Teachers: do you trust the families in your school to take COVID seriously?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I see a lot of people speculating that teachers just don't care about x or parents just don't care about y. Who cares about what is not the issue. We all have boundaries in our lives, things we will not tolerate. It is pretty rare that conversation with other people changes those boundaries. Further, we cannot force other people to change to suit our own needs. I know life would be easier that way, but people can only control their own actions, not others.

So, given the above, a lot of teachers have boundaries for what it will take for them to feel safe. There are a lot of reasons why teachers have those boundaries, and it is really none of our business. They can absolutely care about the children, but feel the need to put themselves first. After all, no one on this planet is in charge of ensuring another neurotypical adult's well-being. The only person who can take care of you is you. [b]In fact, teachers have been telling people for a long time pre-COVID that they care about their students, but they cannot solve the most pressing societal problems that interfere with student learning. No matter how much one loves teaching, at the end of the day it is a job and nothing more. [b]Teachers can invest a lot in students, and it does not mean that administrators or the community will invest any more back in teachers.

It's interesting you say that, because the opposite is true. Teachers speak from both sides of their mouths on this issue. When it serves their interests, they are the appointed guardians of equity, fighting to eliminate the achievement gap and against inequality. When it does not serve their interests, they point out, quite correctly, that teachers cannot solve those societal problems.

Which is more likely to exacerbate the achievement gap? Continued DL or returning to in person instruction?

[Anonymous]

it seems like this is really a question about pandemic virtue rather than actual risk

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I see a lot of people speculating that teachers just don't care about x or parents just don't care about y. Who cares about what is not the issue. We all have boundaries in our lives, things we will not tolerate. It is pretty rare that conversation with other people changes those boundaries. Further, we cannot force other people to change to suit our own needs. I know life would be easier that way, but people can only control their own actions, not others.

So, given the above, a lot of teachers have boundaries for what it will take for them to feel safe. There are a lot of reasons why teachers have those boundaries, and it is really none of our business. They can absolutely care about the children, but feel the need to put themselves first. After all, no one on this planet is in charge of ensuring another neurotypical adult's well-being. The only person who can take care of you is you. In fact, teachers have been telling people for a long time pre-COVID that they care about their students, but they cannot solve the most pressing societal problems that interfere with student learning. No matter how much one loves teaching, at the end of the day it is a job and nothing more. Teachers can invest a lot in students, and it does not mean that administrators or the community will invest any more back in teachers.

Each individual assess what feels safe. This often isn't based on some objective assessment of risk. The problem for parents when teachers have feelings not based on risk assessment is that it can have a big impact on our lives and the lives of our kids. So they can feel what they want to feel, but at the end of the day some sort of objective reality needs to step in. They can keep feeling however they want, but their feelings can no longer get in the way of school functioning.

I would think that the objective reality is really going to be the vaccine. If you get the vaccine (both doses + two weeks) you really can't keep up a rational fear of covid. If you do, then that's not something that we should all have to bend our lives around.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, I do not trust the parents of my students. I have been diligently teaching every class period on my schedule virtually, so I have had a lot of interaction with my students. I have seen the foreign and domestic holidays and the large gatherings of multiple households of kids and parents. The parents don’t give a damn about my health, they just want their kids in school and will then continue to do whatever the hell they want, because they want to, whether or not it flies in the face of social distancing and safety protocol.

Before you say I am lazy, I am a teacher who has taught every one of my classes virtually for the full length of the clas periods and I have done hours of small group support and tutoring of students who need it throughout the pandemic. But this site and my experience in the pandemic have shown me that to parents I am a low value person whose health is a worthy sacrifice for your desire to have your kid back in person while you continue to flout distancing and travel guidelines.

Yes, I should get out of teaching if I feel this way, and I will do so as soon as I find an exit strategy and new career. The parents have soured me on my profession: I have read all the vitriol and hate here, and I Know very well what you think of me, a lowly teacher.

