Safety of teachers and school staff when returning to a school setting in August

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The ignorance is just so endless. I woke up at 3 am today and planned, recorded and uploaded videos for lessons for next week, planned and subsequently led two 45 minute guided reading sessions, led a morning meeting, called three families for 20 minute one-on-one sessions, held an open lunch office hour and provided individualized support in using a remote learning website to a student and parent during that time, updated our class blog and more. It’s 1 and I’ve been working for 10 hours and won’t be done for several more.

I live in a county right outside NOVA. We haven’t heard from our teacher in three weeks. We get no live instruction, no recorded instruction, no worksheets, no work. The school sends out a weekly generic k-5 choice board of fun activities we can do if we want. Like write a letter to a friend, read to a pet, or pick up trash. So maybe YOU are working right now, but the teachers in my county are not doing anything right now. FWIW it was the counties call and they are not permitted to send any work. My other child’s teacher at least checks in weekly and offers a live get together once a week. This is a vacation for them. My neighbors are teachers in our district and are thoroughly enjoying this break.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The ignorance is just so endless. I woke up at 3 am today and planned, recorded and uploaded videos for lessons for next week, planned and subsequently led two 45 minute guided reading sessions, led a morning meeting, called three families for 20 minute one-on-one sessions, held an open lunch office hour and provided individualized support in using a remote learning website to a student and parent during that time, updated our class blog and more. It’s 1 and I’ve been working for 10 hours and won’t be done for several more.

Thank you for this! I am so sick of people asserting that teachers aren't working just because their kid had one our of live instruction. There are multiple classes happening a day, plus admin meetings, plus tutoring, plus office hours, plus the expectation of calls to kids who aren't engaging. Then there's the time it takes to plan a lesson, create and upload all the assignments and grade assignments.

I’m astonished at how long it takes me to record a 45 min lesson that feels like a classroom experience. I have new respect for the people who put together podcasts and other shows.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC might have closed a week earlier than NYC but the number of Covid cases in NYC far exceeded the number of cases in the District at that time.

On March 20th there were 43 Coronavirus Deaths and Over 5,600 Cases in N.Y.C.

On the same date DC had 77 individual cases.

And the NYC school chancellor was aggressively grandstanding in the weeks prior to closure encouraging use of public transportation and for citizens to make zero changes in their day-to-day life. He has blood on his hands.

[Anonymous]

Don’t forget he KNEW there were multiple teachers who tested positive at one school and it remained open because her doctors note confirming she most likely had COVID was not sufficient.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Teacher here. I imagine no one in their right mind will work as a sub. With no subs available, will a teacher who is sick feel the pressure to go into work so as not to let their colleagues down? Less teachers means more students in a class. Or more importantly, will teachers show up to school further risking the spread of the virus?

No one is talking about this. People are imagining that teachers won't get sick, subs will be plentiful.

This is a huge issue, PP. I worked at a school last year where almost all of the subs were older people, many of whom were retired teachers. Will older subs be willing to come in when we reopen? How will we be able to keep ratios low if no sub can be found for a sick teacher?

I'm also not hearing people talking about how to make sure sick children are kept home. It was very, very hard to get parents to pick up sick children in the special education program I worked in last year - some kids sat at school for hours in the nurse's office waiting for a parent to return calls and then finally agree to pick up their kid. Temperature checks aren't going to mean much if there isn't a way to ensure parents will pick up sick kids in a timely fashion. Of course, this also means employers need to allow employees time to care for sick kids.

I work for what most people would think of as a really great good employer in North Laruel MD and generally I would agree. Sure they let a lot of people work from home, but they only give 7 sick days a year. Honestly that isn't enough to deal with me and my kid regular sick days and doctors appointments if any one person needs more than a couple days. They don't easily allow time off without pay and if I have to come back home to pick up a kid it takes me a half hour to get there. My spouse has less benefits.
So, yeah a culture shift is needed. Even for the so called great companies to work for.. most are not so great right now.

[Anonymous]

Solution?

To some it seems some form of ‘in person’ learning is the solution. This is a pandemic that is actually affecting us, tired of people referencing other pandemics that DID NOT affect the US like this.

As for the solution, it is to facilitate your child’s learning. Not teach but facilitate, there is a difference. I’m so sorry you will have to do extra work, however we all are making sacrifices. Myself as a mom and teacher included.

This year WILL not be what you’re used to. If you feel teachers are being unreasonable while other jobs have to put themselves at risk you are barking up the wrong tree.
We are not talking about them right now, are we? And if we were I’d have a similar answer, online grocery delivery. Small businesses, order online pickup at the door.

There’s a solution for every job except most of those who work in a hospital who btw ALWAYS have some sort of risks.

So just stop with the comparisons. We are talking about TEACHERS. We are not martyrs. The district is going to come up with a better distance learning model, nothing will ever be as good as in person but this is where we are right now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Solution?

To some it seems some form of ‘in person’ learning is the solution. This is a pandemic that is actually affecting us, tired of people referencing other pandemics that DID NOT affect the US like this.

As for the solution, it is to facilitate your child’s learning. Not teach but facilitate, there is a difference. I’m so sorry you will have to do extra work, however we all are making sacrifices. Myself as a mom and teacher included.

This year WILL not be what you’re used to. If you feel teachers are being unreasonable while other jobs have to put themselves at risk you are barking up the wrong tree.
We are not talking about them right now, are we? And if we were I’d have a similar answer, online grocery delivery. Small businesses, order online pickup at the door.

