COVID-19 changed the way schools operate. In response to initial reports that schools were high-risk for transmission and infection, schools stopped their brick-and-mortar operations. School districts scrambled to meet the learning needs of their students. Some of these districts even provided their K-12 learners and families with technology to participate in virtual learning opportunities. Although this was not an ideal situation, it was the only viable solution to a dangerous and enigmatic condition.
The issues teachers present against the push to reopen schools during the COVID-19 health crisis are interconnected. These are their concerns.
“What about us?”
We know that COVID-19 disproportionately affects specific populations, like older adults, minorities, and people, regardless of age, with pre-existing health conditions.
We tend to disregard the fact that teachers can belong to one or more of these groups. Teachers from minority backgrounds are more likely to work in public schools than charter or private schools. And many of the public schools are in communities where there’s a high or very high risk of exposure. We should also consider that teachers may live within the communities in which they work. Thus, teachers in this group are more likely to be exposed and to have serious complications if infected with COVID-19.
Once you consider factors like ethnic background, health, and school conditions, it becomes easy to understand the fear and apprehension some teachers have about going back into the building. This is all the more reason that teachers (those who want it) should be vaccinated before being forced to return back to school during the COVID-19 health crisis.
“Where are our vaccines?”
The White House deemed teachers as essential workers in a push for reopening schools and the economy. Essential workers have been on the front line, ensuring normal business operations and functions since the beginning of the pandemic. Essential workers have more contact with the public and subsequently have an increased risk of exposure, infection, and complications (for those with underlying health conditions).
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), vaccines keep us safe. President Biden’s plan to combat the COVID-19 health crisis involves widespread vaccination programs to reach marginalized populations. Thus, the COVID-19 vaccination reduces risks for transmission and symptom severity for those who become infected.
Access would combat known health disparities. And, the CDC is now recommending that teachers get vaccinated as a mitigation effort with phased school reopenings.
However, the truth is that there aren’t enough vaccines to go around. The nation is still vaccinating members in the first phase. Some states expanded groups to include people with underlying health conditions. But many states are experiencing an unforeseen delay in vaccinating those people in the first group.
In response, cities like Philadelphia have created temporary sites for testing. But, appointments are required and aren’t easy to get.
In short, access to vaccines could help ease some uncertainty about returning to the school building.
“What about our buildings?”
Before the unprecedented pandemic, a number of the nation’s schools were in poor shape. Firsthand communication with school personnel in poor and rural communities revealed that some schools lacked the basics like consistent hot water and soap, and had issues with ventilation and space before the shutdown.
Hand washing and proper ventilation are two safety measures recommended to cut down on the COVID-19 spread. Hand sanitizing is a mitigation strategy. But it doesn’t replace the need for soap and water. However, all schools aren’t able to enforce that COVID-19 guideline at this time. They do the best they can with what they have. But that does little to comfort teachers about returning back to school.
Schools offered fans as a temporary solution to their ventilation issue. However, fans would simply circulate stagnant air around the classroom, not remove it. Additionally, classrooms in older buildings may not have windows or windows that open for fresh air circulation.
Also, these schools lack the manpower from their maintenance team to implement the high-level building cleaning recommended to eliminate risks for COVID-19 spread. Older school buildings are also likely to have structural issues, which can increase risks.
Water damage can lead to mold and mildew. Long-term exposure to these things is never good. Both are triggers for respiratory issues. So, while they don’t increase risks for contracting COVID-19, they could further compromise at-risk workers.
“How Can We Manage Everyone’s Needs?”
The data tells us that certain groups of students are struggling to access remote instruction. These groups include Black and Latino students and students in special education. Therefore, the goal for reopening schools in the midst of COVID-19 is to meet the educational needs of all students.
Districts do this by offering families different instruction models that incorporate the CDC’s guidance for reducing risks. Many families can choose from in-person instruction where students remain in a cohort or pod, remote learning, or a hybrid approach that combines the two.
Although these models benefit learners, they present some challenges for teachers.
The truth is, poorer school districts are understaffed. High teacher turnover rates are real issues these schools face. For instance, The School District of Philadelphia averaged a 30% turnover rate. High teacher turnover rates also impact a student’s academic performance. These students underperform their peers with more stable instruction. Still, the bigger problem that many public school districts have is keeping staff in the building.
“We don’t have enough support,” a teacher capped at 25 students said. Though his commitment to his students is unwavering, his return to hybrid instruction adds to his duties and stretches him thinner than he already is. The particular challenges intersect implementing a curriculum, shifting his attention across learning platforms, and helping students stay on pace.
No one wants to be in a classroom providing students with in-person instruction more than a teacher. Teachers aren’t arguing against reopening schools. But they are urging the people in positions of power to consider their health and safety when making decisions that directly affect them. Or at the very least, to be part of the necessary discussions about the reality of the predicament we’re in.
The fears we have about attending small gatherings or even returning to our respective offices during this crisis are the same fears teachers have about reopening schools during COVID-19. A solid plan, one that addresses barriers to a safe return for all, would address many of their concerns.