Will 2020 be inconsequential?

Like no other year in history, the lessons we experienced were inexplicable and life altering.  The human race found itself fighting a relentless global pandemic which changed lives forever. Undoubtedly, we willingly or unwillingly learned a lot individually and collectively.

In education, we assessed if the initiatives we chased for decades were essential. We examined if the expensive reforms remained relevant or unnecessary. We discovered if corporations and think tanks recognized all the factors teachers have to consider while engaging students in learning.

When school buildings closed, leaving teachers and students without the mandatory models, schedules, measures, environments, or policies, we identified what truly makes a difference. School had to be reimaged and with minimal external control.

Teachers led their own learning on how to renovate teaching and learning. They were given an inconceivable problem to solve on behalf of their students. The challenges were insurmountable, so teachers relied on each other. Teachers crowdsourced ideas and resources by creating worldwide professional learning networks. They crossed disciplines and levels to problem-solve unimaginable obstacles. Teachers demonstrated tenacity and the professional learning that transpired outside of school buildings was immeasurable.

Regardless of how many years of service teachers had prior to 2020, what they knew barely mattered. It meant teachers had to frantically learn what they believed would work while under indescribable stress and impossible demands. The wisdom of teachers became paramount to keeping the education of students operating in a crisis. Most professionals in other fields grow under authentic conditions that produce meaningful results. Will we continue to perpetuate absurd learning conditions for teachers?

Or, will hindsight be 20/20?