Dear Harding Community,
We have had a lot of heroes to celebrate since the COVID-19 pandemic began and most notably among them are our exceptional teachers! While thanking teachers should not be a once-a-year event, we would like to take this opportunity to brag about our teachers at Harding Fine Arts Academy for their unwavering dedication and commitment to our students and their families. Our teachers have gone ABOVE AND BEYOND in order to meet unique and sometime difficult challenges. Specifically, we would like to thank them for:
Being Flexible. A little more than a year ago our teachers had to completely change their lesson plans with little or no notice as well as learn new technology platforms on the fly. They did it with grace, patience, and a sense of humor! Since then, Harding students have returned for a couple days a week while our teachers continue to pioneer both in the classroom and virtually.
Practicing Innovation. Redesigning face-to-face lesson plans to accommodate remote learning requires innovation. Some teachers made brief learning videos to engage students in the curriculum while others took advantage of new technology to differentiate instruction and encourage collaboration. While remote instruction has posed many challenges, it has also helped our teachers rethink their curriculum and connect with students in new ways.
Using Creativity. Faced with teaching in new models, our teachers used their “creative muscles” to quickly adapt. They discovered new resources such as virtual field trips (no permission slips needed!), created engaging virtual content, organized and directed virtual performances, and provided at-home art kits so student could continue practicing their craft.
Spreading Kindness. Teachers at Harding have always demonstrated that they care about their students and their families in numerous ways, but this past year they have taken things to the next level. They have delivered learning supplies, like pencils, pens, paper, and books, to students who do not have access to them. And when the stress of juggling all of this change became a bit too much, teachers cared about one another, supporting their colleagues in small and large ways.
Let us all remember to praise the ways that teachers rose to the occasion over the past year and appreciate them every day for their fantastic contributions and unmatched dedication.
Sincerely,
Jean Hendrickson
HFAA School Board President
P.S. If you would like to donate in honor of your favorite teacher, donations can be made to the Teacher Resource Fund here. This fund helps purchase classroom supplies and materials.
