One Year, Many Lessons Learned

Way back in Spring 2020 – aka the surprise pivot to Togethering Remotely — I wrote a bit about how I stay Together while teaching online. All of this info still holds true, AND I’ve learned a ton along the way, just like many (all!) of you. Coming up on almost one year behind multiple screens, I’ve got a few more innovations to share. And I want to hear yours, too!

1-7 Days Before Teaching

• Re-read all participant pre-work from surveys.
• Publish all decks in Nearpod and ensure they are in the right folders.  

• Ensure Zoom links are tight, and triple-check our class website (where we store materials).
• Share lesson plans with Together Teaching Assistants.
• Print a copy of the class roster and blank copies of my Together Training guide.
• Print my Vibe Sheet — a new addition to help me keep track of running so many courses (and meeting so many awesome people) concurrently. I record the mood of the group, funny moments, and more. For example, the time Russell the Cat busted into my session with some Together Project Managers.  
• Select my Zoom shirt for the week. Yes, week. You heard that right.

Four hours before teaching

• Set up my Together Tray

One Hour Before Teaching

• Don headphones and listen to various peppy songs. I won’t tell!
• Turn on ring light, raise standing desk, apply red lipstick, slip into clogs, and prepare my clipboard.
• Set up Together Training Guide, Vibe Sheet, watch, and pens to the right of my laptop.
• Pin all videos for class and conduct final audio check.
• Check my tabs on Toby and load class website so it’s ready to go.
• Gather my Together Tray of beverages and snacks, and watch my kids fall over in laughter as I haul this baby up the stairs.
• Lock said kids out of The Together Studio.
• Get my extravert on by showing up to class early to start getting to know my audience. 🙂

After Teaching

• Ummmm. . . repeat as above, if it’s a double-header day. I find I need at least 45 minutes to regroup and refresh.
• Capture and file all notes on adjustments for future classes.
• If I’m not teaching again that day, I regain energy by doing something vigorous like vacuuming, running to the mailbox, or tossing a ball with my kids.
• If I DO teach again right away, I try to walk downstairs. Or I just do this.

How about you? How do you stay organized while teaching online? What tips and tricks have you picked up this year?

checklists, online learning, pandemic, planning, routines, Teach from Home