I started my teaching career in the pandemic, specifically in Fall 2020. As a result, my “new normal” is actually just normal, because my knowledge of teaching has mainly come from stumbling my way through the difficulties of teaching during COVID times. Repeatedly, I have joked with my students that they never thought they would want to be in a regular classroom so much, and every time I get the same sheepish smile and resounding “yes!” From my experiences this past year, I’ve taken away two major lessons: 1. Our students deserve our respect and to be heard. I made…
Author: Beau Pihlaja
Olivia Imirie
Beau Pihlaja is assistant professor of Technical Communication & Rhetoric in Texas Tech University's English Department.