Phoenix educator, students celebrate Teacher Appreciation week virtually
May 7, 2020, 4:45 AM | Updated: 10:09 am
(Photo provided by Alexa Ruona)
(Photo provided by Alexa Ruona)
PHOENIX — In the midst of Teacher Appreciation Week, educators and their students are continuing to adapt to their new academic environments.
Alexa Ruona teaches second grade at Sonoran Foothills in Phoenix and has conducted online courses for the past six weeks due to the coronavirus outbreak.
“When we left for spring break, I didn’t think it would be the last time I saw my class this year,” Ruona told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Wednesday.
The only way she gets to see her students faces now is through online platforms.
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“The first time I saw all their smiling faces on a Zoom call I got really emotional,” she said.
With this week being teacher appreciation week, her students are finding virtual ways to make her feel appreciated.
“They’re sending photos holding flowers, encouraging video messages and even some are sending e-gift cards – which every teacher loves,” Ruona added.
The appreciation couldn’t have come at a better time after she has dedicated hours to moving curriculum online and adapting to unprecedented teaching circumstances.
“Inside my classroom, I cater to 30 different kids with 30 different needs every day,” she said.
“So now on top of meeting every student’s needs virtually, I’m also having to help their parents and other teachers who aren’t used to using technology for online learning.”
Ruona described teaching second grade virtually as disheartening and looks forward to returning to in-person teaching.
“The end of the year is something students always look forward to with class parties, yearbooks, and award ceremonies – that was something that was just taken away overnight,” Ruona said.
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