By NBEA Executive Director, Joe McClary

Thanks to the pandemic, we have all had enough bad news to last a long time. While none of us minimize the loss that many have experienced in the past nine months, let's turn our attention briefly to five positive things coming from COVID-19 for business teachers. 

1. The pandemic gives us an excuse to try new things with less risk than perhaps we would typically have. Enjoy that freedom and opportunity.
   
   
2. The pandemic makes us more appreciative of face-to-face experiences. Zoom and Teams can be great, but there is nothing like being together, looking at each other in the eyes, shaking hands, and connecting about concepts and ideas. When things return to normal, let's remember how important those times are.
   
   
3. The pandemic is providing a crash course in quality instructional design that will pay dividends for years to come. So many teachers have heard or will be hearing," we have to be remote in two weeks. Put all your courses online." This is an opportunity rethink the important things and improve courses.
   
   
4. Change and innovation can be exciting. Even through what some call a baptism by fire, formerly reluctant teachers are having to embrace the efficiencies and capabilities of technology. This will serve them well now and in the future after the pandemic subsides.
   
   
5. Parents are having to take more ownership of their kid's performance. During normal times, parents can be removed from the educational process while teachers fill important gaps. During the pandemic, parents have had to step up more than ever to be engaged with their kids and know what is happening with their education. This is a good thing and hopefully parents and their kids will grow closer as a result.

This pandemic will pass. Life will get back closer to normal and we will look back at this time as a distant memory. So lets remember the good so we can continue to maintain a healthy state of mind and use the opportunity before us that will improve us all.