Let's rethink education.
Long gone should the days be where you have to buy an expensive home in an expensive neighborhood for a "better" education. Long gone should the days be where students AND teachers are frightened in a school building when you aren't lucky enough to be in a "good school." Heck, long gone should the days be when teachers freaking need to pee when the need arises. And while I'm at it, can I throw in my personal preference that long gone should the days be where class sizes are TOO LARGE to meet the needs of each and every student? And for my special education teacher friends, long gone should the days be when your paperwork load surpasses your ability to have precious time with your precious students! Can we go ahead and start hiring Individual Education Plan virtual assistants for our students and teachers already? That is for another blog, but I couldn't write this without expressing my passion here.
I'm giddy with the exploration of "how technology could reduce
'educational inequality', including English as a new language students; how technology can be used to meet educational needs of students with disabilities; how educators can be provided with more tools to use technology; how technology can break down barriers to K to 12, college and universities and provide greater access no matter where a student lives." Yes, Governor Cuomo, yes!
I'm a mover and a shaker and a positive, creative thinker, and Cuomo's thought processes are my jam.
In every tragedy, beauty rises. The "new normal" can be a blessing!
Why not stagger school hours? Why start school so early? Why not let families choose their teacher? Why not let families choose their school? Why not let families choose the best educational experience for their children?
When education reimagined through technology is implemented with compassion and small class sizes, this can change everything. To have the choice and the option is a dream come true. With small class sizes and accommodations met, I couldn't be more excited about this discussion.
Personal note. I ultimately did not feel safe in a traditional classroom, and I ended my career after 12 years in public school, which, as many of you know, is a long time to last these days. My mental health was suffering, and I felt overwhelmed. I also needed to pee. I ultimately lost my sparkle and needed to reimagine education myself and so I continued serving children, teens, and families through my virtual education company that I built myself because traditional schooling was no longer an option for me with my stress level through the roof. I recognize that traditional instruction works in many places, but I SO LOVE THIS for so many children (and teachers) who need something different and something better.
I imagine children and teens connecting through passions, interests, churches, parks, and so much more!
When every other industry shifts and pivots, education can evolve, too. Teaching online is my absolute jam with small class sizes and individual sessions. I couldn't be happier professionally and feel so grateful for the personal and creative freedoms I have. I wish this for everyone!
I would be curious to see how many teachers would return to education and how many teachers would be recruited if education changed.
How many families would seek community through service, hobbies, passions, and church?!
I'm so excited!
Be Blessed,
Mrs. Evelyn from Mrs. Evelyn Educates, LLC