Brenda Cerveny, Wilber, NE

We are asking how COVID-19 is impacting rural communities. Read below for a perspective from Brenda Cerveny of Wilber, NE. You can share yours here: http://bit.ly/iaartcovid

My name is Brenda Cerveny, and I am in my 32nd year as a teacher at Wilber-Clatonia Public schools where I work as a Kindergarten teacher. As I reach the point in my career that retirement is a possibility, I have begun thinking about all the things I would like to do and places I would like to visit. However, the current remote learning situation we are in has made me think differently. I have learned that I am not ready to retire. I miss the day to day interaction with my little people. It is the excitement on their faces when they see you in the morning, the expressions that they make when they learn something new, the challenges, the hugs, the I love you’s, you are the best teacher ever… These are just a few of the important moments that I would miss if I were to step out of the classroom now.

When I decided to go into education it was for the love of working with students, it was not for June, July, and August. However, we as educators all love to have our summers off to rejuvenate for the upcoming year. This year because of the COVID 19 we were given extra time off but to teach remotely. This has not been a joy for me, my students, and/or parents. Little people need to be in school. They need routines, structure, friends, playtime, social skills and a teacher. Kindergarteners should not be expected to learn through a computer. They need to be given the opportunity to grow and develop through play. It is a time for children to expand their love of learning, build knowledge, develop their abilities to get along with others, and explore new opportunities. These are the joys and challenges I love about my job! It makes me proud to see and know that I am making a difference in the life of a child. If remote learning would ever become a new norm for teaching, I will definitely know that it is my time to retire.