As we navigate the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic—quarantine, vaccines, and mask mandates—there are still many puzzling aspects of this situation. For instance, why is wearing a mask at a store considered a burdensome task when healthcare workers wear them throughout their shifts to combat the virus? And why do so many people feel the need to gather for social events rather than stay safe at home during a pandemic?
Now, with the rollout of vaccines, a pressing question arises: why aren’t teachers prioritized for vaccination before others who aren’t responsible for educating and caring for a classroom full of children?
We find ourselves once again in the midst of discussions about reopening schools nationwide, yet many teachers remain uncertain about when they will receive their first vaccine dose. Here we are, once more, expecting teachers to do more while providing them with less. We constantly hear stories of educators taking on extra jobs, using their personal funds for classroom supplies, and going to extraordinary lengths to support their students, from providing food to acting as protectors in crisis situations.
The reality is that teachers routinely exceed expectations but often receive little recognition for their efforts. And this past year has asked the impossible of them: manage two roles simultaneously—teaching in-person and online students—without any additional preparation, planning time, or compensation. They must also adapt their entire curriculum for online learning, even when many students lack the necessary technology. Furthermore, while their own children participate in virtual learning, teachers are required to report to the school building and find childcare—during a pandemic.
Adding insult to injury, teachers have no input in such decisions.
Having been a teacher myself years ago, I can’t fully grasp the challenges of teaching during a pandemic. However, I do understand the frustration of being overlooked during critical district-wide decisions, despite being the backbone of any educational institution. The stress and morale issues caused by being expected to return to in-person teaching—without vaccinations and with the ongoing pandemic—certainly take a toll.
Teachers are sharing their experiences, many of which are deeply troubling. For instance, one teacher in a large suburban district describes a student who repeatedly removes his mask, and despite efforts to address the issue, he is exempt from wearing one due to a doctor’s note. Another educator recounts the anxiety of teaching in person while her own children are at home, revealing the lack of coordination between her responsibilities and her family’s needs.
In a striking example, a teacher sought permission to teach virtually for a day due to a childcare issue caused by illness, only to be told she would have to take a sick day while still fulfilling her teaching duties from home. Such situations are not isolated; they reflect a broader pattern of teachers feeling disregarded and unsupported.
As the pandemic continues, teachers are advocating for their safety and well-being. In various districts, teachers have organized protests and sickouts to demand better working conditions, highlighting the inadequate resources available to ensure a safe environment for both staff and students.
The reality is that many schools lack the space to allow for social distancing, sufficient cleaning supplies, or the funds to hire additional staff. Public schools in lower-income areas, in particular, have been struggling for years, and the pandemic has only exacerbated these issues. While virtual learning is not ideal, it has proven effective in keeping students engaged and safe until a more secure solution is found.
Moreover, recent statements from health authorities suggesting that schools can reopen without prioritizing teacher vaccinations feel like a betrayal. The conversation should be focused on expediting vaccinations for teachers, allowing them to participate in decisions that affect their health and safety.
In conclusion, teachers must be given a voice in decisions that impact their lives and livelihoods. Placing directives upon these dedicated educators without their input is unacceptable, and we cannot continue to put them at risk.
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Summary:
The reopening of schools amid the ongoing pandemic has reignited discussions about teachers’ roles and safety. Despite their essential contributions, educators are often excluded from decision-making processes, resulting in increased stress and feelings of neglect. As teachers advocate for their health and safety, it’s crucial to recognize their voices and ensure they are prioritized in vaccination efforts and school reopening plans.
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