It’s a far cry from earlier in his educational career, when he was a high school social studies teacher.
Now, the district’s Director of Labor Relations and Benefits is joining other administrators by going back into the classroom to help fill staff shortages that continue to mount amid the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s nice to get out in the buildings,” said Mensink, who has voluteered to work some Fridays at Roosevelt Middle School in Blaine. “That’s where the real work of the district occurs.”
He and other district leaders point out that many times, the shortages are filled by staff and faculty in the schools that normally would be working in support capacities or covering other duties. When he and others find they’ll have time–like Fridays with few meetings, for example–they can tell the schools when they’ll be able to cover and that way there can be better planning.
“On those days, I do leave exhausted,” he admitted with a smile.
He also said sub plans have changed since he was last in the classroom–when teachers may leave a worksheet for students to complete while or before they watched a movie.
“The assignments (now) are set up for students to do on a Chromebook,” he said.
But he said he is glad the district continues to find ways to pivot and embrace the challenge of filling holes left by those who can’t be at work because of their own illness or that of a family member.
“We’re in a COVID emergency at times. (Schools) are making it so it doesn’t feel that way for students. The teachers are always on, always positive–never letting that impact their interaction and their relationship with students.”
