Q: Do you prefer this new method of teaching or would you prefer in person and why?

A: I feel like I am flexible in my teaching style, so either in person or online are fine by me. I took the majority of my college classes online, and always preferred this learning style. It matches what my needs were as a student, and I think I take that same mindset to my current teaching role. I miss seeing my kids faces and being in the building and feeling that energy, but I honestly really like the “work from home” atmosphere. It’s comfortable, and I feel like I get a lot more done here at home.

Q: What are some difficulties that you had to face when starting this new method of teaching? How did you fix it?

A: My timing on how long it takes to complete assignments is way off it seems like. It is hard to get a gage on how long it might take a lesson. Something that was taught in the building may take longer because of all of the distractions. I’m finding ways to adjust and adapt on the fly. I also have to find new ways to interact with my students. It’s getting interesting and I love incorporating our homes into the bell ringers. Like we will do a “quick grab” show and tell, or scavenger hunts in the home. It’s been really fun!

Q: Where is your new “classroom”? (do you have an office? Is it just at your kitchen table?)

A: I try to teach from a different room or space daily. My technical office is in my basement, but I like to show the students a different view daily. We are teaching and learning in our homes, I want to embrace it!

Q: Are online classes easier for teachers to stay organized? Why or why not?

A: I think they are easier to stay organized. I keep a very scheduled day. I know when and where I have to be at all times. I was a lucky teacher who has taught this content before so I wrote all of my lesson plans for the full semester prior to the start of school. Now I just get to roll out content and teach. It’s really nice!

Q: What’s your favorite part about online teaching? Least favorite?

A: Favorite part is being at home. It’s personal for me, and I love to bring that into my teaching. I like getting up and just logging in for work, instead of driving 20 minutes one way through traffic. I find that I am way more relaxed now!

Least favorite part…I miss my co-teachers. They are truly my dear friends. I feel like I miss out on things and inside jokes since I am not in the building with them this year. I also miss my in-building students. It was tough to know that I might not see some of them for the entire year!

Q: How much more time are you spending on planning then if you were in person?

A: Maybe not planning, but working…it’s a huge difference. I work non stop answer emails, troubleshooting problems, and helping kids and parents understand the process. I’ll teach a class and log off to find 30-40 emails that need immediate assistance. It’s just a faster pace working environment. I was not prepared for that!