New Teachers Adjust to School During a Pandemic

There have been many new changes to HUHS over the past months, including a number of new teachers who face new challenges such as learning Schoology, connecting with students and staff, and adjusting to new practices in place because of COVID-19.

“For the first week or so it definitely was a lot harder because students are on guard, you know, you are on guard, everyone’s trying to be safe, everyone is trying to keep their distance, and that’s not really conducive to getting to know people,” Director of Instrumental Music Connor Johnson said.

Johnson said this year it is a little more difficult to get to know people. However, he said now, a month into school, people have hit their groove and he feels people are more comfortable.

New Business teacher Vinny Daniels said it is harder to build relationships this year.

“Add being new to teaching in a pandemic and it makes for a lot more work building trust and rapport with students,” Daniels said.

New math teacher Megan Cook talked about how adjusting this year is new for everyone. There are many new changes, especially this year, so new teachers are not alone.

“Yes, it has been an easy transition, but during a pandemic, I think it would be a challenge no matter if I was still at my old school or not,” Cook said.

Another new challenge this year for teachers and students is learning how to use Schoology.

“[Schoology] does its job and I think there’s some good stuff there but I am not yet super comfortable with all of its features,” Johnson said.

He also mentioned that there are some things about Schoology that could use clarifying but overall it serves its purpose.

“I’m personally a Google Classroom master,” Cook said. She has also not used Schoology in the past and at her old school used Google Classroom.

Cook said, “I’m glad you guys are doing it because that is how colleges have it set up, very similar to Schoology.”

Daniels worked previously at Germantown where he had used Schoology so he has a background in it. However, he understands people’s frustrations with the new learning system, especially during stressful times.

“I do miss Google Classroom at times, admittedly, but it is a great lesson to everyone that sometimes you have to do what you are asked,” Daniels said.