Alta Loma HS English teachers adapt to the new reality

For Lety Licano, an English teacher at Alta Loma High School, the impact COVID-19 has had on the emotional well-being of her students stands out as one of the pandemic’s biggest challenges.

“As a teacher, I’m more in mama mode than I’ve ever been. If one of my students is hurting, I am too,” Licano says. “Slowing down and recognizing the mental health part of this – not just for our kids but for ourselves – has been one of the most important takeaways.”

Unwilling to let things simply play out as the COVID crisis worsened and distance learning became the norm across the country, Licano and her fellow English teachers knew they had to come up with a plan. They took their virtual classroom technology a step further, setting up individual breakout sessions for students needing extra assistance, using online games and activities as a way to connect and engage, and, more importantly, recognizing the subtleties of a teen struggling to express his or her anxieties.

“I’m big on reading body language, but that’s not the same (in a virtual environment). I had to dig deep and adapt to this new world,” said Desiree Kimberly, who along with colleagues believes that finding new ways to connect with students has never been more important.

“We’re used to have that personal touch, and it’s very different now,” says teacher Jennifer Batdorf. “I’m slowing things down, and recognizing that students, right now, have a lot more going on in their lives than our assignments.”

Jason Kaylor, Principal at Alta Loma, applauds the personal, and creative, approaches his teachers are taking during these unprecedented times.

“We’ve never been through anything like this before, and our teachers are facing a different set of challenges than they’ve ever faced,” Kaylor says. “What I love about what our teachers are doing is the way that they’re moving past that and finding new and effective ways to connect with students. They care so much about their kids, while also recognizing that emotions and what our students are going through is a powerful part of learning and retention.”

Rachel Rocco can attest to that.

“We have such amazing teachers,” the Alta Loma junior says. “When the year started, I was struggling in some of my classes. My mind would wander. If I was in my room, I wanted to do other things. Having teachers take the time to talk to me individually has been a real motivation, and I’ve built so many amazing connections.”

Alyssa Morana, also a junior, says the breakout rooms build a stronger level of trust between student and teacher. She also praises Licano for posting assignments and sending messages reglardless of the hour. “She’s there, she’s always there for me,” Morana says.

Zara Gochez, a freshman, says she “lost a lot of motivation” when distance learning began, but the extra feedback she is getting from teachers has made all the difference in the world. “Whenever I had a bad grade in normal school, I wouldn’t hear about it. I actually have teachers now telling me how I’m doing, and it’s helping to keep grades up.”

Leila Boiner, a freshman, had a similar experience, and in one class her grade wen from an F to a B. She’s grown to appreciate distance learning, and hopes that when in-person learning returns, it will be in the form of a hybrid schedule. “I really feel I can focus on my work,” she says.

Dr. Mathew Holton, Superintendent of the Chaffey District, expresses gratitude to teachers who have made the most of a difficult situation.

“Despite all the challenges – including the challenges many of our teachers have faced personally during the pandemic – they’re remained focused on preparing our students for the future opportunities that await them. We’re fortunate to have such a dedicated group of professionals who bring extraordinary talent, heart and soul to their jobs everyday,” Holton says.