Education is a tough gig right now. There are always struggles in this profession, but the usual and expected pitfalls pale in comparisson to what we have faced over the better part of the last year. Hybrid teaching has been a steep learning curve for sure! And, there are so many things I miss: standing at my door and high-fiving kids in the morning, clusters of students working on collaborative activities at a table, eating lunch with my collegues; I even miss staff meetings...
But I try to be a "glass is half full" kinda gal and in that spirit I will share with you the parts of this new normal that I like.
The Schedule
Before I dig into all the facets of a hybrid model that I am grateful for, let me start out by disclosing my schedule. I realize that my schedule is more than likely not like your schedule. Each district has designed their own approach to delivering instruction during this time. So, my experience is just that - my experience. However, I am hoping that some of the things that I have recognized as a "plus" to teaching hybrid will resonate with you.
Fricther's Hybrid Schedule:
Monday/Tuesday - AA Students
Wednesday - 100% Virtual
Thursday/Friday - BB Students
I will also disclose that students leave for the day at approximately 1:00 and the rest of the day is designated for teaching the students who are at home, small group instruction, planning, and contacting families.
Better Lunch
Lunch is better when it's not rushed. In 20 years of teaching, I've learned how to eat and do many things at the same time: walk the hall, make copies, email parents, grade papers, etc. It's a pleasant experience to eat every day and not contantly watch the clock. Granted, my lunch is later than ever (we eat once the students have left for the day). But, it's such a nice change of pace to not constantly have my eyes checking the clock on the wall to see when my 30 minutes is up. I still do some of those things while eating; the difference is that I can always finish my meal later if I am interrupted or run short on time.
Wednesday lunches are some of the best. We had a food truck come to our building one week and it is common for teachers in my building to order delivery. The restaurants in the community has even adjusted their delivery policies knowing that teachers will be calling in for some warm tastiness every Wednesday. As an added bonus, some restaurants have teamed up with local organizations, booster clubs, or school teams to sponsor fund-raising endeavors.
Wednesdays are Fridays
Lunch isn't the only awesome part of Wednesdays. Wednesdays have started to feel like Fridays. Who doesn't love a Friday, right?
In my district we have students on Monday and Tuesday, an all virtual day on Wednesday, and a different set of students on Thursday and Friday. In a weird sort of unpredictable turn of events, Wednesdays have taken on the feel of Fridays. I dress a little more comfortably; knowing that my students will only see me from the waist up. Sneakers are a staple on Wednesdays.
Wednesdays are also an opportunity to breathe a bit. I am fortunate enough to have time in my schedule to plan upcoming lessons, grab some PD, and make phone calls to families. This deliberate scheduling has been critical in my ability to teach in a hybrid model and not carry home all the extra work for nights and weekends.
Wednesdays are becoming my favorite day of the week!
Muliple Modes of Relationship-Building
I love to start my day standing at the door and greeting students as they come into the classroom. It is different this year for sure; masks and the lack of high-fives make it less than ideal.
However, working in a hybrid model, I have many other avenues to build relationships. For some students, they send me a daily greeting through our LMS or email. For others, they like to be the first to click into the virtual meeting. Others take on a quasi-TA role while in meetings: they share information in the chat for students coming into the meeting late or copy/paste info to make it easier for students to take notes. I have also enjoyed using our "Question of the Day" to learn more about my students.
For students who may struggle with person-to-person interactions, the hybrid model gives them opportunity to connect in a more comfortable format. No matter the method a studnt uses, I always respond. Always.
Direct and Speedy Student Feedback
I haven't graded a "paper" since school began. I knew there was always a possibility that we could find ourselves in another lockdown/remote situation. Thus, my plan was to stay as digital as possible.
In that same vein, all student work has been done on the computer and through an LMS my district subscribed to over the summer. I enjoy reading the student responses. The speed and efficiency with which I can respond to their work is unlike anything I have ever experienced.
I do have several ways to respond; there are marking tools as well as a speaking option. I typically stick to typing my thoughts in the comment box. The students get their feedback and I am thrilled to report they oftentimes will read what I have written and apply the tips to their next endeavor.
It is student-specific and direct. It is one of my favorite aspects of the hybrid model.
Small Class Size
On AA Days I have 12 students in attendance. On BB Days I have 9. It is a dream. In any given year a total count of 21 students would be dreamy. Given the unique turn of events our class sizes are not only smaller, but when that roster is split into two groups, it's beyond heavenly.
My district has split the teachers' student rosters into 2 groups. Thus, I have a "smaller" class. The number of students sitting in front of me on a given day is far fewer than ever in my career. In fact, the number of students in front of me equates to what in some years' past was a "small group"!
As with small group instruction, the discussions are richer, more personal, and more meaningful. I am able to learn about and help my students on a much more individualized level.
Easy Classroom Management
I don't have any disicpline issues this year. I don't have that one student who I know will drain my energy. With such fewer students, there is little room for misbehavior. It is much easier to monitor a student body that is half (and even one-third!) of what I've worked with in the past.
That's not to say that I don't work with students who may struggle with attentiveness or staying organized. But, the other behaviors which typically manifest in other ways when students struggle in these areas is absent this year.
Hybrid Has Perks
Hybrid teaching has some perks. I have adjusted and am learning to love certain aspects of this unique time in education. I have a good system in place that keeps me and my students organized while using a hybrid model. You can read about it here: Organizing Your Hybrid or Digital Teaching.
However, please don't misunderstand, I long for the days when I will have a classroom filled with students clustered at a table or spread across the floor working together on a roller coaster STEM challenge. I will see those days again and when they return I will be waiting at my classroom door with a clipboard in my hand and a smile on my face.