Teachers in the Aftermath of COVID-19

Principal Investigator:
Darimar Weert

Co-PIs:
Dayana E. Velasco Manzano

Faculty Advisor:
Ana Berdecia

Abstract:
The 2020 Coronavirus pandemic has impacted classrooms nationwide as teachers continually endure fatigue, resource and administrative shortages, chronic absenteeism, and behavioral changes in students and parents. According to our research and data that we coded for the Center for the Positive Development of Urban Children, the dominant explanation for these effects comes from the lack of transition plans safeguarding teachers and students from stressors during and after the pandemic. This fact has negatively impacted the students' learning environment, teachers' well-being, and the stability of classroom practices after COVID-19. Due to learning gaps created during remote learning, teachers are now required to catch students up to their grade level in a short period while simultaneously achieving a healthy work-life balance as well as high test scores and positive results. It is crucial to us that through our study we can humanize the work teachers do and call attention to the issues currently at hand so pathways can be formed focused on the empowerment of teachers and the prosperity of students. As we look toward the future of education, we must reflect on the dedication and determination that it takes for our strong educators to continue to thrive in our classrooms.