Moving into a New Realm of Education and Parenting

This time is unlike any other. We–parents of school-aged children–have rethought our outlooks, educational systems, approaches to social-emotional well-being, and policies within school buildings. Families have experienced high levels of anxiety, stress, and distrust in school systems regarding safety and transparency, as well as in keeping their children’s needs first. We have witnessed a shift in educators and administrators approaching parents as doers, active participants in their children’s education. Although shortfalls exist, it is the approach parents take to ensure that our return to normalcy means more than going back to the identical routine. It is our mission to create a stronger, socially just system, one where families feel empowered to stand up for equity and fight for the educational benefit of their children.

One such way parents have innovatively supported their children is in the establishment of “pandemic pods.” As discussed on All Things Considered, pandemic pods are a place where students can safely interact with others and receive educational support from a qualified teaching professional to complete the necessary remote learning or to supplement learning (Shapiro, 2020). Students may remain with their classmates, close acquaintances, or friends, as parents split the costs of the private learning instructor. This system of pandemic pods demonstrates the resourcefulness parents have exhibited during this time.