Almost everyone at NASH has missed out on beloved events and activities in 2020. The difficulties that students have been facing since the beginning of the pandemic in March have been well documented, but teachers too are struggling with the multitude of difficulties that have beset their working lives.

One NASH teacher, who asked to remain anonymous, finds it particularly difficult to teach from home. 

“Even though I feel like I am extremely enthusiastic, technology and plans don’t always work,” they said. “I work a lot harder to plan in this environment and feel I’m getting results not consistent with my effort.”

Being a parent during these times also factors into stress levels.

“I have young children that need help with their remote learning, and I am the only adult home with them at the moment,” the teacher added. “Juggling teaching while cooking, cleaning, and keeping up with my children requires a lot of energy and focus.”

Even when the technology works and the house is quiet, it can be frustrating to try to keep their students engaged during remote instruction. Ms. Yakich, an English and Yearbook teacher, tries to combat boredom during her classes.

“Most of my students are keeping up with all of their work and trying their best to engage with me,” Yakich said. “Others have chosen to check out of class, but I try to change up class content by using different technology platforms.”

Not being able to see students also makes teachers feel disconnected.

“My students’ laughter and smiles are my favorite things, so I miss just being able to see an entire class come together working and engaging with one another,” Yakich added. “Since I am very sarcastic, I like being able to see their facial expressions when I am just being a goof.”

But even with the many downsides of teaching from home, both teachers have found some perks.

“Not having to drive to and from work and performing my extra duty frees up about 80 minutes every day,” one teacher said.

Yakich enjoys sleeping in.

“The extra sleep is a nice perk,” she said. “But it has messed up my sleep schedule for sure!”

Nevertheless, it is beyond debate that teachers are facing overwhelming obstacles. Mrs. Uhernik, a science teacher at NACA this year, thinks that the faculty’s spirits are at an all-time low.

“Faculty morale has definitely been affected. Teachers are people, too, and this situation has been very hard on them and their families,” she said. 

But Uhernik does offer her fellow staff some words of encouragement.

“Hang in there, and stay positive,” she said. “You are loved and valued. Even in a situation like this, you can still follow your dreams and achieve your goals. Don’t let this hold you back.”