Overall, the school year ended pretty well. I am not going to lie, distance learning was a blessing in disguise for me because I was at point where teaching was mundane and made me sad a lot. Being away from the physical classroom, and seeing how school is link via tech made me realize that you can't force kids to learn- if they don't want it. Throughout this whole time, people kept talking about engagement and motivation. But when you teach a subject that people are not fond of, and others say it is ok to not be good in it, engagement and motivation becomes an invisible hurdle to achieve and strive. Originally, I thought our lesson were interesting. We went with puzzle base, after we knew distance learning was going to the very end. And yet, the return was pitiful. If I could talk about morals and ethics, conversations that were interesting that would have given to the idea of engagement and motivation. But my assignment is math. And logic problems were the best to use, but it appeared taking the time to dissect them was not favorable. In a world where instant gratification and social media statements are more apparent, taking time to think logically seems to be an art form long ago. So, goodbye year 11. It was meant to be this way.
As for other things in the world, as if we already a huge global pandemic issue wasn't enough, our country continued to display its inhumane behavior. No matter how hard we teach about being a decent person, it never fails that we the world we live in goes back to the idiocy and ignorance on classism, racism, and socialism. It is a classification that doesn't just go away. It is like we take 10 steps forward, only to go back 50 steps. It is the shadow that lingers even though there is no light source. This is what makes me question my job, and the role I play in it. It would be a lie, if I never said I don't see it. Sadly, I live in the system where I constantly feel I have to ten times more better than a counterpart, just to get the same recognition. Sometimes, I have to play my role, only to use later to move me ahead. If life is a chessboard, I know I have moved myself from pawn to maybe a horse. I have a lot to say, to reflect, and experiences of what is happening in our society. I think the sad part, is that even I don't have the power to make the change. I think that is what is frustrating. I think that is why I work harder, to just be even on the playing field.
Today I was reminded of an experience just last year, that maybe was more about how inconsiderate society can be, or maybe how the color of skin plays a role of who is supposed to be at fault. Either way, and just like many others-you never forget those moments. A year ago I left my school, a year later I am teaching from home after one of the hardest years of my teaching career. I didn't a flow this year, and as time continues I really have become more blunt.
Oh, and I am teaching summer school. Because the plan was to take a break this year, but obviously no one can go anywhere, so I'll just labor away. Education has three influencers-the school (teachers), student, and parents. In my philosophy if only 2 out of the 3 do their part, it is not enough to grasp the learning.