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It's really hard to not be with my students in person. The attendance rate for my google meets was not great and so I just missed seeing my students, and building connections with them face to face.

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There are a few students who are typically shy and withdrawn in the classroom who have thrived in this setting. I also see a lot of perseverance from certain students- fixing their work 2-3 times until they got it perfect.

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I would introduce google classroom, e-mail, and other technology platforms in my class and give students mini lessons on how to use them and time to practice.

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I think I will keep giving some assignments via google classroom- it's a nice way to keep kids accountable.

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I can't think anything I need for now, but I'll let you know if that changes.

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I would teach these distance learning platforms to my students ahead of time, so that I could be certain that they would feel comfortable completing work and attending "live" classes. I'm thinking maybe I could even create a "station" in the READ classroom that has them doing one assignment a week by themselves using google classroom, or something along those lines.

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I am finding the google classroom is far more fun than I thought it would be. I think including more of this technology through google classroom would really help the students access different learning activities (that address their different learning styles). I also like how the assignments are always there and everyone can easily go back and reference them. I've had students revising work from April! I definitely am enjoying how it can help keeps be more accountable.

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I really miss my students and being able to work with them in person - especially with specific texts and difficult concepts. I find that building relationships and continuing to strengthen them  definitely makes this entire experience stronger, but it is so hard to not be able to re-assure them or be present as they are struggling and grappling with harder texts. I feel like students who find reading hard and more withdrawn and less likely to take some risks with their reading.

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I have really seen some students going above and beyond. They're really trying to do more to become a better reader! They've been more focused and doing well with distance learning.

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I think I would benefit from learning more ways to get my students interacting with each other on google classroom (maybe more things like a padlet, etc.).

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In all honesty, the most challenging part has been watching some of my "at risk" students disappear.   Regardless of their averages, their presence alone was an integral part of our class dynamic.  Not having them around has fragmented the bond we all shared in our classroom. I know their struggles from working with them all year.  I feel their pain, and I know if I had been able to look into their eyes every day and keep them on the path, things might have turned out differently for them at the end of this year. :-(

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The most rewarding part of distance learning has been watching some of my students "rise to the occasion." This has been difficult for all of us. However, seeing how some of my students refuse to give up, and continue to do anything and everything I ask of them gives me hope.

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If I knew then that I would be virtually teaching now, I would have diversified my online learning platform use even further. During distance/virtual learning, students spend an enormous amount of time reading text off of screens in quiet rooms. This is the exact opposite of what we did in our collaborative classroom. Having more fun and engaging online platforms that facilitate the collaborative/group experience we are sorely missing would have been a great weapon in the fight against the distance learning blues.

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I will continue to incorporate the use of Google forms into my everyday teaching. I love how using Forms categorizes and automatically saves their answers. I love how neatly Forms attach to Google Classroom assignments. I love the simplicity of Google forms as far as students are concerned. I never really have a problem getting students to complete a form.

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I think distance learning would benefit GREATLY from having a virtual conferencing platform (Like Zoom) where students can engage in "break-out" virtual group meetings; similar to how they would go work together in some part of the classroom.  It would give them an opportunity to be themselves in the group without having the teacher virtually "over their shoulders" for the ENTIRE time. Does such a platform exist? Can we look to make the switch to Zoom if DL continues in the fall?

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For me, the most difficult part of this experience has been that our profession is a people profession and the pandemic took that away from us.  Technology is not a replacement for in person connection/relationship and it can't facilitate a hug, pat on the back, or just a fist bump that kids need.  We're not raising robots, nor should we.  The lack of human contact has been the most difficult part of this time.

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We have risen to the challenge in so many ways! We literally rebuilt the airplane while in flight! Teachers, administrators, TAs, custodians, support and main office staff have all come together to create something new, albeit temporary. This reminded me just how powerful we are as educators and what incredible people I work with. I've enjoyed that the pandemic has helped us to push aside the "small stuff" and come together to rise to a larger challenge.

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I'm not a teacher, but hindsight is 20/20. I think the grade level Google Classrooms were key to communication and community. I would have it be a requirement that all students join a grade level Google Classroom and I'd work harder to cultivate a habit of mind in our students that it's the hub of information, community, etc for all students in that grade.

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Contact with kids and families. It is incredibly time consuming, but so important.

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The most challenging part has been knowing kids aren't truly learning much due to lack of effort or checking in. It is hard not being in front of them and checking their understanding to reteach when necessary. Some students are turning in blank documents or partially answered questions. In addition, very few are showing up to the Google Meets. The amount of phone calls and following up with students not doing their work is hard too.

