Administrators, who once were your fearless, confident leaders are walking around with permanently shrugged shoulders. You hear weighty terms such as virtual learning, virtual instruction, Google classroom, Bitmoji classroom, Canvas, Seesaw, Boom cards, take-home boxes, and well…you just want to take yourself home. You fear for the safety of yourself, your family, and your students. In the midst of fear and uncertainty, you feel totally lost. Thank you, Coronavirus.

Even though you feel like you’re living out the Frozen 2 song, “Into the Unknown,” you have to reassure parents and co-workers that “everything is going to be ok. You have to organize and prepare for whatever your district mandates – face-to-face instruction, virtual instruction, or both. You are expected to be prepared for whatever may happen. You literally have to prepare for the unknown. Cue the anxiety.

Let’s take a breath. It WILL be okay. Here are just a few tips in order to not just survive, but get through these unprecedented times as best as you can:

1. Once your class roster is received, prep as you normally would. Not all things need to change. Create your pretty data charts that we all have a love/hate relationship with. Analyze past data, read IEP’s, read 504’s, and make copious notes.
2. If you have a co-teacher and/or para, meet (in whatever fashion is comfortable – face-to-face or virtually) and PLAN. Discuss class roles, share resources, and determine what each of you will do within the lessons, units, etc.
3. Now, whatever platform you’ll be teaching in — dive in. Learn, search on YouTube, ask co-workers for assistance, join social media groups dedicated to educators utilizing this type of technology, and do whatever it takes to get your curriculum ready and available for students in whatever learning model your district decides.
4. Do your best to make it fun. Yes, fun…in the middle of a pandemic. Laugh, wear funny masks, play virtual games to practice weekly skills, create hilarious (and appropriate) GIF’s of yourself, and teach your students how to rise above hard times.
5. Now that you have some sort of plan, prep for open house. Make contact with every one of your families through whatever communication tool you’re comfortable with. Let them know that you are here for them. Discuss whatever information you have. This small gesture will create a wonderful start with each family.
6. Here’s the BIGGIE: Breathe and be easy on yourself. You’re doing the very best you can. Let go of any need for perfection. Let’s focus on progress…in whatever way that can come. We’re going to make it work because that’s what educators do.

If you need a little extra help setting up your back to school plan, here are some resources for you to check out.

If you need a little extra help setting up your back to school plan, here are some resources for you to check out.