Tip 33: Conduct a teacher parade to show students support and rally your community
As school closures continue, teachers all over the nation have been coming up with creative ways to stay in touch with their students and support them from a distance. In addition to creating and sending YouTube videos, teacher parades are a great idea for those able to leave their homes and maintain social distancing.
Dr. Gerland H. Woehr Elementary School shared a post about a “rockin” way to get the word out about their parade.
Many other schools have been conducting teacher parades as well, and students are loving it!
teachers in riverside, ca — courtesy of the press enterprise
Educators and staff work together to create routes where many of their students live, as well as “meet up spots” for students who still want to be part of the parade but don’t live in the same neighborhoods as other students.
band teacher in syracuse, ny — courtesy of youtube & syracuse.com
Want to create a parade for your school community? It’s pretty simple!
Create a map route.
Set a date and time.
Get teachers and staff onboard (is this something they are able to do?).
Share out details with your greater community via school email, communication platform like ParentSquare or a Facebook event!
Teachers can then drive by while honking, waving, and holding up signs — while students have signs, posters, and chalk messages on their driveways. It gives students an opportunity to get out of the house, connect with their community (as long as they stay in their cars and maintain a safe distance), and even flash their crafting skills!
students in loudoun, va — courtesy of the loudoun times-mirror
Some teachers have even been using teacher parades as an opportunity to deliver items that schools normally provide. Teachers at Positive Tomorrows delivered Chromebooks and lesson & activity packets as well as weekly resource bags containing food, hygiene, and household items to families in need. While not every school has the resources to give deliverables, even small notes and posters can go a long way.
Teachers and students have faced many challenges — their normal routines are disrupted, they have to rapidly adjust to distance learning, and they miss their each other. What a perfect way for teachers to boost morale, show community support, encourage their students’ success, and flaunt school spirit (all while maintaining social distancing)!
Thank you to all the teachers who have gone the extra mile (literally) to show your care for students!
If you have other examples, please let us know, so we can showcase you and your school, too!
K-12 Remote Tips
We send out an email with each new remote communications tip for K12. Some examples use ParentSquare, but these tips will work with any comprehensive communications tool. Sign up to receive them straight in your inbox.