The Pandemic as the Time to Interrupt Harm and Foster Healing through Schooling

Amidst the onslaught of a global pandemic, in mid-March of 2020, New York state and local officials confirmed what many of New York City’s (NYC) students, teachers, and parents were fearful of—that school buildings would be closed immediately and remain that way until more information regarding COVID-19 was available.

Instructions were given to all of NYC’s nonessential workers to remain quarantined until further notice. Initially, I was relieved to learn that I would not be required to leave my home, limiting my risk of exposure to the virus. As an NYC public elementary school teacher, the spouse of an NYC public middle school teacher, and the parent of two NYC public school children, my initial concern was the health of my family, students, and friends/colleagues.

During the days that followed this announcement, teachers were asked to report to their school buildings sans students. The days were spent learning how to develop and deliver virtual lessons, contacting the families of our students, and picking up as many teaching materials as possible. Those few days were filled with uncertainty, with no one to rely on for definitive answers. Nevertheless, like every other teacher, I knew I had to do the best I could for my students in this unique situation.