Can You Judge a Teacher by their Mask?

By. Craig Perrier

Depending on where you teach, wearing masks may be part of your start to the 21-22 school year.  In my district students, teachers, and any visitors to school will be required to wear a mask.  Considering that our summer school sessions had some outbreaks of COVID-19, I understand the policy decision.

While driving to one of our high schools to meet new teachers during their week-long orientation, I wasn’t sure what to expect.   What would morale be like?  Would there be individuals who were protesting or defying the policy? As I entered the room prior to the start of the day I was happy with what I saw.  The room was vibrant.  Teachers were talking about how they came to be teachers and laughing with each other over summer travels and experiences.

Scanning the room for my colleagues I started to notice that some of the teachers had really upped their mask apparel.  I saw a Baby Yoda, Olympic themes, and one mask that looked like Spiderman had webbed their mouth.  A bunch of teachers had gone the pattern route donning plaid, paisley, and polka dots on their face coverings. What’s more, other masks had messages on them like “Spread Happiness”, “Ask Me What I am Reading”, and “Teachers Care.”   These were great!  And I must admit I felt my disposable, ubiquitous light blue mask, was not living up to its potential. 

Motivated by curiosity, I asked folks where they got their masks. Check out where they shopped!

• Find teacher themed masks at Amazon!
• QVC –I didn’t think of them as an online option… and they have a ton of masks.
• Hockey Fans can find their favorite team mask here – Powerplay indeed!
• What!?  Overstock has masks?  Yes they do!
• HSN is another option I didn’t think of for masks. Now I do.
• Finally create your own with a Cricut, every teacher needs one!

Should you judge a teacher by their mask.  Probably not.  But if you must wear a mask to start the year, why not make it one that is inviting and interesting to your students? Because, let’s face it, they will be judging!  Have a safe and successful year!