Experienced teacher Angela Rees says the reopening of schools has been an emotional rollercoaster. Here she gives her perspective and shares her experiences of lockdown and being back in the classroom

FOR many teachers, lockdown presented a steep learning curve.

It meant staring at a laptop for hours, squinting to see work that had been scanned in and teaching live sessions without the tools and physical resources normally relied on.

Teaching through each lockdown evolved greatly, with many opening their homes and teaching live from kitchens and dining rooms.

New tricks were learned and teachers found themselves jumping out of their comfort zones to teach directly into the homes of their beloved classes.

It was a leap that had to be made in order to continue providing an education for all those able to log on.

Staff behind the scenes also worked hard to provide laptops, food vouchers and emotional support.

Lockdown for anyone working in a school was a new challenge that was fought and won, with many headaches along the way.

What we missed more than anything was one-to-one contact with children, the ability to see the excitement on their faces when they understood something new and being a listening ear to those who wanted to tell us their news.

When it was announced schools were returning, planning began in earnest.

While many schools were implementing a recovery-style curriculum, revising previous topics, others ploughed straight on, continuing where they had left off.

However, what was considered above all else was the wellbeing of the children.

Although many parents spoke of their children’s excitement to return, there were those who were anxious of change.

READ MORE:

Others had grown so used to being at home with just their loved ones, going back to school was a huge wrench.

Luckily, armies of school staff were at the doors, ready to greet and provide emotional assistance.

Teachers began to teach in their classrooms again and checked to see how everyone was feeling.

Those that may have needed additional time also spoke with the learning mentors who work brilliantly in conjunction with teachers.

The first few weeks were a rollercoaster of emotion and there was a lot of excitement, laughter and tears.

Relief that a level of normality was returning aided in embedding a community spirit among staff. It was akin to a war effort.

As schools start to feel more normal, I'm positive about the future and confident good teaching will be paramount in bridging the gap and ensuring no child gets left behind.

It’s a great time to get into teaching.

If you're looking for a varied career that's never dull and a challenge that brings an abundance of opportunities, give it some consideration.

In your hands, you have the power to shape a little human, inspire them to be the best they can be and watch them grow.

Over the years, I've been blessed to hear how I've been able to inspire children into paths they would not have considered.

The reason for their choices was the encouragement I gave and this alone is my reason for teaching and now training future teachers.

With over 25 years’ experience, North Essex Teacher Training is one of the most established teacher training providers in the country.

You can find out everything you need to know about teaching at one of our informal webinar sessions on Friday, April 30 (2pm) or Friday, May 28 (10am).

Register for your place on teach@nett.org.uk

or call 01255 431949.