Madison*, a 12th grade American democracy and economics teacher in California, just learned of her school's plans to continue distanced learning this fall. Though it's a relief not to be forced back into the classroom, she said she wishes the decision had been made earlier. "As teachers, we need time to make this massive pedagogical shift and summer planning sessions are needed," she told POPSUGAR.
Madison explained that many of her students already faced significant challenges outside of school before the pandemic hit, and those challenges have only been exacerbated in recent months. "Too many of our students lack WiFi, food, and other supports," she told POPSUGAR. Right now, she said educators in her district "need help serving our students," connecting them with the appropriate technology for distance learning and advocating for school funding. Above all, Madison wants people to focus on connecting young people with the resources they need to navigate education during a pandemic. "There are children in your communities who need your support right now."
