I know that the world is a platform for you to use to design your life. You will meet people that challenge you, mentally and physically. People will left you up and others will tear you down. It will take time to learn the role others will play in you life. Don't be afraid!

Teaching can be broken down into two categories... relationships and flexibility. A child will never learn from a teacher if a relationship is not built first. Children need people outside of the home to help them reach their full potential. Having that relationship allows you to help them leave your classroom a better citizen. Flexibility is paramount. Schedules will change. Lessons will fall apart. Teachable moments will happen in the classroom daily that may not be on your lesson plan. Don't be afraid to show vulnerability when things don't go as planned. #virtualteaching2020

I emphasize responsibility and empathy. Responsibility in terms of their education and their character with their teachers, classmates, and community. As an English teacher, empathy is a necessity in my classroom. We read and discuss diverse topics and must trust each other to speak freely in order to grown and learn.

• I need to learn that there are certain things are out of my control. Downtown will always dictate changes. I need to continue to grow, in terms of my flexibility, when things are thrown our way.

• I need to learn to relinquish some control and allow/create more student-driven learning experiences in my SPED classes. This is not a challenge for me in my Honors classes, but for some reason unbeknownst to be, I am afraid to take that step with my SPED students.

• I need to learn how to make my class more accessible to parents. I have great communication with parents, but Covid teaching has opened my eyes to parent struggles. Whether this is parent tech classes or asking about their home situations... I can do more to connect and provide.

• I need to take the lessons I have learned from virtual teaching and continue to carry them into the traditional setting upon our return to the classroom. For example, email communication vs. telephone and constant evaluation of my best practices to name a few.