All of us who have had to pivot into the world of online, virtual work and school from home have no doubt struggled with motivation over the past several weeks. Many of us can identify with the flurry of memes, which depict the ill-fated Zoom call, or the struggle in making sure our on-camera image is the best given the circumstances. Even our own children who normally would love extra screen time are beginning to buckle under the pressure and lose focus.
Simon Youth Academy educators are used to dealing with students who have life circumstances that get in the away of their schoolwork and engagement. With the Academy focus on high-touch and high tech, SYF teachers valued the opportunity to see the student in the physical space of the Academy environment.
Our teachers tell us that now more than ever that student motivation is the number one challenge in keeping the student focused on graduation. Finding ways to keep in touch with students is key, and Simon Youth Academy teachers excel in their dedication to be creative and fearless in ways to reach and encourage students to continue to make academic progress during these stressful and uncertain times.
Simon Youth Academy teachers love a good challenge. We marvel at their support of their students’ dreams. SYF educators are logging more hours of work, mostly outside of a standard school day so that the students have access to engaging, educational and meaningful experiences.
Often accomplished out of the public’s view, the SYF teacher is resourceful and passionate about their students. Even Simon Youth Academy students and families, as well as SYF supporters and the greater community, are often surprised when they stop and think about the efforts our teachers will go to in order to support and keep a student engaged.
So many SYF students confront unthinkable challenges in any given day, even before they learned the meaning of a pandemic. Many students have expressed concerns over anxiety, safety, security, food insecurity, and support. SYF teachers address these added stressors and build strategies that mitigate those issues while keeping students motivated.
Here is an inside look into what you do not see:
- The lead teacher at Simon Youth Academy at Outlet Marketplace (FL) challenged students over the course of a week to stay engaged and complete their work. At the end of the week, students who had met and exceeded their weekly goals received a surprise at their door- their favorite meals delivered to their home via Door Dash!
- At Simon Youth Clark-Pleasant Academy (IN), the lead teacher learned that many of her students are essential workers in the fast-food industry. To check on them, she visits the drive-thru at the workplaces and makes them feel supported during this time.
- If you live near Kokomo, Indiana, you might have noticed the Academy Leader of the Simon Youth Academy at McKinley High School distributing graduation yard signs to students to keep them motivated to finish their final courses in order to become graduates!
- Simon Youth Kelley Academy (TN) teachers and staff are taking a GenZ approach and are creating and sharing messages with their students on their YouTube channel. We are all hoping one of these master pieces go viral! You can see some of their creativity at this link.
- Most of us would think that having your teacher come to your house is a bad thing, but Simon Youth Kelley Academy teachers surprised one of their newest graduates with a socially distant celebration by showing up at their home!
The examples are as diverse as the number of Academies. Given that many of our students are helping their families manage the economic impact of COVID-19, more of our students are working on courses at the very end of the night. Our teachers recognized this isn’t procrastination, but more of a testament of the students dedication, and where possible are making sure that there are faculty online at that hour to assist with course work, discuss issues and perhaps even more importantly, listen.
While car parades and Zoom backgrounds become the norm, we thought it was important to share how SYF Teachers are taking those activities to an even greater level to ensure the success of the students.
All of us at SYF are proud of the Simon Youth Academy educators who continue to provide emotional support, connection and encouragement to their students, ensuring that SYF means graduation – no matter what. We see the teachers because they see a graduate!
SYF will continue to share the stories and experiences of our students and teachers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow us on social media for updates from our Academies, graduation announcements, and more.
