The Pandemic Revealed Several Truths About School Districts

Hey there! Let’s dive into some lessons we learned from the pandemic, especially in the education world. I’m PJ Caposey, an educator with a lot of experience in school leadership. I’ve spent my fair share of time navigating the choppy waters brought on by COVID-19 as the superintendent of the Meridian CUSD 223 school district in Illinois. Today, I’m here to share what I believe are some of the most important takeaways we all need to keep in mind moving forward.

What We Learned About Ourselves

First off, the pandemic has shown us more about ourselves than it has changed us. When I say “us,” I mean students, parents, families, and, yes, schools too. Instead of thinking that the pandemic flipped everything on its head, I want you to consider it a magnifying glass. It revealed things that were always there but often got ignored.

Take, for instance, the growing frustration within the education system. Sure, the pandemic highlighted issues like low morale among staff, but it didn’t start there. The gripes about curriculum and teachers’ unions existed long before we shifted to online learning. Some folks finally felt they could voice their opinions during this tumultuous time. It was like giving them a stage to share their long-held frustrations.

Real talk: We can’t just shove these issues under the rug. We need to address them. Think of it as a festering wound that might’ve been hidden before but is now wide open. Ignoring them won’t make them go away.

Communication is Key

As a superintendent, I’ve come to lean heavily on the people around me. Pre-pandemic, I could go weeks without chatting with other superintendents. Now? We’re in constant communication. Daily chats with my direct reports have become the norm. This shift has led to more genuine conversations among faculty and staff, creating a much-needed atmosphere of openness.

Sure, not every conversation has been sunshine and rainbows, but they’ve helped broaden my perspective. I hope that as we move forward, we keep this sense of connection. Forget about the “old normal”—we won’t get it back, and I don’t think we need to.

Change is Possible

Let’s be real for a moment. The way we turned our educational systems on a dime back in March 2020 was nothing short of miraculous. And while we don’t want to live in a state of constant change (because, seriously, who wants that level of exhaustion?), the pandemic proved we can shift gears more quickly than we ever thought possible. Seriously, accomplishing what we did in just six weeks back then would have seemed like a five-year plan before the pandemic hit.

This is a wake-up call! Change might be tough, but we can move faster and further than we thought if we commit to it. That’s something to feel hopeful about. Our practices should evolve to better support our students moving forward.

Learning from Mistakes

One fear I have as we speed ahead is that we might be too eager to forget what we’ve learned from these past two years. We must take the time to reflect on our experiences. Blaming the pandemic for our issues can’t be the end of the conversation. Instead, let’s problem-solve and strategize for a better future.

Human Connection Matters

Remember, technology can’t replace human connections. During the pandemic, students missed their friends more than anything else. Yes, assignments beat stuck in a learning management system, but the best moments happened during pep rallies, field trips, and those spontaneous conversations in the hallways.

Let’s keep that connection alive. We need to ensure engaging classroom discussions and hands-on experiences. We can’t slide into a future of silent classrooms where students work solo without feedback. Research shows struggling students thrive better in blended environments rather than fully online experiences. So, it’s on us to make the most of classroom time!

Flexibility is Key

The pandemic also taught us that schools can be more flexible. Here’s a fun fact: Some students actually thrived during remote learning because they could move at their own pace. Many were able to avoid boredom or frustration and even catch up on much-needed sleep. Schools are still discussing how to adjust schedules based on all the research suggesting later start times for older kids.

The Role of Teachers

And let’s not forget our teachers. They are the heart and soul of education. A report from John Hattie creeps back into our minds: around 30% of student achievement ties directly back to teacher influence. The pandemic shined a light on how adaptable and resilient educators are. They learned new platforms and kept students engaged, often going above and beyond for their students.

But here’s the catch: over half of U.S. teachers are considering leaving education due to burnout. This exhaustion comes from the intense pressure they’ve faced. Districts must recognize this and think critically about educator recruitment, support, and professional development moving forward. If we ignore it, we’ll face a teaching shortage that could hurt everyone.

Digital Transformation in Education

The pandemic forced a big leap into the world of distance learning. This shift pushed everyone in education to level up their tech skills, and here’s the kicker: many of the necessary changes can still enhance learning today. We learned that everyone has a different learning style. Technology can open doors to opportunities we never even thought possible.

Using real-time data to differentiate learning is just one example. Teachers can use on-the-fly information to adapt lessons, ensuring they meet students where they are. Just think about how we use live data in everyday life—traffic updates, weather alerts—if we can rely on that in our daily lives, why not in education?

Building a New Normal

Let’s not forget the rise of online learning. There’s no denying online learning will stick around. Parents, students, and teachers dipped their toes into the virtual world during the pandemic. Many liked it! Families found the flexibility helpful, especially for safety and personal needs.

When districts take steps to build online programs, they need to be open to the changes, from budget impacts to staffing. The transitioning to online education doesn’t fit neatly into the structures we’ve had in the past. It’s all about adapting, evolving, and thinking beyond the traditional school model.

The Road Ahead

Lessons learned from the pandemic can help shape the future for our schools. We shouldn’t ignore the educational changes we’ve experienced. By embracing the positive aspects of remote learning while improving on the struggles, we can build a more personalized and equitable education system.

I’m excited about what lies ahead. If we reflect on our experiences and adopt a forward-thinking mindset, we can transform education for the better! Let’s harness everything we’ve learned to create a brighter, more engaged future for our students.