We have traveled locally, mostly remote cabins or AirBnBs. The couple of times we have had other people with us indoors was whenever one got tested and took all precautions to ensure safety. I'd be disappointed if our teachers judge us on it without giving any attention to our circumstances. The teachers are acting as if keeping the kids at home is completely safe. It's not, not after a year of being at home! The kids are suffering, and it's a shame you can't see that and blame the parents for doing what they have to. And our lifestyle is going to be different if the kids start going to school. Our pod has kids from different schools, of course, we'll limit that interaction as these kids start to interact and be in different circles. Why are you comparing the behavior when people are at home to what they'll start doing when the kids are in school? And remember you'll be vaccinated, those kids are not. So I don't know where you get the notion that all the risk is yours and none for the families involved? How much value are you placing on the families of your students?

Teachers are entitled to place a higher value on their health than their concern about your child's education. If you don't like it then you can do something else. But no teacher should prioritize your concerns over their own.

What concerns? If they are getting vaccinated before the rest of us and still don’t want to work in person then these are excuses.

I also notice how you ignored every single thing in the comment and just go on your regular spiel.

No, I don’t expect teachers to prioritize anyone above themselves, just replying to the comment where the PP is accusing the parents of “ not giving a damn”. So you get to accuse others of it, but when it comes to you, you have the right to say you don’t need to think of anyone but you. Some wonderful logic you have!

I don’t hate teachers, some of the most important people in my life are teachers. Our kids teachers have been wonderful during the pandemic and we have maintained healthy relationship with them. So if you don’t feel that love from your students and families, then the blame is not outside.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, I do not trust the parents of my students. I have been diligently teaching every class period on my schedule virtually, so I have had a lot of interaction with my students. I have seen the foreign and domestic holidays and the large gatherings of multiple households of kids and parents. The parents don’t give a damn about my health, they just want their kids in school and will then continue to do whatever the hell they want, because they want to, whether or not it flies in the face of social distancing and safety protocol.

Before you say I am lazy, I am a teacher who has taught every one of my classes virtually for the full length of the clas periods and I have done hours of small group support and tutoring of students who need it throughout the pandemic. But this site and my experience in the pandemic have shown me that to parents I am a low value person whose health is a worthy sacrifice for your desire to have your kid back in person while you continue to flout distancing and travel guidelines.

Yes, I should get out of teaching if I feel this way, and I will do so as soon as I find an exit strategy and new career. The parents have soured me on my profession: I have read all the vitriol and hate here, and I Know very well what you think of me, a lowly teacher.

We have traveled locally, mostly remote cabins or AirBnBs. The couple of times we have had other people with us indoors was whenever one got tested and took all precautions to ensure safety. I'd be disappointed if our teachers judge us on it without giving any attention to our circumstances. The teachers are acting as if keeping the kids at home is completely safe. It's not, not after a year of being at home! The kids are suffering, and it's a shame you can't see that and blame the parents for doing what they have to. And our lifestyle is going to be different if the kids start going to school. Our pod has kids from different schools, of course, we'll limit that interaction as these kids start to interact and be in different circles. Why are you comparing the behavior when people are at home to what they'll start doing when the kids are in school? And remember you'll be vaccinated, those kids are not. So I don't know where you get the notion that all the risk is yours and none for the families involved? How much value are you placing on the families of your students?

Teachers are entitled to place a higher value on their health than their concern about your child's education. If you don't like it then you can do something else. But no teacher should prioritize your concerns over their own.

What concerns? If they are getting vaccinated before the rest of us and still don’t want to work in person then these are excuses.

I also notice how you ignored every single thing in the comment and just go on your regular spiel.

No, I don’t expect teachers to prioritize anyone above themselves, just replying to the comment where the PP is accusing the parents of “ not giving a damn”. So you get to accuse others of it, but when it comes to you, you have the right to say you don’t need to think of anyone but you. Some wonderful logic you have!

I don’t hate teachers, some of the most important people in my life are teachers. Our kids teachers have been wonderful during the pandemic and we have maintained healthy relationship with them. So if you don’t feel that love from your students and families, then the blame is not outside.

