Teacher Resources for Remote Instruction

"The New Jersey Department of Education has provided guidance and a list of resources to help educators meet the diverse needs of their students while schools are closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. While there is no single way to provide remote instruction, it is important to remember that there will be differences in student’s access to technology; safe and supportive learning spaces; and adults and/or peers to support learning".

Designing Learning Experiences

• "Recognize the need for flexibility in terms of time schedules and technology access;

• Engage students in relevant and meaningful learning experiences;

• Connect what students have been learning thus far in the year to the new learning experiences in which they will be engaging;

• Allow for student choice and voice when possible/appropriate with regard to how students engage in the experience and/or how they demonstrate their learning;

• Remember that students learn in different ways and provide flexibility in how they engage in new learning (e.g., reading, video); and

• Encourage students to self-reflect upon their learning".

Supporting the Emotional Well-Being of Students

"As students may be impacted in multiple ways by COVID-19 and the closure of schools, it is critical that we are mindful of their emotional well-being. We encourage school districts to share the below strategies and resources with their school community. In addition to educational resources, there are supports available 24 hours a day/7 days a week should a parent or educator be concerned about a student’s well-being".

• "Children’s System of Care: Call this number to find out about services for children and teens with emotional and behavioral health care challenges—1-877-652-7624

• Crisis Text Line: Connect with a crisis counselor to help defuse a “hot” moment or crisis—Text “NJ” to 741741

• NJ Hopeline: 1-855-654-6735

• 2nd Floor: 1-888-222-2228".

"The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) reminds us that, “It is very important to remember that children look to adults for guidance on how to react to stressful events. Acknowledging some level of concern, without panicking, is appropriate and can result in taking the necessary actions that reduce the risk of illness. Teaching children positive preventive measures, talking with them about their fears, and giving them a sense of some control over their risk of infection can help reduce anxiety. This is also a tremendous opportunity for adults to model for children problem-solving, flexibility, and compassion as we all work through adjusting daily schedules, balancing work and other activities, getting creative about how we spend time, processing new information from authorities, and connecting and supporting friends and family members in new ways.”

Having Conversations around COVID-19

"Having conversations with our students and children around COVID-19 can be difficult. The following resources are designed as a primer to give you background information on “How to” have these conversations and the areas you want to make sure to address":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL7Jr5LPjNE

https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/SAMHSA_Digital_Download/PEP20-01-01-006-508.pdf

https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/helping-children-cope-with-changes-resulting-from-covid-19?ck_subscriber_id=342989428%c2%a0

Strategies for Engaging and Supporting Parents During the Pandemic