Baruti Kafele

Virtually Lost Baruti Kafele

The global pandemic has changed how we view our schools. The outcomes of sudden school closures include the abrupt shift to virtual learning, new skills required to deliver instruction, and conflicts over when and how schools should reopen. Politicians have spoken, parents have spoken, and now we must listen to the voice of our educators. How are they navigating the challenges of remaining committed to the profession during a time when many educators are dying from Covid-19? What are they feeling as they are confronted with the realities of a post-Covid classroom? What are school administrators thinking as they are caught in the crosshairs of the conflicts between districts and teachers? Are teachers being treated as valued professionals or political pawns in a race to reopen schools? Are we moving our communities forward? Are we virtually lost? Have we placed a mask over the face of the real issue: improving the quality of schooling in urban communities?