12 Ways Teachers Say Their Teaching Has Improved in 2020

We’ve won some hard-earned wisdom.

"I have really improved my communication skills with both students and parents" quote.

I’ve seen a lot of metaphors for what pandemic teaching is like. Some say teaching in 2020 is like building a plane while you’re flying it. Others compare it to working on a rubik cube: just when you thought everything would click into place, the whole thing falls apart. No matter what your metaphor of choice is, one thing is clear: teaching in 2020 has been really hard. And while I am not a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions, I do find myself reflecting on the past few months as we count down the days until this year is finally over. Something else has become clear to me: teaching in 2020 has taught us a lot about ourselves. We asked teachers in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE Facebook group to share what they’ve learned (spoiler alert: there’s a lot teachers are proud of).

1. I know 100,000x more than I did before

ā€œI have learned that my students and I are very adaptable. I didn’t know how we were going to do this at first but everyone is on a routine and it’s actually going very well. I also think it’s a positive in a way that it’s grown us as educators! I know 100,000 x more than I did last year about technology and will still use a lot of these resources when we go back to school.ā€ —Kylee

2. I’m more tech savvy

ā€œI feel like a real techy now. Feel much more confident in that area.ā€ —Sandy.

3. I’m saving time on grading

ā€œI’ve been more on top of my grading this year than ever in my whole career just by doing everything digitally.ā€ —Tenille.

4. I can add web designer to my resume

ā€œI’m going to have an amazing website by the end of the year. I need to figure out how to transition it to a permanent website. Right now it’s just week by week with links each day.ā€ —Nanette

5. I’m better at communication

ā€œI’m learning how to relay important concerns to parents and still be supportive of their efforts. The responses I’ve received from most parents have been mostly positive.ā€ —Anna.

6. I’ve seen my students rise to the occasion

ā€œI have really improved my communication skills with both students and parents. I have sent hundreds of emails detailing missing work, great weeks, etc. I’ve also verified that kids who want to do well will rise to the occasion.ā€ —Shonda

7. My feet don’t hurt!

ā€œYes, it’s a lot of effort to connect with and get to know students virtually but it is completely possible to make a difference and still love what you do in a virtual classroom. (Plus: no discipline issues or tired feet!)ā€ —AnnaĀ 

8. I’m putting relationships first

ā€œThe absolute and utter importance of relationship building.ā€ —Kara

9. I’m not sweating the small things

ā€œThat my students don’t care what I look like or where I teach from they just want to interact with each other, show me things, even if it’s on a screen and learn.ā€ —Jordan

10. I’m setting boundaries

Teaching improved 2020

ā€œMy own health and well-being comes first. Then the health and well-being of my family. Then the health and well-being of my students. The curriculum comes in last place.ā€ —MaureenĀ 

11. Work will always be there, but it can wait

ā€œIt’s taught me that no matter how hard or long I work, the work will never be done and very little of it is visible, so if I stop at 5pm or 8pm really doesn’t matter.ā€Ā  —Michelle

12. I am more flexible than I realized

ā€œI can be a lot more flexible than I thought. And flexibility is a good thing, at least for me.ā€ —Karen

What has pandemic teaching taught you? Share in the comments! Plus, get more teacher stories and tips by subscribing to our newsletter.

Also: teachers, this is all impossibly hard, but we’re better prepared than we realize.

12 Ways Teachers Say Their Teaching Has Improved in 2020