Educators seek to inspire students

COVID-19 has caused struggle for both students and teachers. However, some teachers are working hard to motivate students. 

Agricultural Science Teacher Mr. David Bittner said he tries to make personal connections with each student. He said he attempts “to mix it up,” trying to make virtual learning exciting despite the difficulty to do so. 

Mr. Bittner said he tries to see students as an equal instead of as higher above them as a teacher. He describes this as “kneeling down” to their level. By doing this he said he creates a friendship with his students, making them more comfortable in his classroom environment. “If I’m making at least one student happy, I am doing my job,” he said. 

Mr. Bittner said that while he does consider excellence his ultimate goal, he’s began to focus more on why a student is having trouble by personally talking to them. 

Mr. Bittner said he has difficulty dividing his attention equally between both online and traditional students. He said he believes it can be hard to know each student well when he has to go back and forth between the two groups. 

Mr. Bittner said that while the pandemic hasn’t changed his overall method of teaching, it has changed day to day operations. He said this includes how class goes about hands-on work and how students aren’t able to stay longer to work on projects. He said that while he does struggle to interact with online students, he already had most of his work online. He said this made it easier to integrate into an online environment.  

 Social Studies Teacher Mr. Ronald Schultz discussed a similar issue, and he said he struggles to engage more regularly with students when doing online classes.  

Mr. Schultz said he has tried to make his online classes just as fun as traditional. He does this by keeping a high energy and showing excitement for lessons, making it easier for students to follow along and share the same excitement.  

During this school year, Mr. Schultz said he has temporarily changed the way he focuses on students’ motivation. He said he has put more consideration into what motivates a student in an online school setting.  

Mr. Schultz said he tries to keep high energy in the classroom in both online and traditional setting by engaging in different activities. He said he attempts to keep their attention by using their first names and overall engaging in positive interactions.  

Mr. Shultz said he attempts to ensure his students’ success online by providing all material on Sapphire. He said that he hopes to find a happy medium between traditional elements and online learning in years after the pandemic. 

 Both Mr. Schultz and Mr. Bittner said they understand issues online students can have. Mr. Schultz shared that he tries to be flexible on tests, making it easier for all students regardless of learning online or in-person. 

 Music Teacher Ms. Alyssa Williams said she tries to keep students engaged by giving them fun and challenging music.  

Ms. Williams said she has realized the importance of self-care and mental health issues that come with isolation.  

Ms. Williams said that she tries to ensure students success in her classes by offering extra help. She said that COVID-19 has worn on students’ mental health, and she wants to help as best she can.