Learning to teach during a pandemic - Anna Jusinska

We owe a debt of gratitude for the commitment of our teaching professionals across Orkney who did all they could to ensure the delivery of high-quality education to all children, young people and students over the past 18 months during these unprecedented times.

Their reaction to the emerging crisis clearly demonstrated their passion for what is a vocation, not just a job.

Parents and carers have a new-found deeper level of respect for our teaching professionals following periods of remote learning.

The schools in Orkney have returned this week after the summer holidays and three professionals have agreed to share their experiences of learning to teach through a pandemic.

Anna Jusinska, 29, has found the support network for teachers very visible in Orkney – despite the challenges of restrictions.

Originally from Poland, Anna, 29, graduated from the University of Glasgow with an MA in Theatre Studies, but English language and literature remained her passion and she wanted to turn this into a career.

After moving to Orkney, she completed the PGDE through the UHI and enjoyed placements at Stromness Academy and Kirkwall Grammar School.

“Orkney was my first choice for my probation year and luckily there was a place for me as an English teacher at KGS. My probation year will start this August and finish in June 2022.

“I like to share my knowledge and passion for language and literature, and I think there is no better platform to do so than being a teacher. Moreover, if I can spark someone’s interest in my favourite subject, then why not? Teaching is really rewarding when a child shows interest in what you’re trying to teach them.”

Although Anna missed the first lockdown, she had to teach online during the second one and she admits it was a “real challenge”.

“Sure, sitting in my favourite armchair was definitely a luxury, but not being able to see my pupils gave me more understanding of just how important face-to-face teaching really is. Without being able to see my pupils’ facial reactions or sometimes ever hearing their voices, it was really difficult to assess if they understood the lesson.

“…being fluent in various software is often essential…”

“Group work, which I am a big fan of, was practically impossible. Of course, Teams offers this feature, but not every pupil was keen to participate in a voice call with their peers. If we add connections problems to the mix, we end up with a challenging situation.”

While some pupils flourished during remote learning, Anna discovered that others found it difficult and demotivating being alone. She believes the Education system should learn from this and take pupils’ preferences into consideration, finding a way to incorporate this into the post-pandemic learning experience.

“Also, I think we all realised (teachers and pupils) that we’re all human beings going through similar things and neither side has it easy. Moreover, staff and learners had to learn new skills to be able to cope with and utilise the technology at hand (Teams, Google Classroom or others). I think this is a very positive outcome, considering that the world becomes more and more dependent on technology.

“Nowadays, everything is online and being fluent in various software is often essential to find employment. The current education system in Scotland is focused on preparing pupils for post-school life and online learning definitely contributed to it. Even if it was a crash course of sorts!”

Anna is not one for sugar coating a situation and she admits it wasn’t easy as a student teacher during the crisis.

“Being new to the profession is a challenge because you start from zero! No experience, no resources, and a lot of things to learn and discover. However, when at school co-workers in the department always try to help, which is fantastic. Everyone experiences the pandemic in their own, unique way, but the support net is really visible here in Orkney. Yes, it was difficult to meet co-workers from other departments (due to COVID regulations), but nevertheless the spirits seemed always high and mutual help was something that held us all up!

“It was similar with pupils. Sure, wearing masks, maintaining physical distance and not being able to engage pupils in fun activities wasn’t ideal, but pupils raised to the challenge and understood the situation. Their cooperation and understanding made teaching possible during the pandemic!”

“You learn in the classroom”

Anna continued: “Theory will never fully prepare you for teaching. You learn in the classroom. Similarly, I had to learn new critical thinking skills, organising my day and making lessons engaging during remote learning on the job! I had help and support net from my co-workers (Stromness Academy staff at that time) which I was grateful for. Without them, it would be really hard to go through the experience of online teaching as a student teacher at that time.”

Anna is much happier being back in the classroom and would welcome a long-term future in Orkney.

“I am able to differentiate pupils’ learning and give each of them the attention they need. Seeing their faces and engaging in conversations really helps me to teach and provide support. I am thinking about utilising my Theatre Studies degree and adding Drama as my second subject in the future.

“I would love to stay at KGS or in Orkney in general if OIC offered me a teacher position. However, as we are learners in 2020, it is difficult to tell what awaits us in the future. For now, I am focused on enjoying my probation year and mastering my profession. The rest will come.”