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The most rewarding part has been seeing some kids work really hard, reach out and ask questions along the way. Especially seeing those that struggle in the classroom really shine virtually.

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I would have used more technology in our Stand Alone classes to help trouble shoot difficulties they encountered. I would have also exposed them to various platforms and how to navigate them. Furthermore, I would have helped them set up a home schedule to help them not get overwhelmed. Finally, I would have had Google Meets set up from the beginning and said they were mandatory.

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I will continue to use Google Classroom and forms. I like how I can use Google Forms for reading comprehension/independent work while I am working with a small group of students.

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It has been hard to not physically be present with the kids. It has been hard to make sure every student has what they need to be successful when I am not there. I miss the in between times when we laugh and joke and greet each other! 

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It has been hard to not physically be present with the kids. It has been hard to make sure every student has what they need to be successful when I am not there. I miss the in between times when we laugh and joke and greet each other! 

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Continue to advocate for programs that will help us teach virtually like NEWSELA Pro, Achieve 3000, etc.

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I have had several students who shined so bright during this! Some of their weakness in the classroom became their greatest strengths during distance learning! 

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I have had several students who shined so bright during this! Some of their weakness in the classroom became their greatest strengths during distance learning! 

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I would definitely have incorporated more technology in the classroom. I have always used Google Classroom but now I know there is so much more out there! Going forward, wherever we teach from, I will definitely be using what I have learned about tech!

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I would definitely have incorporated more technology in the classroom. I have always used Google Classroom but now I know there is so much more out there! Going forward, wherever we teach from, I will definitely be using what I have learned about tech!

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I will continue to use Google Classroom and I will continue to do a weekly Google Form Check In to just see how my kids are doing emotionally. I found these forms were a great way to check in, and learn more about my students. 

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I will continue to use Google Classroom and I will continue to do a weekly Google Form Check In to just see how my kids are doing emotionally. I found these forms were a great way to check in, and learn more about my students. 

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Dunkley                              Virtual resources are always helpful. I agree with Roberto that it would be great to incorporate groups for kids to work in.  

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Dunkley                              Virtual resources are always helpful. I agree with Roberto that it would be great to incorporate groups for kids to work in.  

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For me the most challenging part has been reaching students who sleep late and miss many of their classes. I end up reaching out to them later in the day and reteaching lessons. This creates difficulties balancing my personal and professional responsibilities.

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I have been able to provide even more one to one instruction with some students. There are two students in particular who have made significant growth due to increased practice.

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I would have sent students home with more graphic novels to read for fun.

I also would have set up students on Achieve 3000.  This looks like a great resource, but was too difficult to roll out  virtually.

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I have been calling students to check in. In the past I have contacted parents/guardians to check in. Now I am thinking after I talk to parent/guardians I should spend time talking to the student.

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Magically make books appear in the homes of my students.

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Continue to provide students with historical resources (class notes, videos) in an organized location where they can return to time and time again during inquiry of historical events.

Distant Learning brought me closer to realizing how vital it is for so many small details of (an assignment, an announcement, even a hyperlink) to be thought about and planned for in advance- in order for things to *appear* synchronous.

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Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

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Honestly, all of it has been really difficult. We aren’t teaching, the kids aren’t really learning, and connections are hard to keep. I feel like I spend my days chasing the students and their parents. This has shown us more than ever that our kids need to be in the classroom. There is just very little motivation on all ends and it’s disheartening.

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I have seen a greater appreciation of school from students. I gave an assignment last week and one of the questions asked what students will miss the most about AMD, and I would say 110/118 of the kids said they would miss their teachers. Maybe that would have been the answer if we were still in school, but I think that they see the connections they have to us more clearly after being apart.

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Well in terms of being in school, I wouldn’t have let Capstone stress us out as much as it did. Those were our last days in the classroom together after a year and a half, and most of the days were hectic and difficult for the kids and for me, to be honest. I wish we could have had some time doing normal lessons so the kids could learn and enjoy.  In terms of curriculum, we have always used Google Classroom, but I would have stressed the navigation of it more...it seems like a lot of the students were just clicking and hoping to get lucky and find their assignment, even though there is an organized system that is there to help them.

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This is a hard one...I don’t love a lot of the things that I have had to implement in distance learning. I guess I hope to keep the communication strong with the students via email. I have been encouraging them to use their emails as much as possible, with questions, comments, or concerns about grades and assignments. I find that communicating with the students about a grade is typically a smoother process than the parents - it just takes out the middleman for certain things and allows the students to advocate for themselves and be more independent. 