Tomorrow, when you're sober, come back and read your post. Then maybe think about making a meeting. They're online during the pandemic. It will do you a world of good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, I do not trust the parents of my students. I have been diligently teaching every class period on my schedule virtually, so I have had a lot of interaction with my students. I have seen the foreign and domestic holidays and the large gatherings of multiple households of kids and parents. The parents don’t give a damn about my health, they just want their kids in school and will then continue to do whatever the hell they want, because they want to, whether or not it flies in the face of social distancing and safety protocol.

Before you say I am lazy, I am a teacher who has taught every one of my classes virtually for the full length of the clas periods and I have done hours of small group support and tutoring of students who need it throughout the pandemic. But this site and my experience in the pandemic have shown me that to parents I am a low value person whose health is a worthy sacrifice for your desire to have your kid back in person while you continue to flout distancing and travel guidelines.

Yes, I should get out of teaching if I feel this way, and I will do so as soon as I find an exit strategy and new career. The parents have soured me on my profession: I have read all the vitriol and hate here, and I Know very well what you think of me, a lowly teacher.

We have traveled locally, mostly remote cabins or AirBnBs. The couple of times we have had other people with us indoors was whenever one got tested and took all precautions to ensure safety. I'd be disappointed if our teachers judge us on it without giving any attention to our circumstances. The teachers are acting as if keeping the kids at home is completely safe. It's not, not after a year of being at home! The kids are suffering, and it's a shame you can't see that and blame the parents for doing what they have to. And our lifestyle is going to be different if the kids start going to school. Our pod has kids from different schools, of course, we'll limit that interaction as these kids start to interact and be in different circles. Why are you comparing the behavior when people are at home to what they'll start doing when the kids are in school? And remember you'll be vaccinated, those kids are not. So I don't know where you get the notion that all the risk is yours and none for the families involved? How much value are you placing on the families of your students?

Teachers are entitled to place a higher value on their health than their concern about your child's education. If you don't like it then you can do something else. But no teacher should prioritize your concerns over their own.

What concerns? If they are getting vaccinated before the rest of us and still don’t want to work in person then these are excuses.

I also notice how you ignored every single thing in the comment and just go on your regular spiel.

No, I don’t expect teachers to prioritize anyone above themselves, just replying to the comment where the PP is accusing the parents of “ not giving a damn”. So you get to accuse others of it, but when it comes to you, you have the right to say you don’t need to think of anyone but you. Some wonderful logic you have!

I don’t hate teachers, some of the most important people in my life are teachers. Our kids teachers have been wonderful during the pandemic and we have maintained healthy relationship with them. So if you don’t feel that love from your students and families, then the blame is not outside.

Tomorrow, when you're sober, come back and read your post. Then maybe think about making a meeting. They're online during the pandemic. It will do you a world of good.

Non-sequitor. You either don’t understand her argument or you are deliberately misunderstanding.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, I do not trust the parents of my students. I have been diligently teaching every class period on my schedule virtually, so I have had a lot of interaction with my students. I have seen the foreign and domestic holidays and the large gatherings of multiple households of kids and parents. The parents don’t give a damn about my health, they just want their kids in school and will then continue to do whatever the hell they want, because they want to, whether or not it flies in the face of social distancing and safety protocol.

Before you say I am lazy, I am a teacher who has taught every one of my classes virtually for the full length of the clas periods and I have done hours of small group support and tutoring of students who need it throughout the pandemic. But this site and my experience in the pandemic have shown me that to parents I am a low value person whose health is a worthy sacrifice for your desire to have your kid back in person while you continue to flout distancing and travel guidelines.

Yes, I should get out of teaching if I feel this way, and I will do so as soon as I find an exit strategy and new career. The parents have soured me on my profession: I have read all the vitriol and hate here, and I Know very well what you think of me, a lowly teacher.

We have traveled locally, mostly remote cabins or AirBnBs. The couple of times we have had other people with us indoors was whenever one got tested and took all precautions to ensure safety. I'd be disappointed if our teachers judge us on it without giving any attention to our circumstances. The teachers are acting as if keeping the kids at home is completely safe. It's not, not after a year of being at home! The kids are suffering, and it's a shame you can't see that and blame the parents for doing what they have to. And our lifestyle is going to be different if the kids start going to school. Our pod has kids from different schools, of course, we'll limit that interaction as these kids start to interact and be in different circles. Why are you comparing the behavior when people are at home to what they'll start doing when the kids are in school? And remember you'll be vaccinated, those kids are not. So I don't know where you get the notion that all the risk is yours and none for the families involved? How much value are you placing on the families of your students?

