COPPERAS COVE, TEXAS — The word teacher goes hand and hand with homework, classwork and lesson planning.
Now that school is virtual, some teachers have to adjust to online learning as well.
“My first year of teaching was two years ago so you know this year is pretty much going to be every teacher's first year all over again,” said Jessica Rhodes, a first-grade teacher at Clements/ Hollie Parsons Elementary School.
To help teachers transition to virtual learning, Copperas Cove school district provided training for them on how to teach from behind a screen.
“We’re really focusing on the science of reading as a district,” Rhodes said. “And just making sure that our virtual learners are receiving the same quality instruction that our face-to-face students will receive.”
The training includes how to form online assessments, how to track attendance and how to keep students engaged all while learning from home. These are all things some parents will appreciate.
“I think this will give me an opportunity to really understand what he is being taught at school and be there to watch what the teacher says,” said Jaime Ibarra, a parent of two boys. “I think it's going to be very beneficial for both of them.”
Some tactics and expectations teachers use in person will carry over onto the screen.
“Teachers are usually very colorful when we speak or when we’re interacting with students, so definitely making sure that that is in the video,” said Rhodes.
All and all, teachers say the virtual training puts them at ease.
“But it made me feel more comfortable with what I’m expected to do these next few months,” Rhodes said.
It's a new reality for teachers that could have a huge impact on students and parents who are monitoring their kids learning at home.
“We couldn't be in a better school district,” Ibarra said with a smile. “I mean when you go there, they go with their students in mind.”
Students in Copperas Cove go back to school tomorrow, and about half of the student population will be learning remotely.