Unit 5 schools have resumed part-time classroom instruction at a time in the pandemic that is not really a low-risk period. Cold and flu season is coming. Neighboring states are contributing to a rise in coronavirus infections in Illinois and recent record high daily numbers of new positive tests.
Some say the surge might even be worse than the peak in July. But Unit 5 Superintendent Kristen Weikle said she's not unduly worried about Bloomington-Normal schools.
"Others speculate that with everyone wearing a mask, being more diligent about washing hands and the cleaning, that we may not see that increase. So, we'll continue to monitor closely and make sure we are doing everything outlined in our plan," said Weikle.
She said Unit 5 has increased cleaning and sanitation to get ready for hybrid instruction.
There are other problems besides the virus facing Unit 5 students and teachers. Parents have said their children are struggling emotionally this year. The best way for teachers to catch and intervene is through in-person observation of students. Teachers will only see students in-person two days a week. It's harder to notice problems online that way. But Weikle said it's not impossible to detect student emotional turmoil through a computer screen.
"There are cues you can pick up on; if a student is not engaging at all with the teacher, whether it be through answering questions, doing work, even engaging in conversations that occur with students when the teacher is on the screen," said Weikle.
Teachers themselves need help, from time to time, particularly first-year educators just out of college. Even in a normal year, the leading reason young and mid-career teachers give when they get out of the field is they feel left alone to sink or swim by their administration.
And with limited personal contact, those feelings of isolation tend to increase. Weikle said, though, technology is a two-edged sword that also can make it more efficient for principals to check in on a young teacher.
"Building administrators have the opportunity to be able to log into those remote classrooms, to see how their teacher is doing and look for ways they can support not only the teacher, but the students," said Weikle.
She said Unit 5's regular mentoring and orientation program also translates well to remote help, noting new teachers have briefings and access to math, literacy and technology coaches.
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