Abstract
The shift from traditional, in-person instruction to online education during the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to understand its impact on teachers’ mental health and the new skills required for successful online and blended learning in a post-pandemic world. As schools resumed on-campus learning, the challenge now lies in preserving the valuable insights gained during the rapid transition to online teaching. This article presents findings from a study that involved interviews with 187 teachers across 14 school districts in northeast Ohio, conducted over two years during the pandemic. A thematic analysis was used to explore teachers’ experiences and feedback. Despite the disruptions, several key lessons emerged. Teachers adapted by utilizing a variety of digital tools to ensure continued content delivery and foster student engagement. They enhanced their skills in course design and assessment while also developing a greater understanding of their students' unique circumstances.