’m a tutor in 3rd grade.

It was hard time for me. First few days of the pandemic coincided with my illness. I was to visit a doctor, but immediately the lockdown and the remote teaching was introduced.
It required from me a rapid shift from traditional teaching to online work. I had to search for interesting teaching aids, but at the same time tailored to the kid’s educational level.
The only positive aspect of this form of work was that I didn’t have to travel to work. Personal life was limited to basic cleaning activities, becase preparation for the classes was so time consuming, that I had’t time for anything else. Life became extremely monotonous. One day was similar to the other: online classes, preparing meal for the family, preparation for the next day (surfing internet in seach of useful teaching aids), drafting lesson scenario, supporting my 7 years old nephew and evening bath.
I had to spend too much time (like 10 hours) in front of the computer, which caused hands ache and spine ache. My sight has worsen, and I had to contact the doctor. I didn’t receive any support from school, but on the other hand I also thought I didn’t need psychological support.I ploughed a part of my field and set up a vegetable garden in order to have a reason to go out and do anything else but sitting in front of the computer.
Honestly, I didn’t have spare time for my hobbies. In the pandemic time we had a lot of restrictions, and I was affraid of catching the covid-19. My favourite way of spending these rare moments of free time was taking care of my garden.

Both in private and professional life it is good to look into the future with optimism. One need to believe in him/herself. I gained knowledge and experience, which might be helprul in the futre life and in work with students. Now, I’m prepared for the remote teaching. I collected a lot of teachig materials, which I will be able to use when workig online with students. I’m more confident, I got to know my and my students’ abilities.I think, a dedicated teacher will always meet the challenges.

“It’s never so bad, that it couldn’t be worse!”

Date: 23. 9. 2022
Organisation: Szkoła Podstawowa nr 2 w Sanoku