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There was obviously a lot going on and this was a learning curve for everyone involved. I feel that if distance learning continues, we need to have consistency and make sure that everyone’s voices are heard.

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With a little bit of hindsight I would've..

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With a little bit of hindsight I would've..

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I would've liked to organize breakout groups with student insight and collaboration.

In addition- some tweaks to the way students submit assignments in our Google Classroom- trial and error has me thinking it'll be easier to take Attendance, Assignment Completion, etc if students are in a single classroom and submit assignments in a period specific location.

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The hardest part of remote learning has been trying to juggle being a remote teacher to my AMD students while also teaching my own children at home.

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The most rewarding part of this has been connecting with my students in Google meets. They clearly wanted to be able to connect with their teachers. It has been evident that they miss being in school with us.

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Not being able to get a pulse for how my kids are doing by being with them in person jas been especially hard. Being able to look around and see my studetns helps me understand who is engaged, who seems confused but hasn't asked for help, who's off task. We use so many non-verbal cues in the classroom--facial expressions, body language to guide us as teachers. Also, the feedback when in person is immediate. You know when what you're saying is going way over their heads or they're not getting it and when what you're saying is resonating with them. I also miss the chance to see them coperating and working together. I could never get that going somehow in distance learning.

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I have learned so much. I've learned about myself as an eductor and what motivates me. I've learned how to use all sort of tools I had never used before and will likely continue to use later. I learned just how important we are to our students live and in the classroom. I've learned how important they are to me.

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I would set clear expectations from the beginning. They would include clear expectations that studetns had to particpate sometimes in individual conferences or group meets. I would plan work that relied much less on sitting in front of the screen and more time in front of a book, notebook or life experiences.

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I provided a great deal of choice in activities--especially in SS. I think I will do that more. It's been esir in general to do that in ELA because kids choose their own reading but I haven't always been as good at doing that in SS. I hope that we will continue to have access to email with our kids. It ended up being a nice way to connect with students--espcially those who are really shy. I shared sources and recipes or interesting news article I had seen that I thought would interest them. It hink it was a nice way to make them feel seen at a time when we all feel so disconnected. But I think it has value even when we are in school in person.

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I have felt pretty well supported during this time. I feel I've been given encouragement and lots of opportunities for PD and I also feel I've been provided understanding that we're all in a tough spot. It helped me feel more connected to the staff.

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Quizizz
Padlet
Flipgrid
Quizlet

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Maintaining positivist and enthusiasm for students when this is a hard time for everyone. But as a teacher, it's our job to put on a good face, motivate, and encourage students to do their best despite the terrible situations. Not being able to spend time with students face to face was taxing not just for me as an educator, but as an individual who really enjoys teaching.

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Nothing. You're always available to answer questions and that's perfect. But ... Castle Learning :-)

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Survey students more frequently. I think it took them a little while to discover what they like and dislike. I recently learned that a few things we might be doing are tough on students. These are:

-Don't post assignments late or on weekends. As teachers, we can schedule posts, so moving forward, I'll schedule my lessons so that even if I post than at 4PM, they won't show up until the next morning at 8. This way, those of you with notifications aren't just constantly getting overwhelmed with new work.

-Earlier office hours so you can be done with work and enjoy the rest of your day. OR AM & PM options

These were the two big ones. I didn't realize that some hard workers would be stressed seeing a lesson go up at 2 when they though they were done-- even if the due date was four days later. So I schedule all my posts to go up at 8 AM of the following day. That way, students get their afternoons off.

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Google classroom assignments and homework structures really helped disorganized students.

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I have felt completed supported, respected, and trusted to do my best during this complicated time. That has really meant the world to me as I did my best to navigate something new. I really appreciate everything that has done-- by so many different people-- to make this as smooth as it could be for me as a teacher.

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1.  "Office hours" are mandatory
a. 15 minute lessons
b.  let kids work for a few minutes
c. come back and discuss info
2. More group projects using ...
3. Create a YouTube Channel

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Most of the activities kids work on in class end with a "performance." It's way more difficult to have kids "buy in" when we're not in class.

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The most challenging part has been getting many of the newcomer ELLs to stay engaged.

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The most rewarding part is having the students feel like they are able to open up more. Also having the parents feel super appreciative of all the teachers' hard work when it comes to reaching out to families and students.

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I would have prepared my students better when it comes to using different platfroms such as flipgrid and padlet.

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Connecting with kids in a new way, and getting to see kids step up who hadn’t been doing that during the year. 

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Connecting with kids in a new way, and getting to see kids step up who hadn’t been doing that during the year. 

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Continue to have students partake in different platforms.

