Teaching hero: Local educator creates documentary to help new teachers during the pandemic

Teachers have faced the uncertainty of whether class would be virtual or in-person. They've risked their lives in classrooms, while trying to ensure students remain safe from COVID. They've worked to keep students engaged in learning during one of the scariest times in recent history.

Middle school teacher Evette Rawls, who has been teaching for 20 years, recognized the struggle first year teachers were facing.

"New teachers are facing expectations from the parents, students, the district," she said. "They have to find somebody they trust and can be transparent with."

Rawls says many first-year teachers are given general training, but she found many needed a safe space to ask more personal questions without feeling judged.

She recalls feeling isolated during her early days of teaching – so she knew during a pandemic, new teachers likely felt more isolated than ever.

Ironically, she had begun developing a "Dear New Teacher" retreat back in 2018, but, scheduled to launch in 2020, it was canceled by COVID-19.

"Having a heart for new educators, I wanted to share their stories as well as create a space for them to feel safe and know they are not alone in this journey," she said.

Undeterred, Rawls used the "get-it-done-somehow" spirit of grit and creativity, which so many teachers share, to find a solution. She shifted the retreat to a virtual gathering, and over 3,000 educators tuned in.

Then Rawls was struck with more inspiration: A documentary for new teachers during the pandemic. She'd never made a film in her life, but she didn't let that stop her.

She didn't need fancy gear. She grabbed her iPhone, created a storyboard and started reaching out to teachers who could get involved.

"Beautiful thing about teachers - we just keep it moving," she said.

Using her iPhone and creativity – and some help from Raleigh-based executive producers Queen & Company Production – she was able to give voice to teachers regarding the unprecedented experience of teaching virtually, some having little to no experience in this genre, while expressing their feelings and concerns.

"I was inspired by the documentaries at Full Frame in Durham," she said. "I thought, they really need to do a film for teachers."

From there, her documentary "Dear New Teacher: Teaching in a Pandemic" was born.

Rawls hopes to show it in film festivals, and that it can also be used as a resource for educators.

"Maybe help show superintendents what their new teachers are experiencing," she said.

Rawls is now working on a documentary featuring the voices and lives of veteran teachers – exploring their 'teacher life' and how it compares to their real lives. Sometimes, she says, teachers are struggling with personal challenges that they never bring into the classroom, and it's important to understand the unique perspectives of educators.

"The heart of the teacher is so important," she said. "Because sometimes you hear the stories of teachers, but you don’t hear from the teachers themselves. It's important to let their voices be heard."         

The documentary: “Dear New Teacher: Teaching In A Pandemic” full video can be seen on YouTube: