Golden Valley Teacher Shares Distance-Learning Experience

Good Shepherd School in Golden Valley adjusted to distance learning with a variety of resources and lessons for students. Fourth-grade teacher Katie Massopust shares what a school day is like for teachers and students.

Teacher Katie Massopust connects with students online.

“We at Good Shepherd decided that we did want to do asynchronous learning,” explained Massopust. “Just because, our families, we know how hard it is for them right now. Especially they have one or more parents working from home. They’re sharing devices. They have multiple kids in some families that are all trying to learn at the same time.”

So teachers release all assignments at 10 p.m. the evening before. Massopust releases videos of herself for each class, as well as the morning announcement.

Students sign in by 9 a.m. to complete attendance and start their day.

“We try in fourth grade to keep our day as similar as the real deal,” said Massopust.

Fourth-grader Lucy Mausser told CCX News she’s still enjoying math with distance learning. But another fourth grader named Sophia said she misses recess.

Teachers acknowledge that the socialization part of school is something that is very difficult for students.

“I think academics are so important. But the social emotional piece for our kids is heightened to a new level,” said Massopust. “They got everything ripped from them. Whether it was seeing their school mates during the day, then they usually go to practice. Then they have play dates on the weekend. And they have activities. And it’s all done.

“So at Good Shepherd, our staff meet everyday and we talk just how much it’s important for us to make sure that we’re there for them emotionally and giving them opportunities to be social with one another. Academics are still really important but we just really want that community feel.”

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