The KLR team is dedicated to making an impact in our community in which we work and live whenever we are able. It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world in ways we never thought possible, and has paused our plans for walks, runs, donations and food drives.

But there is another way our colleagues have been able to make a profound impact.

Someone once said, “One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.”

Many KLR team members have been thrown into the role of teacher, all the while juggling their own work responsibilities. We are incredibly proud of the sacrifices KLR moms and dads have made to ensure their children receive the best education in this uncertain time. Whether helping a 7^th grader with their book report, or teaching a kindergartener letters and numbers, our team members have taken on a role that is demanding, challenging and time-consuming.

As Senior Tax Manager Erin Washburn reflects, “Turning part of our home into a full-time classroom was certainly unexpected, but I’m grateful I was able to create a safe and productive workspace for my girls. That’s what’s most important!”

Furthering a child’s education and growth can be achieved in a variety of ways, and in this pandemic, it has meant tasks ranging from setting up a designated classroom area for at-home learning, making sure technology is working and helping students maintain the schedule and structure that they’re used to at school.

Relying on the wonderful teachers in our school system is helpful and comforting, but making sure children are plugged in and ready to learn in this different environment of course depends on parents and guardians. KLR Moms and Dads have certainly stepped up to the plate in this regard.

As Digital Marketing Manager, Ashley Brown shares, “Taking on the role of teacher this past spring was demanding and challenging, especially since my son Tanner is only 4, but ensuring that he was still able to see his classmates and interact with his teacher was hugely important to me.”

For the majority of students, the transition from school to home learning has been difficult. Having a stable support system at home can make all the difference.

This can be difficult to maintain, especially when maintaining one’s own work schedule. Our colleagues are fortunate to have the flexibility and technological ability to work from anywhere, at any time, which has lifted the burden of the strict 9-5 schedule.

As Partner Sandy Ross says, “Guiding a 4th grader and 7th grader through online learning while juggling my full time job hasn’t been easy but my sons’ education is so important to me. I want to make sure nothing gets in the way of their success and happiness, and if that means I have to put my teacher hat on, I’m all for it.”

People from all around the world have stepped up in incredible and inspiring ways during this uncertain time. KLR is unbelievably proud of the sacrifices our team members have made to make sure their children progress and succeed.

As the saying goes, “A good teacher is like a candle. It consumes itself to light the way for others,” and we know that our team members have gone above and beyond to light the way for their children.

As Ashley says, “The world is Tanner’s oyster, and I want to make sure I do all I can to make sure he is set up for success!"