Under normal circumstances, Miranda Hernandez, set to earn her master’s and multiple subject credential this June, would be spending her spring quarter shuffling between her classes at UCR and her student teaching site, Granite Hill Elementary in Jurupa Unified. But as we all know, these are not normal circumstances. As part of our GSOE under quarantine series, Miranda shares her experience shifting from on-site student teaching to online distance learning, and how she has been staying motivated and productive.

Where are you sheltering in place? I had to make a difficult choice about which family to stay with during this time of quarantine, because I have two different households. My stepmother is more at risk for COVID-19, so I made the decision to stay at my mom’s house out in Menifee. 

Can you tell us a little about how COVID-19 has changed your life as a teacher education student? I have been placed at Granite Hill Elementary in Jurupa Unified with 4^th grade for the entirety of this program. GO ASTROS!!! One drastic change as a result of COVID-19 has been the change from a busy, jam packed schedule we had as student teachers to now working from home and not having to rush off anywhere. Although this is a blessing, it has been hard to adjust to just being home and has left me unmotivated at times. 

As far as the teaching aspect, I am very fortunate that I am still partnered with my same mentor teacher, and she allows me to co-teach with her and create content online for the students. We collaborate a lot more and split the work more evenly now that we are all online, which we both have discussed has allowed us to learn new skills as educators. This time has really sparked my creative side and has made me more excited than ever to teach my students. 

What has been the most eye-opening thing during the last few weeks? The most eye-opening experience during the last few weeks has been learning to accept that all we can do is try our best to get our students online and learning, but knowing that it is not our fault or a reflection on us as teachers if we only have 6 students on at a time. This is an unprecedented time in history, so learning to be gracious with myself has been the biggest takeaway. Also, I would have to say the most challenging aspect of this quarantine for me is the lack of connection we all are feeling.  Seeing my students online is not the same as in person, and they feel it too.  This makes it more difficult to build connection and differentiate, but at the same time it has pushed me to find creative ways to connect and relate to my students; even in the smallest of ways. 

Do you have anything to share in terms of how the students you teach have adapted, inspired you, or what you have experienced about distance learning with elementary children? My students have really impressed me! I hit the jackpot with a mentor teacher who is the technology coordinator for our school site, therefore our students are very tech savvy. 

When we do Google Meets with them, they impress me with their etiquette shown by muting their mics and raising their hands to be called on. It truly is amazing what they are capable of at a young age. Those that are involved and participating online are remaining positive and dedicated to their work, which means a lot to me and inspires me to do the same. These students have a lot going on as well, so when they come on and take the time to do the lessons and participate, it brings me unimaginable joy. 

Do you have any tips for students or peers who may be struggling? Tips I have are nothing revolutionary, but I would suggest reminding yourself that you are doing your very best for your students and that some things are just out of your control in this time. All the work you do, no matter how big or how small is meaningful to your students and all those around you. Like I said earlier, I have had to learn to be gracious with myself and not compare myself to others, so that would be the advice I would give to others. 

Also, take advantage of those technology resources, apps, and websites that are free right now to enhance the classroom experience and get your students engaged. 

What helps you de-stress during this time? Exercise, quiet time reading (and NOT for school), and getting outside are my ways of de-stressing during this crazy time. I have been doing Yoga and strength exercises, taking walks, and reading to keep myself balanced and calm. It is easy to sit at my computer all day and work, but I am not as productive as when I take those breaks to reset. 

Anything else you’d like to share? I want to say thank you to everyone in GSOE for their support in this time. Everyone on staff has been fighting to make sure us student teachers are taken care of, are able to finish with our degrees and become the educators we want to be; for that I am beyond grateful. 

To all the student teachers and everyone else, stay safe and healthy and you are doing amazing work, never forget that.