America’s teachers are bearing the burden of what is arguably one of the most challenging jobs right now, teaching students who haven’t been in a classroom for more than a year. For most, this means a shortage of time and a mountain of work.
Katie, a teacher in Okemos, lives in the Mason area and has a child who attends school there. As a mother and educator, she experiences the struggles that parents and teachers face. The main challenge: supporting every child in the return to in-person classes and making sure they are engaged and ready to learn.
“It’s been rough. Students who have any sort of trauma-based history in their life have been, just all of that, has been re-triggered simply by returning to school,” said Katie. “We’re not normal yet, we’re getting there, but our teachers are taxed, they’re covering for each others’ classrooms, they’re crying, they are tired, and they need our support more than effort.”
What seems like an isolating feeling turns out to be a universal one. Eddie Saade, a counselor in Grand Ledge, sees that exhaustion knows no boundary or county line. Saade is a counselor, but also coaches football and track in Mason. Working in both communities has allowed Saade to see how teacher shortages, lack of resources and overall exhaustion have affected all levels of faculty.
“We are all in this together and our brains have been stressed for a long time now. Our mental health is more important now than in my lifetime,” said Saade. “I also do my best to let teachers and administrators know that they are doing a great job and that their best effort during this difficult transition is all they can do.”
Ronald Drzewicki started off teaching mathematics for six years, was a principal for 15 years and has served as superintendent of Mason Public Schools for the past seven years. Drzewicki recognizes that faculty at all levels are dealing with physical and mental hardships. Counselors, teachers, principals and school board members are working through the challenge of returning to in-person classes.
“It’s one of the most difficult jobs. Being a principal in this day and age is extremely difficult,” said Drzewicki. “Every morning every night they’re getting the text messages, ya know who is not going to make it, who’s sick, who do we have to close contact, who do we have to quarantine. That’s all before the first student gets off the bus.” Mason School Board Members recognize that teachers face difficult situations and a challenging school year. In their latest meeting, board members thanked all levels of staff across the county. Substitute teaching opportunities can be found on the Mason Public Schools website.