Teachers are entitled to place a higher value on their health than their concern about your child's education. If you don't like it then you can do something else. But no teacher should prioritize your concerns over their own.

What concerns? If they are getting vaccinated before the rest of us and still don’t want to work in person then these are excuses.

I also notice how you ignored every single thing in the comment and just go on your regular spiel.

No, I don’t expect teachers to prioritize anyone above themselves, just replying to the comment where the PP is accusing the parents of “ not giving a damn”. So you get to accuse others of it, but when it comes to you, you have the right to say you don’t need to think of anyone but you. Some wonderful logic you have!

I don’t hate teachers, some of the most important people in my life are teachers. Our kids teachers have been wonderful during the pandemic and we have maintained healthy relationship with them. So if you don’t feel that love from your students and families, then the blame is not outside.

Tomorrow, when you're sober, come back and read your post. Then maybe think about making a meeting. They're online during the pandemic. It will do you a world of good.

Non-sequitor. You either don’t understand her argument or you are deliberately misunderstanding.

One example:

So you get to accuse others of it, but when it comes to you, you have the right to say you don’t need to think of anyone but you. Some wonderful logic you have!

Huh. Non-sequitor (sic) indeed.

[Anonymous]

your defense to a good argument is to point out a typo. you've lost.

[Anonymous]

Lost her mind, I think.

[Anonymous]

People! Stop feeding the troll. She's not even very good at it. I say this as a full-time troll. She doesn't have a single argument to make.

Let's get on with actual constructive conversation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, I do not trust the parents of my students. I have been diligently teaching every class period on my schedule virtually, so I have had a lot of interaction with my students. I have seen the foreign and domestic holidays and the large gatherings of multiple households of kids and parents. The parents don’t give a damn about my health, they just want their kids in school and will then continue to do whatever the hell they want, because they want to, whether or not it flies in the face of social distancing and safety protocol.

Before you say I am lazy, I am a teacher who has taught every one of my classes virtually for the full length of the clas periods and I have done hours of small group support and tutoring of students who need it throughout the pandemic. But this site and my experience in the pandemic have shown me that to parents I am a low value person whose health is a worthy sacrifice for your desire to have your kid back in person while you continue to flout distancing and travel guidelines.

Yes, I should get out of teaching if I feel this way, and I will do so as soon as I find an exit strategy and new career. The parents have soured me on my profession: I have read all the vitriol and hate here, and I Know very well what you think of me, a lowly teacher.

We have traveled locally, mostly remote cabins or AirBnBs. The couple of times we have had other people with us indoors was whenever one got tested and took all precautions to ensure safety. I'd be disappointed if our teachers judge us on it without giving any attention to our circumstances. The teachers are acting as if keeping the kids at home is completely safe. It's not, not after a year of being at home! The kids are suffering, and it's a shame you can't see that and blame the parents for doing what they have to. And our lifestyle is going to be different if the kids start going to school. Our pod has kids from different schools, of course, we'll limit that interaction as these kids start to interact and be in different circles. Why are you comparing the behavior when people are at home to what they'll start doing when the kids are in school? And remember you'll be vaccinated, those kids are not. So I don't know where you get the notion that all the risk is yours and none for the families involved? How much value are you placing on the families of your students?

Teachers are entitled to place a higher value on their health than their concern about your child's education. If you don't like it then you can do something else. But no teacher should prioritize your concerns over their own.

What concerns? If they are getting vaccinated before the rest of us and still don’t want to work in person then these are excuses.

I also notice how you ignored every single thing in the comment and just go on your regular spiel.

No, I don’t expect teachers to prioritize anyone above themselves, just replying to the comment where the PP is accusing the parents of “ not giving a damn”. So you get to accuse others of it, but when it comes to you, you have the right to say you don’t need to think of anyone but you. Some wonderful logic you have!

