Since returning to the classroom, I have tried to share as much of the reality as possible. There are some (relatively) awesome days and there are some truly awful days and there are a lot of mix-of-everything days in between. Never did I think that stepping back into the classroom would come with the demands and stressors as it has, but then again, nobody else did, either. On top of that, the overwhelming majority of us are working more intensely than we ever have (I say most because, well, let's be real: some of our colleagues are still showing up right at the bell, coming into meetings late, not contributing, and having the time of their life).

But then, the worst stuff is this, and it's not only Gerry. It's admin and others who think that the answer is to just relax and do nothing:

If there is ANYONE I want telling me to relax, it's this guy:

I can't possibly take the entire weekend off to R-E-L-A-X, Aaron Rodgers. Well, no, now that you say it, I will find some time to relax. I'm going to find some time to spend with my family, to sleep in a little bit longer, to call a friend I haven't talked to in a while, or do a thing that makes me feel refreshed. I will find some time to relax.

At the same time, this profession doesn't lend itself to those who do nothing. I drive by my kids' school at the end of most school days and see the cars on my way home and I don't think, "hey, those folks need to go home and do nothing this weekend." I also don't look at those cars, knowing the humans who drive them, and think that they are enduring heroic events to create materials for their students. I see those cars and feel appreciation for the work they are putting in, knowing that if they don't put the time in now, they won't get the results they want later. It isn't heroic or award-winning, but it is their work ethic and I applaud them for it. 

Sure, I can relax, but I am not going to do nothing. Yes, right now it's Sunday morning, and I have not yet planned the week ahead for my students. However, I can tell you that I've already started thinking about it. I know where we left off last week, and what launching points I want to focus on this week, and I know that materials need to be prepped in order for that to happen. I know that there is work to provide feedback on, and students who have turned things in on time deserve a teacher who is going to provide timely feedback, so they shall receive it in a timely manner as well.

So yeah: Give yourself permission. Give yourself permission to break away from the seemingly endless list of things to do to ensure that your students are getting the best possible experience in a chaotic and inequitable time, even though you know that "breaking away" is merely a temporary respite from the reality of what tomorrow needs from you. As for what will improve your mental health? I don't know, and I'm not going to espouse any half-hearted attempts. Not here, not on Twitter, not on a mass email. That's for you to find, and when you do find it, lean into it; that is what I assume will improve your mental health.

It has mine.

Happy "Aaron Rodgers Therapy" Fishing

Spanish Version

Mathematics is beautiful. It is stubborn, it is easy, it is hard, it is used to justify, to sway policies, to influence politics, to influence beliefs, and to defend arguments. It is expansive and it is minute. Its history is complicated, intertwined with racism, colonialism, and concurrent discovery. Its influence is mighty; those who know it, use it to influence and manipulate those who do not. Mathematics, flaws and all, is beautiful.

This year, I get the honor and privilege of helping you explore the beauty (and challenges) of mathematics. For 7.5 years, I taught math and loved it, then transitioned to be a math and technology coach for CJUHSD for another 7.5 years. Now in my 16th year as an educator, I am more eager than ever to be in the classroom (whatever that may look like) to learn and share in this journey with you. When it is deemed safe to be in the same physical space, I look forward to the opportunity to meet you in person. You won't just see me in the classroom. You might catch me on the baseball field, on a hiking/biking trail, fishing at a lake or on the ocean, or at a soccer/hockey/baseball game of my kids'. In the meantime, our virtual interactions will have to suffice, and I will do my absolute best to make the most of them. 

Here are my commitments to you for this school year:

• For my Black students and families, to know that your life matters. I will continue to learn how to value what you bring to this space. 
• For my families whose primary language is not English, to know that I will do my best to support the translation and communication of classroom materials and resources.
• For my families of students with higher needs, to know that I will work with you to ensure that your child(ren) get the services they deserve to be as successful as possible.
• For my students (and families) with difficult schedules, to know that I will work with you to ensure that you have what you need and that I will be as flexible as possible in making that happen. 
• For my students with family in law enforcement, in the medical field, and all who continue to serve on the front lines of the pandemic, know that I appreciate you and the work you are doing.
• For everyone, to see you. I plan to check in regularly with you, not as a way to make sure you're doing your homework or that you can graph a line, but to make sure that you are doing well. And when you're not, to help you find the support necessary. 
• For my students, to not overwhelm you with countless websites and apps and programs and logins. When you go to Canvas and open the page for your math class, the day's activity and everything you need will be right there to access. 
• At the same time, I will work to challenge you as much as I can without overwhelming you. There will be things we don't know. Mistakes will be made. Mistakes will be celebrated. And yes, we will work to understand our mistakes, because in that space, we learn. 

Regarding the content of the course, we will follow the Mathematics Vision Project materials, which are completely free online. I will send out more information as the week goes on about specific material and when you can pick up a printed copy. Out of respect to those affected by the Coronavirus, I will not be incorporating COVID-19 content into the lessons unless students specifically ask for/about it. There is a lot of data out, and it could be useful for conversation. However, I am keenly aware that this pandemic has caused a lot of strain and stress, and my hope is that this class can serve as a respite for some, while empowering all.

In summary (for now), I am thrilled to be a teacher right now, as odd as that may sound. 

Welcome to Room 206, and welcome back for the 2020-21 school year.

​- Mr. Stevens