Teaching on a Tightrope

By Mr. Ludwig ('95)

The average class size at North Rockland High School is still 25-30 students, but you wouldn’t know it from walking the halls. Classrooms once crammed with students are now eerily empty.  With many students opting to learn from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers at NRHS now see only a fraction of their students in person each day. The rest of the students participate in classes virtually through a live Google Classroom link.  

According to Dr. Michael J. Gill, principal of NRHS, “The biggest challenge has been trying to maintain our collective focus on what it means to be a Red Raider.  The limitations in terms of gatherings have sapped energy from the school year.  But, I am optimistic with the declining infection rates and vaccinations, we will have some fun, creative ways to get some ‘“Raider Pride’” back into the school community.  Specifically, I want the seniors to know we have "big plans" ahead.”

During the pandemic, teachers and students have been forced to adapt to radically different modes of learning.  “Technology poses some real problems.  I also battle a greater level of frustration from the distance.  Keeping students involved and caring can be a near-Herculean task, and I'm no Hercules...more like Twerpules!” said Scott Schneider, an NR English teacher who is working remotely this year. 

Hybrid 2.0, the new learning model adopted by the district under superintendent Dr. Kris Felicello, presents challenges to even the most seasoned educators.  Teaching in the hybrid environment requires multitasking skills, facility with technology, flexibility, and patience.  “The biggest challenge has been to equally engage all students, those in class and those streaming from home,” said NR English teacher, David Anderson.  

Lagging internet connections, poor video and audio, and technical glitches can put a damper on genuine student/teacher interactions.  It can be difficult to build a sense of continuity and community in the classroom under these circumstances.  NR English teacher, Barry Baloga, said his biggest challenge is “trying to recreate (virtually) the face-to-face connection and interaction that makes learning in the classroom way more effective and enjoyable.”    

Both students and staff have been through a stressful, uncertain school year with shifting schedules and sudden quarantines.  According to Gary Armida, NR English coordinator, “The biggest challenge, to me, is to try to keep everyone motivated. Isolation, shifting of learning environments, and just the stress of dealing with a pandemic can weigh on anyone. I'm always amazed at students and how they are able to always come back and be focused in this pandemic. I don't think I would have the same focus.” 

Prior to the pandemic, the NRHS library was a popular spot for students to gather and often very crowded with visiting classes and students catching up on homework.  While the library was closed to students for a short period in the fall, it is now a social hub again.  “Now we are open with social distance protocols in place, which is a good sign of things moving forward. Also, we could not circulate books at first, but now we have a plan in place for our students to borrow!” said librarians Mary Hoffman and Michael Nugent.

“This pandemic is like none other in history,” said James Mulligan, NR Assistant Principal.  “We have had to adapt to restrictions and been creative in meeting safely with friends. This group of young people will become more resilient than any other group since the Great Depression. Groups that live through difficult times and overcome are not intimidated by much as adults. I look forward to seeing how this group will change society, create new jobs, create new music, and prevent illnesses in the future.”