[Sponsored] Remote Reality: Taking a lesson from our teachers

Sponsored by East Baton Rouge Parish School System

Teaching and learning came to a halt as the priority shifted to the safety and well-being of students, families, employees, and community members. Once the reality set in that this might be our “new normal,” educators stepped up. Going beyond the call of their instructional duty, some of our EBRP teachers have found creative ways to connect and communicate with their students virtually.

Teachers are making calls to check in on their students, using video-conferencing to bring peers together, and supporting enrichment learning through Google classroom and other digital platforms. Unfortunately, not every student has a device at home—or even internet access. “This pandemic really shines a light on inequities that exist in our community,” says Superintendent Warren Drake. “We know our educators are working tirelessly to keep students engaged as families attempt to fill the void of their child’s classroom teacher.” The district is developing a Distance Education Plan and working through obstacles. Students and educators vary greatly in terms of their “digital readiness,” so lessons must take a more hybrid approach. For more information on East Baton Rouge Parish Schools, visit ebrschools.org.

REMOTE TRAILBLAZERS—IN THEIR OWN WORDS

EBRP Schools Director of Magnet Programs Theresa Porter shared stories from a few teachers who are making the most of remote learning.

SOUTHEAST MIDDLE MAGNET DIGITAL ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY

“We are grateful that today’s technology allows our team members to flex their creativity and stay connected with students and co-workers. Our priority now is keeping everyone informed and making sure that they are aware of how to remain safe, healthy, and productive during this time. Our teachers are incredible and have been steadily working to provide students with all of the material that they might need at home. While we can’t wait to all be back together again on campus, for now, we are doing everything that we can to provide our community with all of the necessary tools needed to thrive during this time.”

—Amanda Powell, Teacher

PARK FOREST ELEMENTARY CREATIVE SCIENCES & ARTS MAGNET

“Since we are a Google district, I try to incorporate Google Classroom in everything I do, so apps and websites I use are funneled through Google Classroom. I send notifications to my students via Google Classroom with instructions on optional STEM-related activities and animation-related projects.”

—William M. Pooler, Teacher

BELAIRE HIGH SCHOOL

“At Belaire, one hundred percent of our teachers are Google Certified educators and have offered many enrichment activities for students to complete while at home. Students are able to use Chromebooks and other smart devices to work in Google Classroom, engage in our school’s ACT preparation videos, and even work on optional enrichment projects for our magnet elective classes. We strive to keep our parents informed through traditional means such as our school’s website, call-outs and e-mail. We also publish a weekly magnet memo that features a collection of relevant information from the previous week.”

—Jane L Silvie, Teacher