Decorah School District teachers share their insights into the trials and triumphs of distance learning

The teachers in the Decorah School District are well on their way into their distance learning endeavors, and although there has been a steep learning curve for all, their responses have been resoundingly positive. In the last of our 4-part series on the District's continuous learning endeavor -- voluntary educational enrichment opportunities for students in early childhood through grade 8, and required educational services for students in grades 9 through 12 -- we hear from a kindergarten teacher at John Cline Elementary and an 8th grade teacher at Decorah Middle School. Here's what they had to say:

• What has it been like to shift to a whole new teaching model and how are you adjusting to the change?
• How are you staying connected to your students and networking with your colleagues?
• What has been the most difficult/positive part of this process for you as an educator?


Carmen Johnson - John Cline Elementary, Kindergarten
"I am staying connected with my families through weekly emails, and lessons for the students are given daily by members of the kindergarten team. Team members read a different book to the students each day through an app called Seesaw which allows the students to respond and make connections to the story by taking a picture and sending it to us. We teach math lessons this way as well. The students can record and submit their responses, and the teachers can to comment on the lessons through the app.

The kindergarten team meets multiple times throughout the week using Zoom. I am always excited for these meeting as it gives us all a chance to see one another. We also hold staff meetings throughout the week using Zoom.

The most difficult part of continuous learning is not being able to see all my little kindergarten friends. I miss their bright eyes, sweet smiles and hugs. When we left on March 13th, there was no way of knowing it would be our last good bye in the classroom. I think it is especially difficult for our young learners because there was no closure. It is hard for them to understand they won't be coming back to kindergarten.

Continuous learning has been a whole new learning curve for me.  I can't thank my kindergarten team enough for helping guide me through the countless hours of learning I needed. I feel we are all in a good place and I am so happy to hear from my students weekly in their learning responses. This new way of learning is like a pyramid: the parents and teachers are the base and we are working together to raise up our student learners. It is definitely a partnership that I am so proud to be a part of."

Wes Knaack - Decorah Middle School, 8th Grade American History/Current Events

"Our first week of distance learning was such a powerful and fulfilling experience, as connecting once again with my students reminded me why I chose this profession! I had several Zoom sessions with students last week, and it warmed my heart to connect with them and hear about their experiences during the last few weeks. It's the relationships and interaction with my students on a daily basis that I miss the most!

It's definitely a learning curve not being in the classroom, however, a lot of my curriculum was already available for students online through the Canvas, the learning management system we already had in place. Our district has done a phenomenal job preparing us, while also providing the tools necessary to reach our students online. I've been uploading instructional videos each day for my students to watch, and also providing primary source documents for them to analyze to help them form their own opinion on historical topics. Students post their thoughts online, and their classmates can respond to their posts. I've also prepared lessons for students who may not have access to internet, that can be picked up at the beginning of each week in front of the middle school. I was so proud to see how many of our 8th grade students participated in the distance learning opportunities we provided last week.

As we still have much history to cover, I want to provide my students with engaging work that is not only meaningful, but insightful as well. I've spent a lot of time providing feedback to students through videos, emails, and google drive, and while I may not be able to be with my students physically, this interaction helps to a bring sense of normalcy. I'm excited to continue our work together digitally!

National History Day has also gone virtual! We have 11 8th grade students who have qualified for the state competition which will be held virtually the week of May 4th. We've been working together to make sure they have everything they need to upload their performances, websites, exhibits, and papers to the state contest. National qualifiers will be announced May 8th.

There are so many people in our district working behind the scenes that enable us to provide the best education possible during these difficult times. I'm thankful and proud to work for such a great district with great leadership and the BEST students!"