Stay Flexible Gracely

One thing for sure Pandemic 2020 has taught us, it’s how to give grace.

If it’s two things, the next would be the ability to be flexible. Like, Gumby-flexible!

I’ll be honest: the pandemic started at an incredibly bad time for me. ...well, I guess there’s not really ever a good time for a pandemic, but if I could have scheduled it, I wouldn’t not have picked March of 2020. I’m thinking maybe February of 2525? That would be a good time for a pandemic.

The Pause

The shut-down put my fledgling business on pause. To stay afloat, I’ve been substitute teaching three days each week. It’s provided a number of things: a steady income, new connections with teachers and students, and a renewed confidence in my teaching skills. 

It’s also reminded me to be flexible and a problem-solver. It’s challenging for teachers to miss a day or more of work. They have to write clear lesson plans so anyone subbing for them that day can lead a class. Sometimes, a teacher has plenty of time; others, the teacher is up at 2:38 in the morning writing lesson plans while fighting a fever or cleaning up the river of puke from a sick child. 

This year has an added challenge: remote students. Sometimes, I’m leading a class where all the students are in the classroom. Some class periods are remote, with students attending class via Zoom, Microsof Teams, or Google Meet. And sometimes, I have a class with students at desks AND at home remotely.

I’ve had to learn the ins-and-outs of each platform quickly. (Thank goodness I’ve been participating and leading Zoom improv sessions!) I’ve had to rely on my technology skills to understand the intricacies and nuances of each platform and see the advantages or disadvantages of them. I’ve had to problem-solve when things go wrong.

Problem-Solving

Walking into a classroom and interacting with other teachers, I exude confidence. Knowing that I’ll be flexible, helpful, and willing to solve problems gives the other teachers a sense of relief and ease. Word spreads around the school that I will do my best to deliver lesson plans, that students will be cared for, and most issues or challenges will be handled and taken care of.

I rely on my improv training constantly. It’s now second nature. It helps me stay present. It gives me the confidence to choose my reaction. It allows me to find a moment of humor in any situation. It helps me build immediate connection with students I don’t know. 

Grace and flexibility are the words of the year. Let’s learn how to give more grace while also being flexible. As we restart our society, return to some semblance of normalcy, and develop new work / life expectations, these essential skills will help us be the successful leaders we need to be.