Last minute pep

The seating charts have been made, and a gooseneck camera is clipped to the podium in room 224 of Teacher Town Middle School, but eighth-grade English teacher, Allie O'Malley, has realized that one crucial element will be missing when she goes in-person next week. She's energized by the prospect of teaching outside the home, but as she filled her portable mug this morning, the realization made her blood run cold.

"How am I going to get enough caffeine with students in the room?" 

She's not the only one with concerns about wearing a mask all day. Some complain of the elastic around the ears. Others report that it can hard to breathe. It can get hot. Hearing one another can be a challenge.

O'Malley insists, "I don't care about any of that. I've been drinking at least three cups of coffee each morning of every teaching day since March 16, 2020. I begin the warm-up, take a sip, coach students through a mini-lesson, take a sip, form breakout groups, take a sip. I'm pretty sure sipping that much during class will no longer be appropriate."

The middle school day starts early, making this is a valid problem for other teachers as well. Doctors advise tapering caffeine intake in preparation for the transition, but for many, this advice comes too late. To avoid withdrawal symptoms, O'Malley is working on taking large gulps so that she may consume the proper amount between classes instead. She recommends removing the lid and holding the cup at a 50 degree angle while counting, one Mississippi, two Mississippi. 

"It might require some weekend training, but it will be worth it."