Teaching Post-COVID: A Real Talk About the Classroom Struggle

Let’s keep it real. Teaching post-COVID is like trying to fix a leaky roof in the middle of a storm. The classroom isn’t what it used to be. Kids are glued to their phones, have zero energy for anything remotely challenging, and their go-to question is, “Is this for a grade?” Meanwhile, teachers are juggling more roles than ever: educator, therapist, tech support—you name it.

COVID hit these kids hard. It disrupted their routines, robbed them of face-to-face connection, and turned TikTok and YouTube into their safe space. Especially here in New York City, our students didn’t just lose school time; they lost the city itself. No subway lessons in street smarts, no family outings to museums, no spontaneous learning moments that make NYC unique.

But here we are, showing up anyway. And while it’s tough, it’s not hopeless.

What Can We Do?

First, we’ve got to meet them where they are. If they’re glued to TikTok, fine. Bring it into the classroom. Turn lessons into quick, shareable content. If YouTube is their go-to, use it as a teaching tool instead of fighting it. Make learning feel like it belongs in their world.

Second, we’ve got to make it personal. These kids are craving connection. Show them you see them. Relate lessons to their lives, their city, their culture. And don’t underestimate the power of one-on-one conversations. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to re-engage them.

Finally, celebrate the little wins. Did one kid participate today? Victory. Did another actually laugh at your corny joke? That’s progress. In a city as fast-paced and demanding as ours, every step forward counts.

Why We Keep Going

Teaching post-COVID is exhausting, no doubt. But as NYC educators, we’re built different. We hustle. We adapt. We push through the chaos because we know what’s on the other side: a generation of kids who’ll carry this city forward.

The classroom isn’t the same, but neither is the world. And if anyone can handle the challenge of rebuilding, it’s us. Let’s lean into our resilience, share what works, and remind these kids—and ourselves—that learning still matters.

It’s not easy, but nothing worth doing ever is.