At the start of the pandemic, teachers were celebrated as heroes, but now many face criticism for allegedly hindering children’s education. The same individuals praised for their monumental efforts to transition to online learning are now being accused of laziness for not returning to in-person classes. A year later, public sentiment towards teachers has shifted dramatically. The discourse resembles a heated argument rather than a constructive conversation about how to safely reopen schools.
On one side, weary parents—many of whom have lost jobs or left the workforce due to childcare issues—view the return to school as a solution to their children’s struggles with remote learning. On the other hand, teachers are apprehensive about the health risks posed by COVID-19, especially without vaccination and proper safety measures in place. This creates a challenging narrative: supporting teachers is perceived as being against children, and vice versa. But how did we arrive at this point?
To safely reopen schools, we should reflect on the summer before the pandemic when parents would do anything to have their children back in school after long months of being home. That longing for a return to normalcy can be captured by the humor of comedian Dena Blizzard in her viral video from 2017, “Stop Complaining about Back to School Shopping.” The key to reopening schools, even amidst a pandemic, is straightforward: give teachers what they need.
In the video, Blizzard humorously expresses her desperation, saying, “It is the end of August, I will give you anything to take my kids.” This sentiment resonates now more than ever. Teachers, if you want a microwave, I will get you a microwave. We must prioritize policies that support our educators, not burden them further.
Teachers, your voices matter! I will shout it from the rooftops: TEACHERS DO NOT FEEL SAFE RETURNING TO IN-PERSON WORK WITHOUT ADEQUATE SAFETY MEASURES! According to a survey from the EdWeek Research Center, one in five teachers expressed reluctance to return to in-person teaching last summer. In January, nearly 40% of teachers in the Chicago Public Schools system did not report to in-person work when called back.
While it’s not that teachers prefer remote learning, they recognize the challenges it presents. Nailah Adams, a third-grade teacher in Wisconsin, emphasizes this, stating, “Most of us want to get back into the classroom… but we also don’t want to die.” With many teachers still unvaccinated, the uncertainty surrounding their health contributes to their hesitations about returning.
So, what do teachers want? Vaccinations! We should make it a priority to vaccinate every teacher who wants one. Once they have received their shots, let’s celebrate them with cookies and appreciation. Without safe working conditions, the classroom may not be a conducive learning environment. A distressed teacher dealing with health fears may struggle to provide the nurturing support our children need.
Teachers play a critical role in the emotional and physical well-being of our kids. They provide comfort when children are upset and help them navigate their feelings. For many children, teachers are as important as family. For instance, I remember when my son faced an overwhelming moment on his first day of kindergarten. His teacher showed him empathy and support, a moment he still cherishes.
Sadly, the current educational system often exploits teachers’ readiness to work extra hours and spend their own money on supplies. It’s time for parents and communities to rally around our educators. If teachers are worried about COVID-19 transmission, let’s all commit to wearing masks and taking necessary precautions.
We can’t simultaneously praise teachers as heroes while denying them the protections they deserve. A significant portion of teachers are at greater risk for severe illness from the virus, and it’s vital we prioritize their safety. As of March 1, California is allocating a portion of its vaccine supply for teachers and school staff, and let’s hope this becomes a reality.
To ensure a safe return to the classroom, we must engage our communities with the same energy we have after spending a long summer with our kids. Want children back in school? Give teachers the support and resources they need. Time to invest in our educators—I’m off to buy some much-deserved cookies for my kids’ teachers.
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Summary:
The article discusses the complex dynamics surrounding the reopening of schools during the pandemic. It highlights the contrasting views of parents and teachers, the need for proper safety measures, and the importance of supporting educators. The call to action is for communities to prioritize the safety and well-being of teachers to ensure a healthy learning environment for students.
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