The canary in the classroom

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District opted for a return to classrooms this fall in the midst of a pandemic. This decision has invariably led to more questions than answers for educators: How do we do our jobs? How do we stay safe? Our principals, teachers, nurses, counselors, and support staff have admirably risen to meet these extraordinary challenges. We have been diligently serving all of our students both in our neighborhood schools and remotely, while our students are simultaneously giving everything they have despite the adverse circumstances that have accompanied the last several months.

Meanwhile, our district leadership team unveiled BIG plans for next year which include increased graduation requirements, a mandate that will require all incoming high school students to take Advanced Placement courses, and the implementation of a new nebulous CCCC period that will potentially encompass more than 200 minutes per week. The timing of these changes defies logic and is not in the best interest of students, teachers, or our community. The only priority should be skillfully navigating the current obstacles of this year with the goal of a return to normality as soon as possible.

Every day is a grueling game of inches that requires grit, flexibility, and resolve. There are no white flags; there are no trophies. We are not winning; we are not losing — we are merely enduring. Many of us suffer from our own open wounds inflicted by the last several months. My beloved mother-in-law passed last April after a long battle with cancer. She was an amazing woman who embodied kindness and humility. We were not able to be there for her due to COVID and it has been extremely difficult for our family to cope with her loss.

In the not so distant past, coal miners would rely on canaries to detect the presence of carbon monoxide in the depths of the mines. Canaries are more sensitive than humans to the poisonous gas and would alert the miners of looming danger. If a canary suddenly keeled over it was time for immediate evacuation. Fascinatingly, there are accounts of many miners being deeply connected to their canaries. The sweet songs sung by these tiny birds provided a much needed spark in the darkness.

Teachers are canaries in classrooms. Our students have been unavoidably caught in the fray of this pandemic and it has subsequently taken a toll. We routinely sing words of encouragement and support. These melodies convey that the classroom is a safe place where we treat each other with dignity, empathy, and respect. Moreover, we sing about the importance of hope, never giving up, and that it may get harder before it gets better. Lastly, we fluff our feathers and reiterate that the door is always open if anyone needs extra support.

If a song can help then why not sing it? I am urging our district leadership to be in tune with the music. Slow down and be present. True stewardship requires leading with integrity, transparency, and empathy during this critical time. Value all of our district employees and students as human beings first. This translates to being more invested in the social and emotional well-being of everyone as we scramble for light at the end of this tunnel.

The last year has been easy for no one. Let’s be proud of our students and celebrate those hard earned inches. They deserve affirmations, a pause for a breath of fresh air, and the opportunity to transition back to normality next year without any major changes.

Blake Livingston teaches English at Mat-Su Career and Technical High School.