60 to 0

Back in the day — and maybe still today — cars were described in terms of how quickly they went from 0 to 60.

Two and a half years ago, when COVID first hit, teachers had to go from 0 — the familiar and expected — to 60 — a complete reset in ever-changing and wholly uncertain circumstances — virtually (literally!) instantly.

And then teachers (and administrators and staff) had to get up to 120 and stay at that speed for months on end.

Which makes teachers kinda like amazing race cars.

Now, at the end of our second pandemic academic year, teachers and administrators can decelerate.

What does 0 look like for you?

I hope, of course, that every educator on the planet can slow way down and rest. Relax. Read a good book. Paint. Take long walks. Go to a movie. Spend unlimited time with loved ones.

I also hope that teachers, staff, and administrators can look ahead to the next surge to 60 — that is, the fall.

Which many teachers I know believe will not be better than last year and

might even be worse.

I’m wondering: What do schools want 60 (not 120!) to look — and feel — like next year? What has this year suggested students will need next year? What has this year taught us about teachers’ and administrators’ and other staffs’ needs?

What structures and supports can be in place to sustain effective responsiveness to all these needs? How will those structures and supports be rolled out so their chances of success are assured?

Questions to be contemplated at the nice ambling speed of, say, 15.

But in the meantime:

May you get some good, healing 0 time in the very near future.