I don’t hate teachers, some of the most important people in my life are teachers. Our kids teachers have been wonderful during the pandemic and we have maintained healthy relationship with them. So if you don’t feel that love from your students and families, then the blame is not outside.

I hadn’t thought about it, but it does really bother me how often teachers talk out of both sides of their mouths through this. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised—their professional organization doesn’t argue in good faith either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I see a lot of people speculating that teachers just don't care about x or parents just don't care about y. Who cares about what is not the issue. We all have boundaries in our lives, things we will not tolerate. It is pretty rare that conversation with other people changes those boundaries. Further, we cannot force other people to change to suit our own needs. I know life would be easier that way, but people can only control their own actions, not others.

So, given the above, a lot of teachers have boundaries for what it will take for them to feel safe. There are a lot of reasons why teachers have those boundaries, and it is really none of our business. They can absolutely care about the children, but feel the need to put themselves first. After all, no one on this planet is in charge of ensuring another neurotypical adult's well-being. The only person who can take care of you is you. In fact, teachers have been telling people for a long time pre-COVID that they care about their students, but they cannot solve the most pressing societal problems that interfere with student learning. No matter how much one loves teaching, at the end of the day it is a job and nothing more. Teachers can invest a lot in students, and it does not mean that administrators or the community will invest any more back in teachers.

Each individual assess what feels safe. This often isn't based on some objective assessment of risk. The problem for parents when teachers have feelings not based on risk assessment is that it can have a big impact on our lives and the lives of our kids. So they can feel what they want to feel, but at the end of the day some sort of objective reality needs to step in. They can keep feeling however they want, but their feelings can no longer get in the way of school functioning.

I would think that the objective reality is really going to be the vaccine. If you get the vaccine (both doses + two weeks) you really can't keep up a rational fear of covid. If you do, then that's not something that we should all have to bend our lives around.

Well said. Teachers can feel afraid to go in person. When they get the vaccine they have far less risk than the rest of us of getting COVID. If the vaccine doesn’t assuage their fears then we get to see them as not making rational decisions.

[Anonymous]

Lots of parents on here speaking for the teachers out of turn.

The people on here who identified as teachers have said no, they don’t trust families to all take COVID seriously. That is their answer to the question posed. They have talked about travel and indoor gatherings, both of which are acknowledged to be risky. None of them have mentioned grocery stores or parents who have to work.

I’m just a parent and I agree with them. I don’t trust other parents (or some teachers for that matter) and it’s not over outdoor sports or the grocery store. It’s the other, high risk, unnecessary activity. If they are doing that, why would we trust them to keep sick kids home, to get tested or to be honest about test results etc. The high risk stuff indicates you and your family are selfish and stupid and you don’t care what happens to anyone else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lots of parents on here speaking for the teachers out of turn.

The people on here who identified as teachers have said no, they don’t trust families to all take COVID seriously. That is their answer to the question posed. They have talked about travel and indoor gatherings, both of which are acknowledged to be risky. None of them have mentioned grocery stores or parents who have to work.

I’m just a parent and I agree with them. I don’t trust other parents (or some teachers for that matter) and it’s not over outdoor sports or the grocery store. It’s the other, high risk, unnecessary activity. If they are doing that, why would we trust them to keep sick kids home, to get tested or to be honest about test results etc. The high risk stuff indicates you and your family are selfish and stupid and you don’t care what happens to anyone else.

Nailed it.

[Anonymous]

I’m a nanny and I fully support teachers staying the F home. You would not believe how irresponsible my employers behave. All the kids in class are doing play dates and weekend trips, it’s an absolute joke. Today, the school finally allowed hybrid for 3 hours (we are in SF at a private school) and you know what the parents did, while waiting for pick up? They had a backyard party for the parents with the entire grade. Both classes. The parents of 60 kids, but ‘only’ 40 parents attended.

Teacher not going back makes my job so hard, but teachers aren’t paid enough for this kind of BS. Stay home and keep pushing not to go back until you’re vaccinated.