Column: Pivot

BY AVIS WILLIAMS

Last week, I wrote about the fact that in education we are inundated by entirely too many buzz words. Well, this pandemic has caused many of us across all fields and occupations to broaden our vocabulary. Even the word pandemic was not one that many of us frequently used until earlier this year. Social distancing was not a thing this time last year and neither was face-covering.  

Although there are many, my favorite pandemic word is pivot. Both a noun and a verb, when used during our increasingly interesting times, pivot generally means to turn or rotate. In business, pivoting is a lateral shift that creates adequate value for the customer and the firm to share.

Covid-19 has forced us all to pivot in one way or another. As a leader, I have had to learn how to communicate and build energy through virtual meetings, webinars and teleconferences. This was a challenge initially but as it became clear that we would remain in this space for some time, I realized that without a pivot, we would lose momentum and our engagement would falter. Although, I really miss seeing my team members regularly, I embraced virtual meetings and eventually found that they can sometimes be even more productive than meeting face-to-face. Who knew?

Our teachers had very little time to adjust to remote learning in the spring when the governor ordered all schools to close. Fortunately, we have more time to prepare for reopening but the necessary pivot is even greater than the ones made before. They will not be able to socialize with their colleagues or even teach their scholars in person. Further, they are having to learn completely new way of teaching. Yes, online education requires quite the pivot for our amazing teachers. I have enjoyed watching their creativity flow and especially the teamwork as they have supported one another through their new learning.

Perhaps the greatest pivot has to be made by our families. Parents and guardians will play a key role in supporting their scholars through virtual learning. We recognize that this is a challenge for all and especially our working and single parents. Moreover, our scholars will have to adjust to learning from home and not having the opportunities to pass notes (or perhaps a text message while trying to hide their phone) to a classmate across the room or decide who to sit beside at lunch.

I write all of this to reiterate that we are going to need support, grace and patience as we navigate the upcoming weeks. We need the entire Selma community to wrap their arms around us and be the village that our families, teachers, leaders and staff need. Our scholars return to learning on August 24. It will be an exciting day with a splash of anxiety. Team Selma is committed to a return to excellence. Pray for us and pivot with us Selma!

For more information, email me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org.