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(Fall 2020) – “SMART creates an environment that is safe and special,” reflects Miko Jones.

Miko was one of eight Summer Teachers who championed SMART’s first ever virtual summer program, SMART @ Home, for rising 5th and 6th graders to help prevent summer learning loss. Like many others, Miko’s first experience with remote teaching began with the closure of schools and the rapid transition into distance learning in early March. With newness, comes trial and obstacles—Miko was able to handle it!

Born and raised in Oakland, Miko moved cross-country to attend The College of Wooster, a liberal arts college in Ohio. While there, teaching fell right into her lap. What began as volunteering with a friend, evolved into the joy of “working with kids who will keep you on your toes,” shares Miko. Since earning her Masters degree, Miko is now embarking on her fifth year of teaching elementary math and science.

This summer, Miko’s 5th grade math class included 16 students. “We were all in the same boat and the same playing field! Our Scholars taught me a lot in these six weeks,” Miko says. She especially enjoyed the smaller groups because it allowed for more personal connections. “Students don’t remember all of what you taught, but they do remember how you made them feel.” Centered on building bonds with students, Miko worked hard to personalize interactions with our students.

“Having to develop relationships online was great and different,” Miko tells us. With the boundaries between schoolwork and home blurred, it can be challenging to meet the needs of our students. Miko found walking students through an individualized approach very helpful. Students have a harder time navigating the current climate, so “humanizing experiences at this time is very meaningful.” Over time, Miko saw the additional 1:1 support helped students break out of their shell.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic came swiftly and hit hard, especially for low-income families and students of color. Furthermore, engagement can be challenging with online learning, especially for students who are more introverted or have distractions at home. “These after school or home problems became their all day,” Miko shares her concern. “I was juggling wanting to hold our students accountable, but also remembering they are only ten and still trying to make sense of everything.”

While the reopening of schools remains uncertain, Miko remains optimistic about distance learning. “It’s really important for our Scholars to have this support as they attend school remotely.”

Ultimately, Miko felt her six weeks teaching at SMART was a very rewarding experience. “I felt really welcomed and enjoyed working with everyone here. It was FUN and I hope to carry that into my future work!” In the fall, Miko will begin her next chapter teaching in Washington, D.C.