As teachers and kids moved to online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic, it became obvious that it was going to be a pretty big change.

Do you show up in your pajamas or do you fret over the fact that half the class hasn’t logged in this week?

And what about getting everyone using the same programs and apps? Is it even possible?

Here are teachers sharing the often hilarious highlights of the experience so far:

#1 It can be lonely

Getting kids into the classroom on time was already a little tough. Now, it might be legitimately impossible.

#2 Wardrobe change

We know some experts recommend getting ready for work just like you’ll still be driving to get there. Most of us don’t like those experts very much.

#3 Navigating

Teaching online seems simple enough. The keyword there is “seems.” It’s not simple at all. It might be more like herding cats.

#4 Plans

There are some teachers who might be adapting to the change a little too well. This is one of them.

#5 Technical difficulties

You know you’re doomed when your keyboard starts failing. What is a teacher to do? Maybe it’s time for a video lecture.

#6 When you finally get what you want

You hated the mandatory testing. The kids hated the mandatory testing. You’re finally safe from it all…for now.

#7 Lost in the middle

There are a lot of expectations. Most of those expectations are probably downright delusional.

#8 Confusion

Teaching is about the little things. Now, you’re going to have to come up with personalized emojis or GIFs. The horrors!

#9 Too much contact!

Teaching from home seems like a great idea. There are less people, so there should be less interaction, right? Wrong!

#10 Lessons learned

The kids are adjusting to the new normal too. Some of them still have a long way to go.

#11 Impending reality

Teachers know they’re always depended on, and yet they’re somehow the last people anyone thinks about. Even a worldwide pandemic can’t always change that.

#12 Waiting…

Getting kids into class on time used to be a minor struggle. Now, you’re just hoping they show up before the semester is over.

#13 A little too quiet

Telling kids to quiet down can eat into your class time. However, you might end up missing it when all their mics are on mute.

#14 Too much info!

There are things we do not want to know about people. Now, we may have no choice. Clean your room!

#15 Doing things differently

There are times when you still want to feel appreciated. You just no longer know how to go about it.

#16 Outside of the box

Sometimes, getting a look into a student’s life can create teaching opportunities. Too bad you can’t ask the student to bring any of their cooking into school.

#17 Too much time

What do principals do when they have an empty school and no kids to reign over? They remember that you owe $1.50.

#18 The feel of paper

There’s that realization that you will never have to get out a pen again to correct a paper unless you fire up the printer and scanner. Don’t you feel like you just stepped out of the olden days?

#19 When they notice you

A teacher’s job can get a little lonely when everything is done virtually. Don’t forget that they need attention too.

#20 Plans and more plans

Some plans for the future are intended to improve on the past. Some are just because you never want to supervise another dance.

#21 The benefits

Is there a kid in the classroom who always responds to everything with a snarky remark? Now, there’s actually a mute button for that.

#22 It’s exhausting

There’s a lot of extra effort involved when it comes to getting everyone on the same page, especially when they’re not even in the same room. It’s a challenge.

#23 Someone, please read the instructions

There is a reason that teaching was done in person for so long. This is why.

#24 Old habits

Gum chewing is usually prohibited in schools because it tends to end up under tables, chairs, and desks. Usually…

#25 Feeling underappreciated

All of those silly mugs felt silly before. Now, teachers are almost kind of missing them.

#26 Still a teacher

With less of a focus on the classroom, a teacher’s instinct begins to kick in when they are in other environments. Beware the signs!

#27 Impossible math

You know it’s not possible. They know it’s not possible. And yet they still ask you to do it. What is a teacher to do?

#28 Now, you’re the excuse

Teachers were accustomed to hearing excuses. However, being the excuse might take some getting used to.

#29 Cutting corners

The end of the week has always been a struggle for students and teachers. It doesn’t seem like remote classes have changed that.

#30 Oh, so lonely

It’s lonely when you’re alone. What kid is going to come to your office hours when they aren’t already trapped at school?

#31 Explaining things

There are a lot of possibilities when it comes to teaching tools online. The kids might not be aware of all of them yet.

#32 Too many chefs in the kitchen!

Teachers are supposed to be teachers. Parents are supposed to be parents. Not anymore!

#33 Less exercise

Teaching actually requires a lot of moving around. Or at least it used to. Now, the only walking might be to the fridge.

#34 Freedom!

Apparently, teachers genuinely struggle with finding the time to go to the bathroom during the day. Now, they can just wander to the bathroom any time they want. It’s almost like heaven.

#35 Improbabilities

You know the students know how to use the technology. But do they know that you know?

#36 Personal space!

Gone are the days of personal space when they can see half of your house behind you during video chats. Where is the privacy?

#37 The thing about it

Teaching all day isn’t easy. That doesn’t mean that teachers don’t miss it.

#38 Ego recovered

Now you’ll never know that your jokes weren’t funny. That’s got to be a relief.

#39 Caught!

Kids think they can get away with more by claiming that they’re having technical difficulties. However, they forget that teachers are smart and adaptable.

#40 Not on my watch!

Teachers and parents are getting to see a lot more of each other as they both take part in educating students. It can get dicey sometimes.

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Sources:

Huffington Post

Twitter #remotelearning

Twitter #teacherproblems

Cover image:

Alexander Krivitskiy