Back to The Classroom: Overcoming the Obstacles of Going Back to In-Person Teaching

The educational landscape changed in 2020 when most schools went to online learning. For nearly two years, teachers pivoted to provide the best possible education in the midst of turbulent conditions. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the challenges facing teachers in 2022 and offer a few solutions to help teachers (and their students) thrive.

Where is K-12 education headed in 2022?

As schools open back up and offer in-person classes, teachers are faced with new challenges. This leaves K-12 education radically changed, even as things go back to “normal.” Ideally, educators and policymakers will use the experiences from the last two years to create a more holistic and healthy educational system.

In 2022, we’ll most likely see educators step up and create an even better classroom experience for students. Instead of just reverting back to what was, they’ll use a combination of platforms to help provide every student with a quality education.

Although there is a temptation to make things seem as “normal” as possible, students can adapt. They rose to the occasion when things shut down and they’ll rise to the occasion, paving the way for the next generation of students.

Even with in-person learning, educators will integrate more technology into the learning process. While there were many drawbacks to online learning, teachers can still enjoy the benefits afforded to online learning by integrating online learning methodology into their classroom plans. 

For example, online learning allowed teachers to adapt lesson plans to fit the learning styles of their students. Teachers can use these same tools to provide supplemental support for struggling students.

What are Some of the Challenges Educators Face?

Educators face a number of challenges as they return to in-person learning. The following are three of those challenges.

Challenge #1: There are still safety concerns.

Even though classrooms are returning for in-person learning, there are still safety concerns. Although there are some dips in cases, the Covid-19 pandemic still poses a threat to students. Since many students are too young for the vaccine, they are especially vulnerable.

Outside of illness, there are other concerns. Gun violence, natural disaster, and domestic issues all impact students. Educators must take steps to ensure the safety of their students because safety is one of the most fundamental human needs. If their students are not safe, they cannot be expected to learn.

Challenge #2: Students are struggling to re-learn classroom skills.

The pandemic was hard on everyone. Although online learning prevented them from falling two years behind academically, many students are struggling to re-learn important classroom skills. They face difficulties with focus during full school days. 

Many K-12 educators face issues with behavior, since students haven’t had to follow the same rules for the past two years. For example, many first- and second-grade students may not have any experience sitting in a classroom. That means their teachers are teaching them important behavioral skills they would have known before this point.

Challenge #3: Teachers aren’t prepared to deal with the rapidly changing educational landscape.

In a pre-Covid survey of teachers, 80% of teachers reported that they felt confident teaching material about their classroom subject and 68% felt confident in their ability to use a variety of different teaching techniques.

After the pandemic, though, many teachers are struggling with a sense of inadequacy. Even when they objectively see the ways they’ve adapted, they may feel like they’re under-prepared to address the issues that plague students today. In fact, a January 2022 survey found that less than 40% of teachers feel confident in their role as educators.

How Can Educators Overcome These Obstacles?

Despite the massive obstacles that modern K-12 educators face, there are some solutions and supports that can help them overcome those obstacles. The following are three key ways educators can address the challenges of returning to in-person learning.

Solution #1: Invest in training to address educational challenges.

Teachers need training and support to address the challenges of teaching in 2022. Even though classes are in-person, teachers need to integrate technology into their classroom learning. Educators that didn’t grow up in this “digital-first” technological landscape must adapt to the unique benefits and challenges of digital learning.

Whether it’s online training or continuing education seminars, teachers need supplemental help to adapt to today’s landscape. If you’re an educator, take advantage of any available training opportunities to sharpen your skills.

Solution #2: Make time to build social connections with your students.

There’s a saying: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Students need to feel safe and loved before they can even think about tackling the content of your lesson plan.

Take time to build community between your students. Foster an environment that makes them feel loved and safe. Although the educational objectives are important, it’s also important to help teach your students soft skills like interpersonal communication.

Solution #3: Ask students what they need.

Asking your students what they need is the most direct and effective way you can uncover what special needs are represented in your classroom. While many students may not know how to communicate their needs with you, others will provide you with useful information you can integrate into your classroom management strategy.

In some cases, you’ll find out what things your student is struggling with at home. With that information in mind, you’ll be able to point them to the resources they need to thrive.

Final Thoughts

Returning to in-person learning isn’t as easy as “going back to normal.” While many things have returned to the way they were before 2020, many things are left permanently changed. Students missed out on two years of important classroom skills, making it difficult for many to adapt to long hours of in-person learning.

Providing teachers with the resources they need to tackle today’s challenges is essential if we’re going to move forward. Educators stepped up to tackle the challenges of digital learning in 2020 and they’ll step up again to take on the challenges of modern education.