Schools across the country have been closed for the remainder of the school year due to the coronavirus pandemic. These closures have forced teachers to teach their students from the safety of their own homes and to accept the challenges that come with online teaching. Several Badin teachers were surveyed about their experiences with online learning thus far.

How did you feel when schools were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic? Were you surprised?

• Ms. Trotter (Mathematics)

“I was very surprised! At the time, I was not aware of how dangerous and widespread the coronavirus was becoming so school closures came as quite a shock to me.”

• Mr. Shamp (Religion)

“I was surprised, but I think the first word that comes to mind is anxious. This is uncharted territory for schools, and we're asking hundreds of students to show the maturity of adults and be self-motivated—most of you are doing great though!”

• Mrs. Enderle (Religion)

“ I was not surprised when schools closed for a longer period of time during this pandemic. We have to stop gathering in large groups for this to stop spreading. However, it doesn’t make it any easier. I miss my students, my friends, and Badin, in general. I understand the reasoning, but I was very disappointed when the stay-at-home policy was extended. My heart hurts for the seniors. But, I have faith that God will heal us and make us stronger together. No matter where we are, together or not, we can pray for each other and share kindness in small ways. A kind message a day goes a long way!”

Describe how you’ve been teaching your classes. How do you feel about using Zoom for lesson plans?

• Mrs. Robinson (Mathematics)

“I send a weekly agenda, then send notes via videos and HW assignments. We sometimes do live meetings, but with the kids being so busy, it's been tough to get everyone to come to them. I'm glad we're going to a schedule format for Spring Break!”

• Mr. Schuckman (Social Studies)

“I've done a mix of EdPuzzle, video lecture, and writing assignments. I have also done some Google Form quizzes and a test. Zoom works well for what is intended, but has some security issues. I have difficulty using it due to having small kids, it's hard to get a quiet place regularly to do so.”

• Mrs. McDulin (Art)

“I have been teaching through Google classroom. The first week I was working most of my time creating the online lessons for 4 different classes and 7 periods. Now, I am creating lessons and looking at the cool art the students are making.

I have yet to set up a Zoom but am excited to try it soon. It will be nice to see and hear everyone.”

Describe communicating with your students. Do you feel it is more difficult when teaching online?

• Mrs. Long (Religion)

“Man, I miss my students. One of my first concerns was not being able to connect through prayer, which I do on a daily basis, so I set up an Instagram account (@belong106) so I could share daily prayer and thoughts (or ramblings!). Anyone is welcome and invited to join! “

• Dr. O’Hara (English)

“Definitely. Students also have many responsibilities. You don't know, a lot of times, what hardship is affecting people's lives.”

• Mrs. Butz (Religion)

“Mrs. Minton and I are trying to be extremely understanding that you guys (the students) are probably overwhelmed, not only by the pandemic itself, but the new roles you have to take on as caregivers for siblings, a lot of assignments and technological hiccups...we are hoping to give you some relief!”

Do you feel comfortable with instructing online? Or are you eager to return to teaching to a classroom full of students?

• Mrs. Robinson (Mathematics)

“I can teach however is needed. It's more stressful this way for me, but for the kids too. They're the ones who are at the biggest disadvantage having to fend for themselves and organize their learning. But they will be better for it, stepping up to this challenge! Next year will be a new way of life—definitely looking forward to it.”

• Mrs. Long (Religion)

“I am thankful for online learning so that we can continue, but it is no substitute for being in the classroom. I can tell so much from looking into the faces of my students—how their day is going, how tired or engaged they are, if they’re connected or confused, etc.—that I can’t tell through email. AND I know you guys are getting thousands of emails so I’m sure you are bogged down reading through all of them!”

• Ms. Trotter (Mathematics)

“I am very eager to return to the classroom! Interacting with students every day is a huge reason why many teachers, including myself, like to teach. It is not the same without having students around every day.”

What were some challenges you faced during the transition?

• Mr. Schuckman (Social Studies)

“Too many distractions, I have 3 kids under 10 (two of which need to be directed through homework, and the other is a two year old tornado) and my wife is also a teacher. This means we split time handling the chaos while the other works.”

• Mrs. Oliver (Spanish)

“I do have to say, this is so much more work! It takes more time to set everything up than to just explain to classes in person. Also, keeping up with emails is not fun!”

• Mrs. Butz (Religion)

“Keeping in touch with my department, not being able to check in on my students, asking about missing assignments (I don’t want to sound like I’m mad at anyone—I just want to know if you need more time or help)”

What have you been doing with your free time? Have you taken up any new hobbies?

• Mr. Shamp (Religion)

“It is really new, but I've been working on my short game in the back yard a lot more. I'm not a great golfer, but I've been trying to work on less mishitting—not sure it will help. My wife "and I" also decided to paint our kitchen cabinets and redo the counter tops—so that's taken a lot of time, but they've turned out great so no complaints.”

• Mrs. Robinson (Mathematics)

“Free time, hahaha! I'm a writer (6 published books) and was hoping to get a little extra writing done, but I feel like I'm at work all the time... so no extra writing except on weekends.”

• Mrs. McDulin (Art)

“My hobbies are painting, drawing, photography, yoga, gardening, reading, playing games, cooking/baking, hiking and running.”

Where do you plan on going as soon as quarantine ends?

• Dr. O’Hara (English)

“I want to go to local restaurants and festivals. I hope the Hamilton Flea comes back.”

• Ms. Trotter (Mathematics)

“To a restaurant! I don't even care which one, as long as I am not in my apartment!”

• Mr. Schuckman (Social Studies)

Out to dinner with my family. Just to get out and feel a little normal.

• Mrs. Butz (Religion)

“Target, haha, and to see my friends!”

• Mrs. Oliver (Spanish)

“As soon as this ends, I am going to South Carolina to visit my dad. I miss him!”

What do you miss most about Badin?

• Mr. Shamp (Religion)

“I really do miss seeing the kids everyday- they bring such an energy to class (except maybe in the morning). Not being able to interact with everybody is kind of a bummer.”

• Mrs. Long (Religion)

“So much has gotten canceled—but not the love I have for teaching, for my students, and for Badin. I would be back there in a heartbeat if I could. There’s really nowhere else I would rather be.”

• Mrs. Enderle (Religion)

“The thing I miss most about Badin is the daily interactions with my friends and students. I miss the daily, routine, mundane, funny conversations. I miss the hellos, high fives, and have a great day! I miss the teaching and learning. I miss the end of the year hustle and bustle. I miss the noise.”