It might not have been the worst year in human history—historians grant that dispiriting title to A.D. 536—but it was likely the most challenging in living memory. Although we may be keen to forget it as quickly as we can, EdSurge is looking back to see what education learned from a year of upheavals, and how these lessons might shape the future.
As we do every year, EdSurge has compiled a series of reflections from a diverse range of voices in the education community, including teachers, college professors, administrators and edtech execs. Needless to say, this has been a year full of challenge and change in education, with school closures, remote learning, resource disparities and racial inequities at the forefront. With that in mind, we invited writers to share their thoughts on the following.
- What are the important lessons that we must learn from 2020 and take into 2021?
- What is an overlooked challenge that remains unsolved?
- If and when things go back to “normal,” what shouldn’t revert back?
- Despite this challenging year, what has been a bright spot—one that surprised you and offers hope for the next year?
Through the gloom, many writers focused on that last point and saw room for hope. They witnessed educators rise to new challenges with innovative solutions. They saw communities find opportunities for lasting change hidden among the rubble of seemingly intractable problems. And they watched their students for inspiration even in their darkest hour.
“With their adaptability, candor and heartfelt future orientation, my students have pulled me through this year,” writes teacher Sherri Spelic in an op-ed that urges us to hold on to our humanity. “Their eyes are open for miracles when all we see is destruction.”
— Stephen Noonoo, K-12 Editor
