Op-Ed: Vaccination Mandates for Educators Are Essential This School Year

As students prepare to return to classrooms this fall, many for the first time since the pandemic hit, the looming presence of the Delta variant raises significant concerns for parents. For families with children who are ineligible for vaccination, the anxiety is palpable. We want our kids to wear masks, we want classrooms to be well-ventilated, and we want adequate space between students. But above all, we want every eligible adult in these environments—teachers and staff—to be vaccinated. Making vaccinations mandatory for educators should be an obvious decision at this point.

The Delta variant poses serious risks, leading to increased infections among children and a concerning rise in hospitalizations, some with severe symptoms. Parents with unvaccinated children are not just worried about acute illness but also about potential long-term effects of COVID-19.

Requiring vaccinations is not solely about safeguarding our children; it’s also about protecting the teachers and staff themselves. It’s important to remember the pre-vaccine era when many educators entered buildings unsure of their safety and the risk they posed to their families. Tragically, some educators lost their lives during that time. Now that we have a safe and effective vaccine, it can shield them, their families, and their students from this dangerous virus.

Currently, the CDC and government cannot mandate vaccinations, but local and state jurisdictions can. Some school districts, like those in Denver and New York City, have begun instituting vaccination requirements. In Denver, all schools—public and private—have mandated proof of vaccination for teachers returning to buildings. New York City offers an alternative, allowing teachers to opt for weekly COVID testing instead.

Unfortunately, some teachers’ unions, such as the NYC teachers’ union, have expressed hesitance regarding vaccine mandates, preferring to encourage vaccination rather than require it. This resistance is puzzling, especially given the overwhelming evidence that vaccines protect educators.

From my own observations, most teachers I know, including my spouse, are in favor of vaccinations and want their peers to be vaccinated as well. Statistics support this sentiment; as of April 2021, nearly 80% of teachers had received at least one vaccine dose. Furthermore, a survey indicated that about two-thirds of teachers would support either vaccine mandates or regular testing for those unvaccinated.

With the Delta variant spreading and COVID-19 case numbers soaring, the necessity for teachers and all adults interacting with students to be vaccinated is crucial. It’s hard to comprehend the resistance to mandating vaccinations when the stakes are this high. With lives—including those of children—being lost daily, this isn’t the moment for hesitation. The vaccines are safe, effective, and protect both the vaccinated individual and those around them. Mandating vaccinations for educators is a logical and compassionate step forward.

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Summary:

Mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for teachers and school staff is essential for ensuring the safety of students and educators alike. With the Delta variant causing rising infections and hospitalizations among children, it is crucial that all eligible adults in schools are vaccinated. While some teachers’ unions oppose mandates, evidence shows that a significant number of educators support vaccination and recognize the importance of protecting themselves and their students. The vaccines are safe, effective, and the smart choice for a safe return to school.