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Almost everything. Kids not knowing how to utilize resources,  conflicting expectations from district level, the constant changes, issues with boundaries, resources being provided in an untimely fashion with an expectation of immediate implementation, and material that is not conducive to distance learning, tech for the sake of tech as opposed to true enhancement of instruction.

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1) Continue advocating for programs and platforms such as NewsELA.
2) Help us reach out to students that are struggling to connect.

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Clear expectations.

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Student input, surveys/daily/weekly form, book talks, read alouds.

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Talking directly to/with the kids.

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TBD based on expectations.

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I think the distance learning has really encouraged students to appreciate teachers in a new way. Many of my students come to Office Hours just to say hi and connect with me, which is incredibly rewarding.

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Reaching student who would pefer to ignore work is very frustrating. Also, it is difficult to help kids who may have limited internet or resources.

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I feel like it is really easy to individualize instruction and assignments. I am also enjoying the opportunity to connect with students.

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I would continue with Office Hours -- not as much, but use it as a platform to support students in a new way.

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The most challenging part of distance learning has been not being able to connect with all students. This model doesn't work for all learners and I feel that many of my students are missing that personal connection.

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The most rewarding part of distance learning has been watching so many of my students show how independent they are. They have taken this challenge and overcome it!

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I would do a better job teaching students how to advocate for themselves. Also, I would find the sites I liked the best and help students become familiar with them.

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I will absolutely continue using Google Classroom and Actively Learn. The immediate feedback (especially in Actively Learn) makes it easy to help students improve their writing.

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I would have had a clear plan for assignments and due dates and made those things clear to students. I also would have taken time to explore Google Classroom in more detail with all students.

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Use different types of interactive platforms like padlet and actively learn.

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I agree with Andrea. I would love as much choice as possible with different distance learning resources. Many of them require an administrator to get access. In the current climate, I would especially love any and all resources from Southern Poverty Law Center! Their resources are free, and they are standard based!

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One of my biggest challenges was grading. I think it would be helpful to have a clear and set plan in place before putting information out to students. Since this was new territory for everyone I found myself giving the students information and then having to revise what I had said because of adjustments being made. So I would say clear, concise guidelines for grading would be really helpful.

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It is so difficult to not have in-person interaction with the kids.  When they are in front of us, we can grab them if they need extra help, or we can talk to them about work that needs to be completed!

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It has been rewarding to see the kids connect even virtually! Playing games like Kahoot and Gimkit allowed kids to be themselves! They "roasted" each other and had fun playing, competing, keeping score, etc.

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I would have had a better layout in terms of what distance learning would look like (moving into a more general approach and maybe leaning away from TC more).

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Padlet - More SEL adaptations to check in with students

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Maybe we can check out more shared resources for distance learning as we continue to move forward! Maybe we can also explore more digital resources, since what we have shared has been super helpful! I appreciate all the support!

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The most challenging part of distance /virtual learning has been connecting with students.  Nothing can replace face to face teaching.  It is difficult to engage students and it is equally challenging for students to learn Virtually.  There are so many things that I am not able to see while teaching virtually that students are missing in a lesson.

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The most rewarding part of virtual teaching has been having access to google meets to see and connect with those students who engage.

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I would familiarize myself with all the different platforms that are available to Ossining in order to teach more effectively. I would ask that Google Meets be mandatory and create and deliver lessons in smaller groups.

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I feel the most challenging part of this experience is connecting with the students. Many simply disengaged once we began to learn from home. I believe the children are missing the day to day interaction and instruction. A great deal of my curriculum had to be modified due to distance learning.

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I believe that one of the most rewarding parts of this experience is that many of my students opened up and expressed their feelings and emotions about missing their teachers and school and their worries about the world. Through this crisis, I have a deeper relationship with many students and parents. Trust deepens and in turn, partnership. I truly believe that 'We''re all in this together' mindset has helped build deeper connections. It has also given me a better snapshot of the home life of many of my students and that was very helpful.

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I would have connected with parents and students together to set clear expectations and discuss needed support. I would have set guidelines and online routines for the children. I would have set office hours for all my students.

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I will continue to use some of the platforms introduced during distance learning.

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I think you have been wonderfully supportive during this time with honest and realistic expectations for both students and teachers. I truly appreciate your 'open door' approach during distance learning.
For me, it was difficult to distinguish some areas of the grading rubric clearly. My hope is that if we need to utilize distance learning next year, we revisit the grading policies and guidelines.

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I will continue to use Google Classroom to check in with students and assign work.

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You have been incredibly supportive and available every step of the way. I can't think of anything right now...but if something comes up I will ask.