@DrMarcusJackson I had an excellent opportunity to briefly chat with Dr. Marcus Jackson just one hour before his flight home. We discussed the challenging nature of teacher observations and evaluations in a virtual learning environment.
Dr. Mike Robinson: How challenging might it be for teachers to teach students both in-person and virtually at the same time?
Dr. Marcus Jackson: This is exceptionally challenging, and teachers should not be asked to do this. Every District should have a virtual Academy with virtual teachers at each school.
Dr. Mike Robinson: Would you be in favor of hiring classroom monitors to support in-person learners while the teacher is virtual?
Dr. Marcus Jackson: Yes! We currently had this before the pandemic, but only for those taking AP courses. However, this format is critical now as some teachers are out due to the pandemic.
Dr. Mike Robinson: What types of technical issues are being reported by your members who have done Simultaneous teaching ( simulcast or concurrent)?
Dr. Marcus Jackson: Internet services continue to be a problem for both students and teachers. Many teachers in rural areas don't have internet service.
Dr. Mike Robinson: How can teachers maintain a balance between the two types of students online and the ones in-person to ensure none feel neglected? Is it possible for teachers to high-quality and equitable in-person and online learning experiences simultaneously and seamlessly?
Dr. Marcus Jackson: It's incredibly challenging, and teachers shouldn't be asked to be responsible for both. However, if asked, strategically planning your day(every hour) is critical.
Dr. Mike Robinson: Given the use of Simultaneous teaching by many school districts, what equipment are your members indicating they need to make this process a successful educational experience?
Dr. Marcus Jackson: Everyone is one to one now. Reliable internet service remains to be the biggest challenge and need. And professional development for everyone on virtual learning needs to be a priority.
Dr. Mike Robinson: For virtual learning to work, will students have to be required to keep their cameras on at all times?
Dr. Marcus Jackson: Cameras should be on for engagement but not mandatory. However, each class should have the background to ensure students are comfortable even if they're not comfortable in their home.
I am currently a principal in Atlanta, GA. I am in my 17th year as an educator. I have been an administrator on all levels as well as an adjunct professor at Clark Atlanta University. I have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of children by helping to create a unified vision for all students focused on providing equal access to a high quality education. I have extensive experience in leading professional staffs to successfully address challenges and exceed expectations.
I have received several awards for my leadership including Community Outreach Award, Assistant Principal of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Early Leader in Education Award, Program for Exceptional Children Leadership Award, and Community Coordinator of the Year. I have also written several articles for a variety of publications and is also an author of the books entitled “Because My Teacher Said I Can” and “School and Life Living in the Middle”. Everything I do in my practice is about improving learning and teaching, making a difference in my school, district, and ensuring that all students receive a world class education!
Dr. Mike Robinson: How challenging might it be for teachers to teach students both in-person and virtually at the same time?
Dr. Marcus Jackson: This is exceptionally challenging, and teachers should not be asked to do this. Every District should have a virtual Academy with virtual teachers at each school.
Dr. Mike Robinson: Would you be in favor of hiring classroom monitors to support in-person learners while the teacher is virtual?
Dr. Marcus Jackson: Yes! We currently had this before the pandemic, but only for those taking AP courses. However, this format is critical now as some teachers are out due to the pandemic.
Dr. Mike Robinson: What types of technical issues are being reported by your members who have done Simultaneous teaching ( simulcast or concurrent)?
Dr. Marcus Jackson: Internet services continue to be a problem for both students and teachers. Many teachers in rural areas don't have internet service.
Dr. Mike Robinson: How can teachers maintain a balance between the two types of students online and the ones in-person to ensure none feel neglected? Is it possible for teachers to high-quality and equitable in-person and online learning experiences simultaneously and seamlessly?
Dr. Marcus Jackson: It's incredibly challenging, and teachers shouldn't be asked to be responsible for both. However, if asked, strategically planning your day(every hour) is critical.
Dr. Mike Robinson: Given the use of Simultaneous teaching by many school districts, what equipment are your members indicating they need to make this process a successful educational experience?
Dr. Marcus Jackson: Everyone is one to one now. Reliable internet service remains to be the biggest challenge and need. And professional development for everyone on virtual learning needs to be a priority.
Dr. Mike Robinson: For virtual learning to work, will students have to be required to keep their cameras on at all times?
Dr. Marcus Jackson: Cameras should be on for engagement but not mandatory. However, each class should have the background to ensure students are comfortable even if they're not comfortable in their home.
I am currently a principal in Atlanta, GA. I am in my 17th year as an educator. I have been an administrator on all levels as well as an adjunct professor at Clark Atlanta University. I have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of children by helping to create a unified vision for all students focused on providing equal access to a high quality education. I have extensive experience in leading professional staffs to successfully address challenges and exceed expectations.
I have received several awards for my leadership including Community Outreach Award, Assistant Principal of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Early Leader in Education Award, Program for Exceptional Children Leadership Award, and Community Coordinator of the Year. I have also written several articles for a variety of publications and is also an author of the books entitled “Because My Teacher Said I Can” and “School and Life Living in the Middle”. Everything I do in my practice is about improving learning and teaching, making a difference in my school, district, and ensuring that all students receive a world class education!