Cedarville Magazine, Spring 2021

are not happening like they usually do. Veteran teachers are struggling themselves with the changes caused by COVID, and may not be as available to help a new teacher. “This could be the most detrimental to first-year teachers,” she shared. “We rely on each other in this field for resources, expertise, and support.” New teachers have also had to adjust much of what they were taught in their coursework to fit the COVID environment. Teaching methods such as using manipulatives — physical objects that are used to reinforce learning through hands- on learning — and group work have been adjusted to keep students safe and distanced. “Every class I took emphasized the use of manipulatives, partner talks, and interactive learning,” shared Kylie Beste ’20, who teaches fourth grade at Greeneview Elementary in Jamestown, Ohio. “With COVID, many of those activities, when used, involve extra steps — wipe down this, stay distanced, don't forget to keep your mask up.” MASKED CONFUSION The use of masks in the classroom has created a whole new set of issues for first-year teachers. “It’s extremely difficult to communicate with students with half my face covered all the time,” explained Tyler Brophy ’20, who teaches alternative high school students at Tri-County North High School in Lewisburg, Ohio. “They have to assume all my emotions and facial expressions based on what my eyes are doing and my tone of voice.” For LaMonte, it has been challenging teaching letters and sounds to her kindergarteners while wearing a mask, since they can’t see her mouth. “It’s also difficult to hear what some of my students are saying,” she added. Masks have made teaching less personal for many teachers. “The biggest challenge is truly that I cannot see their faces and their smiles,” explained Beste, “and they can't see the joy in my face when I want to show them I am proud of them.” Her students have expressed excitement when she switches to a clear face shield and they can see her smile. For Brophy, masks have also created discipline issues that distract from teaching content. “Telling students to keep their masks on and having to punish students for not wearing The biggest challenge is truly that I cannot see their faces and their smiles. Kylie Beste ’20 14 | Cedarville Magazine