Second Grade Teacher Kathleena Hanna Awad discusses utilizing her Educational Technology Masters Degree during the pandemic and how her background in Improv and Musical Theater helps her use patience, gentle humor and listening to lift her students and assist them in gaining confidence in themselves.[Recorded on December 1, 2020]

01:16 min: What it was like attaining an Educational Technology Masters Degree while teaching full-time.

02:34 min: The intertwining power of teaching,  humor, musical theater and improvisation.

03:43 min: How to roll with it and handle the rollercoaster with grace.

05:04 min: Improv gave Miss Awad confidence as a child in school and she works to fit in encouragement and confidence to help her own students.

06:35 min: We can all overcome personal frustrations and become gentle leaders for the children in our lives to help them grow and develop confidence.

08:40 min: Creating balance during the pandemic is a struggle, but creating spaces for ourselves is extremely important for our own mental health.

11:36 min: How being a sports fan has given us a sense of normality and finding joy in these moments of shared camaraderie.

13:00 min: The importance of support, of having friends, family and fellow teachers to discuss frustrations and triumphs with while working remotely. 

14:33 min: Contemplating the quote "You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."