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Teacher Voices

As schools closed without warning in response to the coronavirus threat, teachers across California had to innovate and find new ways to connect with and support their students. In this section, teachers share how they confronted this monumental challenge.

Teacher Voices
September 16, 2020

Embracing ed tech tools can help level the playing field for all students

Free online tools can help teachers fill in the inevitable gaps caused by distance learning.

Jennifer Damitio
Teacher Voices
September 10, 2020

Save a program you love by participating virtually

Many ancillary educational programs have been devastated by the pandemic and are counting on support from parents, teachers and the community to survive.

Thomas Courtney
Teacher Voices
September 1, 2020

School communities can help prevent and address student mental health problems

We need support systems in place now, not after mental health incidents begin to surface and escalate.

Sergio Narez
Teacher Voices
August 27, 2020

Using distance learning to forge better parent-teacher relationships

Teachers should nurture relationships with parents, just as they do with their students.

Guadalupe De La O
Teacher Voices
August 6, 2020

A few things to try when teaching online this fall

Teacher shares tips for distance learning gleaned from teaching summer school during the pandemic.

Mark Gozonsky
Teacher Voices
July 24, 2020

Cultural proficiency for teachers can no longer be an option

Teachers must learn to embrace diversity and recognize that cultural differences are assets, not barriers.

Tamra Simpson
Teacher Voices
July 23, 2020

Yearning for my pre-pandemic classroom with all its challenges

In this new environment, the stakes are even higher.

Liz Sandoval Lueras
Teacher Voices
July 13, 2020

President of Newport-Mesa teachers’ union talks about race and education in Orange County

New president of the Newport-Mesa Federation of Teachers shares what it has been like teach in a district where she is one of only a handful of Black teachers.

Interview by Sandra Asper/Costa Mesa Brief
Teacher Voices
July 7, 2020

We must bend rules (and make new ones) for emotional health

Teachers realize there is more to distance learning than keeping the children’s study skills fresh, and adapt their classes to meet the need.

Thomas Courtney
Commentary
June 29, 2020

Students and teachers need at least two days a week in the classroom to stay connected

The in-person contact and interaction is essential to student success in the fall.

Marion Siwek
Race and Equity
June 23, 2020

Incoming president of United Teachers Los Angeles has made racial justice her mission

A Q&A with Cecily Myart-Cruz.

Nadra Nittle/Chronicle of Social Change
Commentary
June 22, 2020

Getting to 100% student engagement in distance learning

Teachers can partner with students, families and colleague to establish a caring classroom community, even if it’s from a distance.

Jessie Welcomer
Teacher Voices
June 15, 2020

What I wish I had told my students before the pandemic hit

Don't lose hope, find ways to help others, stay connected.

Teresa Puente
Commentary
May 13, 2020

The end of college teaching as we know it (if all goes well)

Instead of baleful predictions, let's focus on the changes that should come about.

Jody Greene
Commentary
May 8, 2020

Forge emotional connections with students before pursuing lessons online

Students' basic needs for love and belonging must be met before getting back to meaningful academic learning.

Elizabeth Mee