The world looks very different than it did just over one month ago.
These are unprecedented and uncertain times, with people experiencing a mix of emotions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, living through a situation like this is new to all of us.
While the challenges are many, it’s important to remember you are not alone.
Following is a series of porch portraits — or “Porchtraits” — from our photographer, Sarah Maughan. Although we are far apart physically while practicing social distancing, we remain connected as a School of Education community.
This pandemic, this moment, is showing us how much we all need each other to keep going.
Each of the School of Education faculty or staff members pictured below — their images captured from a safe distance using a telephoto lens — either held up some words of encouragement to be photographed or passed them along via email to share.
Together, we will not only get through this one-of-a-kind Spring Semester — but we will make it a success.
LaVar Charleston, Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Writes Charleston: “Sending positive thoughts of health and prosperity to all within our School Community. I know we all had countless plans as it relates to this semester and how we would spend it … especially for those in their last semester. School, coursework, and graduation ceremonies are important, but so is your health. I hope you all are taking care and valuing that which is irreplaceable: humankind and each other.
“We are all going through some form of hardship on a variety of personal, professional, and/or scholastic levels. The fact that we are all going through this ‘together’ encourages me that we will, indeed, get through this ‘together.’ My hope is that we will come out of this stronger than ever as a community.
Christina Klawitter, Associate Dean for Student Services
Writes Klawitter: “Even virtually, we are still here to support students and help them work through challenges — distant but still together! I’m impressed by how resilient and adaptable students, staff, and faculty have been. Moving to alternate formats for teaching, learning, and delivering core student services in such a short time was impressive. Bearing witness to the rate of learning and the teamwork it took to pull this off was a real sight to see! Give grace, to yourself and to others, but mostly to yourself. Everyone, including you, is doing the best that they can.”
Beth Larson, Associate Professor, Department of Kinesiology (Occupational Therapy program)
Larson (pictured with her son, Quinn) has been knitting little bunnies to help pass the time.
Larson’s computer monitor reads: “Each day: Have a goal. Do something meaningful. Be well occupied! We got this Badgers!
Shannon Jones, Outreach Programs & Certificate Advisor, Art Department
Jones writes: “As an advisor in the Art Department, and I have been so impressed by the creativity of our students and how they have continued to create exceptional work during this transition. They are being challenged in a completely new way, as we all are. Hearing their stories, seeing their work, and getting glimpses into their creative processes keeps me feeling energized and optimistic.”
Brian Burt, Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Writes Burt (to students about to graduate): “Remain passionate about learning and evolving, and committed to eradicating educational inequities. Present and future students need this of you!
“This pandemic is reminding me that (and how) I need to move slower in motion, be quieter to better hear, and more alert to clearly see moments of joy, especially during difficult times that may seem joyless.”
Jason Erdmann, Senior IT Consultant, Media, Education Resources and Information Technology (MERIT)
Writes Erdmann: “In this very challenging time stay positive, think creatively, be kind, stay awesome, and always have hope for better days ahead. Working in IT, it has been easy to adapt my own work to working remotely. It has been an interesting and rewarding challenge to help others make the same transition. It really makes you feel good to be able to be part of enabling this whole remote work/teaching/learning process. I’ve seen so many examples of people quickly learning new skills, changing up everything about how they do it, and embracing this whole change with a positive attitude, patience, and understanding. Times like this show how we’re stronger and better together, and how we can all come together to make something huge and impactful happen. This reaffirms why I’ve stayed working in IT in the School of Education for 20 years: the people, the culture, the mission, the passion, the drive — it’s all so amazing and I’m proud to be part of this group and the great things we’re all doing.”