The Paradoxical Tensions of Young Teachers; Teaching In The Time of Covid

Junior faculty and doctoral students often face challenges specific to a lack of experience in the classroom. These challenges are amplified when instructors look young and face a perceived lack of legitimacy in both area expertise and practical experience. The ongoing pandemic also put unique pressures on the more junior teachers. Yet there have been little discussions or research about how to address these issues pertaining to young educator. This roundtable discussion aims to bridge the gap and discuss the paradoxes these young teachers face in the early years of teaching, especially with the emerging challenges brought upon by the pandemic. Through sharing stories and experiences, we aim to discuss the benefits and the challenges of young teachers.