Associate Professor of Education Kathy Evans stated at the end of the EMU Student Education Association (SEA) panel event, “I hope that we don’t miss that moment. I hope we don’t miss that opportunity to do something about the structural disparities that are happening that are leading to really desperate outcomes.”
Zoom participants discussed pertinent topics in education during the Educators for Change panel event hosted by SEA on Friday, February 19 from 7:30-8:30 pm.
Four alumnae of the EMU Education Program answered questions. The invited panelists included Educational Consultant Aundrea Smiley, Harrisonburg High School Counselor Christina Norment, Newcomer Teacher at Thomas Harrison Middle School Emily Imgram, Lead Behavior Specialist for Harrisburg City Public Schools Michelle Edwards, and Regional Program Director for Youth Deb Lokrantz.
A large part of the discussion focused on learning during the pandemic. Since individual schools are handling the situation differently, each panelist had unique experiences to share. Imgram emphasized the importance of providing adequate wait time after presenting questions to students. Lokrantz witnessed teachers “focusing on talking” and “trying to be more transparent than they have in the past” during class. Most everyone is struggling, teachers and students alike, so teachers should be open about those feelings.
Norment worries about students’ struggles with screen addiction and online bullying during this hyper-digitized time. However, she and other participants recognized several positive aspects of pandemic learning. “The chat box has benefits for introverts to express themselves,” said Norment. Also, Norment reported success with scheduling counseling appointments via Google Calendar. Some elements of virtual learning may prove beneficial when in-person instruction resumes.
Panelists emphasized the importance of trauma-informed teaching. Smiley said, “Meet the student where they are…and always give them space or an outlet. Imgram added, “I think it’s really important to hold all of our students [experiencing trauma] up to the same expectations as we would other students,” as opposed to feeling sorry for them. Lokrantz said she introduces social-emotional tools, such as circle processes when engaging with students.
Discussion topics included trauma-informed teaching, the realities of virtual teaching, and the impact of reliance on technology for future in-person instruction. 29 participants joined the Zoom meeting to hear from the panelists.
