I don’t think there is anything a teacher could do in this situation. But, it’s clear to me that some are better than others. My sons music teacher is a wizard. The guy uses puppets, different voices and is constantly engaging the kids. I think a big part of engaging the kids is to occasionally call on them unprompted, keeping them on their toes. This morning I tested having my kids go for a morning run. So far, he does seem more dialed in and relaxed. Granted, we are only 10 minutes in. We are lucky that our Au Pair is a trained elementary school teacher and she does a great job. I can’t imagine not having help and having a full time job. Or having several kids in the k-4th grade age. People are carrying heavy burdens these days. Aside: Last night I was on a call with a woman in NorCal and she has all of these concerns and a raging fire headed her way. It’s amazing to me that evangelicals aren’t seeing Trump as the first horseman of the apocalypse.