Thank You, Teacher

Renee Espinoza ’09 teaches second grade at Astor Elementary School, mere blocks from the UP campus. She is a few weeks into her second semester of distance learning. So far so good. She writes: 

“I have 18 students in my class this fall, and attendance has already been much better than last year. I feel a lot more prepared, and I am actually teaching. We have a set schedule for our day that includes a lot of read-alouds that tie in conversations about diversity, perspective, empathy, and justice. 

“Class discussions are not the same as in the classroom. Students have to stay muted because many have a lot of background noise going on. Although the year is already more structured than last year, it will never be the same as in-person. I only have a certain amount of time with my students, and it doesn’t allow wiggle room. It is Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, and I would like to do more with my class, but there just isn’t enough time. 

“Although I miss being in the classroom, I know that virtual learning is the best choice right now. I would much rather be doing this than putting our lives at risk. Virtual learning is not ideal, but my students seem excited to join our live sessions, and that’s all I can ask for right now.” 

Thank you, Renee, and thank you to all of our dedicated UP educators out there navigating this challenging time.