The World According to Leslie

This past school year, many (or most) of our classrooms across the country (and the world) sat empty. Students are being required to stay home to work. As the title suggests (Virtual, In-Person, or Hybrid: Oh My!) this is about the options and how I see them. First a little about me. I am a licensed high school English teacher. I hold a Master's degree in Teaching. I have been in the classroom for 5 years, but last year (2019-2020) and this year (2020-2021) I have been at home. Before becoming a teacher, I was a Sign Language interpreter for four years. These years in the education system were NOT consecutive, but, total, I have 9 full time years. I also have about 5-6 years of substitute teaching. I have a year of teaching English at a community college, and I have worked in a daycare as well.   I have been on most sides of the education system. I have been a student, and I still am (master's degree). I have been a teacher, interpreter, and substitute. I have been a parent, b...

 As you know, I am staying home and helping my sister with her two littles. The schools here are completely virtual, at least for the time being.  So, I have my kiddo upstairs doing her community college classes for dual credit (high school and college). Then I have a 2nd grader and a 4th grader downstairs at the dining room table with me.  As I type this, the 2nd grader to my left is watching a live video of her teacher, and the teacher can see her. Every so often, she unmutes herself and speaks to her teacher and classmates. On my right, the 4th grader is watching a live video of her teachers (yes, two of them), but the teachers can neither see or hear her. The 2nd grader will have the chance to do a 2-3 minute dance break, but the 4th grader will sit there. She will get a 5 minute break, but unless she goes to the potty, she will not move from her seat.  This goes on every day from 8:30-10am. At that time, they either go to small group with teachers, or they do in...