State Superintendent Hofmeister Talks With Students On COVID-19 Pandemic

Oklahoma State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister had the chance to talk to students on her advisory council from across the state on topics like mental health, college prep, and teacher concerns.

Hofmeister says these students will be remembered for living through the pandemic, and people will ask them about their experiences for years to come.

She then opened the floor to the students.

Kaden Casteel from Stillwater Public Schools talked about how teachers have had to adapt to the pandemic saying in part, "Just because the format has changed, doesn't mean teacher effort has changed. Teachers are struggling just as much as we are." 

Aiden Dodd from Broken Arrow added to that saying, "If it weren't for the teachers who told us we will get through this, I wouldn't have completed my coursework. We need to help the teachers because they're helping us so much." 

Others focused on the stress the pandemic has brought, especially for students with jobs outside of school. One student on the council suggested self-paced learning, more flexibility, and overall understanding could help with that.

Hofmeister asked the students looking towards next year what their biggest priorities are: counseling services, college and career, and increased internet and device access rounded out the top.