From the Editor: If you’re interested in sharing a little bit of your life with the GYTO community and would like to be one of our weekly teacher features, you can head to our Teacher Feature form and fill it out.

I am thrilled to be able to introduce you to Kylie Luca. Kylie is a veteran special educator currently working with 2nd and 3rd grade students in an ED unit, in Ohio. In addition to being a teacher, Kylie is a GYTO Magic Squad member, dog mom, and Schitt’s Creek fan!

What has been the most challenging aspect of teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic? How have you addressed it/adapted to it? “My most difficult challenge is not being able to use as many hands on manipulatives. Honestly, I miss being able to play hands on games with my students because I miss the real life learning kids experience during games, the application of skills, and the connection you make with your students while playing games.

To overcome this, I have implemented a lot more digital games (like Kahoot) that we can play from afar while still using the skills and making that connection. Even though my students are in person, we use a lot of technology because, of course, we still have to keep our distance. I have found so many resources online and, honestly, using so many ideas I see on Instagram - everyone is so creative!”

What has been your biggest takeaway from the experience of teaching during COVID-19? “My biggest takeaway was just how important student relationships are. I mean, of course, I always valued the relationships I had with my students but having to meet with them virtually last year really taught me the importance to a whole new degree. I’m fortunate enough to have my same group of students this year and as crazy as it sounds, I feel like having to learn from home really helped them grow even more than I think they would have if we were in the classroom. It really helped them to value being in person and wanting to work that much harder. It was really neat to watch how much their appreciation for school developed. And it’s amazing watching them work harder and learn even more since being back at school.”

What does lesson-planning look like for you? What strategies do you use to be effective and efficient? How is it similar/different to teaching before COVID-19? “My lesson planning is quite similar now that we are back in person. Last year though, I will admit, while virtual I don’t think I’ve ever worked that hard or put in more hours.. ever! But, my lesson plans are always switching and changing. I have a basic plan for the day, but I do not underestimate the ability to be flexible - especially when teaching special education. I have a basic plan of topics that I need to get through, but how we meet that goal may have changed 25 times before the day is over - on a good day. That’s what I love about my position, though. I have a lot of freedom, and only have four students, I can really get creative and hone in on students' interests!”

We learn the most from our failures. I’d love for you to share a story of a time when you experienced failure but learned from it. “Oh man, just 1?! I mess up like 100 times a day... but from that, I have learned the importance of practicing what you preach. We always tell our students that it’s okay to make mistakes... but we as adults, so commonly aren’t willing to own ours. I think that it’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned from teaching, to just be honest with your students. I can almost guarantee they can tell when we are lying, it’s easier just to own up to mistakes.”

What one piece of advice would you give to ALL teachers this year? “Stay true to yourself! Your students want to know the real you. They will trust you much much more and, in turn, WANT to do well.

Keep up the amazing work! I am blown away by the things I am seeing teachers be able to accomplish!”

Anything you want to add? “My favorite trick is mirroring your iPad during Zoom meetings for an easy document camera or to just show students digital work. Almost always, when teaching virtually I upload my worksheets to my iPad so I’m able to share my screen to my students and write right on my worksheets digitally. It’s always fun for directed drawings with the little ones. It’s been a life saver!”

We’ll end with some rapid fire questions!

• Favorite physical teacher tool? “Highlighters!”

• Favorite digital teacher tool? “The ENTIRE Google Suite!”

• Go-to for self-care? “Netflix and naps.... lots and lots of naps!”

• Current favorite TV show/movie? “Schitt’s Creek!”

1. Best thing to come out of this mess? “I bought a house!”

Thank you, Kylie, for sharing a peek into your world with us. We are grateful to have you as a part of our Magic Squad! If you want to follow Kylie on social media, you can find her on Instagram as @learningwithmissluca.