On July 14th, I returned to the classroom. Yes, you read that correctly. This would be my first time since March 13th that I would be teaching in an actual classroom teaching actual students in real life.

Yes, I was very nervous. And I’m not usually a nervous person. Prior to that second week in July, I received a very nice email from my boss explaining all of the new rules that would be in place regarding resuming in-person classes.

The school pulled out all of the stops, cleaned everything in sight and provided hand sanitizer, masks, shields and other new ‘things’ to feel safe in our ‘new normal’.

On the day of my first class, I went for a bike ride to ride off my jitters. So by the time my afternoon class rolled around, I was ready to teach. It felt good to ‘dress up’, put on makeup (and even wear a bra ;)). The students were so excited to be back in an actual classroom too, that we had all had a blast and I know that it was one of the best classes I’ve ever taught!

Teaching while wearing a mask is challenging, but necessary to continue living out our new normal. The students wear their masks too and I have since discovered so many different styles of masks, which makes for a fun wardrobe. I also prefer to wear my contact lenses while I wear my mask to avoid foggy eyeglasses. You have to really speak clearly and listen so that everyone may hear and understand you. It is also important to make and watch eye contact to know if your students are understanding what is being taught. Teaching while wearing a mask can be both challenging and rewarding.

I am very happy to be back in my classroom with real life students.