Students need to respect teachers
Since the beginning of the pandemic and all throughout the summer, NPHS teachers have been constantly working. They have had to teach, grade and manage all new technology to keep our learning going, but it seems that they aren’t getting the appreciation they deserve.
With the transition to online learning, teachers had to face a heavy load of adjusting already-made curriculums to be done entirely virtually. Teachers like Brianna Harris, biology teacher, have spent hours each day just to be ready for their classes. “I’m working a lot more than I used to to get ready. Everything has to be changed; every lab has to be changed, every test has to be rewritten, it’s a lot,” Harris said. Harris noted that she sometimes spends up to 12 hours a day on her computer for school prep and lessons.
Despite the efforts that teachers have made, some students aren’t putting much work into their classes. Even from his first day of teaching marine biology on Zoom, many of Stephen Svoboda’s students in the class did not treat his teaching efforts well. The majority of the class had their cameras off, and he even met some “zoom bombers.” With everything they do to set up zoom classes, it doesn’t take much to show your face (at this point, nobody cares what you look like).
“Actually, the problem is there are no backgrounds, just names on a black screen. What I’d like is to have them put a picture of themselves up there, at least,” Svoboda said.
Many teachers have also had to balance teaching with taking care of their kids who are doing virtual learning as well. “Our breaks are really short, you know, ten minutes, so that’s a really hard break. When I come out to check on my kids it’s quick… So I definitely feel like I see my kids less,” said Harris.
With all the insane amount of work that our teachers have been doing, especially considering they had to become acquainted with the Canvas platform in a little over a week, they clearly deserve more respect from parents and students alike. Yes, there are always some rascals in a normal classroom setting, but the disrespect towards teachers has gone to a whole new level.
Furthermore, they should get more recognition from the district as they have been working way more with no change in pay. Parents as well, have made the situation worse by attacking teachers if their kids are suffering in school. We have all struggled during this pandemic. It doesn’t take much effort to turn on your screens to show some appreciation for those consistently working their hardest for us.