There’s a solution for every job except most of those who work in a hospital who btw ALWAYS have some sort of risks.

So just stop with the comparisons. We are talking about TEACHERS. We are not martyrs. The district is going to come up with a better distance learning model, nothing will ever be as good as in person but this is where we are right now.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Solution?

To some it seems some form of ‘in person’ learning is the solution. This is a pandemic that is actually affecting us, tired of people referencing other pandemics that DID NOT affect the US like this.

As for the solution, it is to facilitate your child’s learning. Not teach but facilitate, there is a difference. I’m so sorry you will have to do extra work, however we all are making sacrifices. Myself as a mom and teacher included.

This year WILL not be what you’re used to. If you feel teachers are being unreasonable while other jobs have to put themselves at risk you are barking up the wrong tree.
We are not talking about them right now, are we? And if we were I’d have a similar answer, online grocery delivery. Small businesses, order online pickup at the door.

There’s a solution for every job except most of those who work in a hospital who btw ALWAYS have some sort of risks.

So just stop with the comparisons. We are talking about TEACHERS. We are not martyrs. The district is going to come up with a better distance learning model, nothing will ever be as good as in person but this is where we are right now.

+1

+1

And all of this is after a steady decline over the past twenty years of discipline in schools. Parents want their kids to get exceptions to rules all the time meant to keep kids and teachers safe. And schools have no discipline so kids can do whatever they want. And now they want teachers to believe there will be enforcement of health and safety standards. Little Johnny is not going to wear a mask after being allowed to throw chairs and curse out adults all year with no consequences. And Little Suzy’s mom isn’t going to keep her home now after repeatedly sending her sick to school last year without having to pick her up or keep her home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love how parents are challenging teachers to come up with a solution as if the district has EVER factored our voices into any the decisions they’ve made thus far. Our own union rep had to fight to be on a reopening committee in which sat NO teachers or school professionals.
We are human capital to the district.
Even if we had a plan it wouldnt be the one the district would choose because then they’d have to admit we actually have brains and can think for ourselves as a collective teacher unit. So why bother wasting the energy hypothesizing some utopian outcome where everybody’s needs are equitably met? Won’t happen. Somebody’s getting screwed. Lube up in preparation for the May 22nd announcement.

Exactly! The lack of disrespect for educators is beyond obvious.

[Anonymous]

I think we need to see our teacher corps as a vital national asset. Why would we risk exposure of that collective wisdom, and expertise to a deadly virus.

Teachers are also part of a coumminity, including security guards, lunchroom assistants, and administrators. Do you want to decimate the communities that nurture our children every day? People who in some cases spend more time with our children than we do? How traumatic would that be!?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Solution?

To some it seems some form of ‘in person’ learning is the solution. This is a pandemic that is actually affecting us, tired of people referencing other pandemics that DID NOT affect the US like this.

As for the solution, it is to facilitate your child’s learning. Not teach but facilitate, there is a difference. I’m so sorry you will have to do extra work, however we all are making sacrifices. Myself as a mom and teacher included.

This year WILL not be what you’re used to. If you feel teachers are being unreasonable while other jobs have to put themselves at risk you are barking up the wrong tree.
We are not talking about them right now, are we? And if we were I’d have a similar answer, online grocery delivery. Small businesses, order online pickup at the door.

There’s a solution for every job except most of those who work in a hospital who btw ALWAYS have some sort of risks.

So just stop with the comparisons. We are talking about TEACHERS. We are not martyrs. The district is going to come up with a better distance learning model, nothing will ever be as good as in person but this is where we are right now.

+1

+1

And all of this is after a steady decline over the past twenty years of discipline in schools. Parents want their kids to get exceptions to rules all the time meant to keep kids and teachers safe. And schools have no discipline so kids can do whatever they want. And now they want teachers to believe there will be enforcement of health and safety standards. Little Johnny is not going to wear a mask after being allowed to throw chairs and curse out adults all year with no consequences. And Little Suzy’s mom isn’t going to keep her home now after repeatedly sending her sick to school last year without having to pick her up or keep her home.

A plexiglass divider might actually solve a few of my issues, items being thrown at me, spitting and virus protection, but it wouldn't be practical.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Solution?

To some it seems some form of ‘in person’ learning is the solution. This is a pandemic that is actually affecting us, tired of people referencing other pandemics that DID NOT affect the US like this.

As for the solution, it is to facilitate your child’s learning. Not teach but facilitate, there is a difference. I’m so sorry you will have to do extra work, however we all are making sacrifices. Myself as a mom and teacher included.

This year WILL not be what you’re used to. If you feel teachers are being unreasonable while other jobs have to put themselves at risk you are barking up the wrong tree.
We are not talking about them right now, are we? And if we were I’d have a similar answer, online grocery delivery. Small businesses, order online pickup at the door.

There’s a solution for every job except most of those who work in a hospital who btw ALWAYS have some sort of risks.

So just stop with the comparisons. We are talking about TEACHERS. We are not martyrs. The district is going to come up with a better distance learning model, nothing will ever be as good as in person but this is where we are right now.

+1

+1

And all of this is after a steady decline over the past twenty years of discipline in schools. Parents want their kids to get exceptions to rules all the time meant to keep kids and teachers safe. And schools have no discipline so kids can do whatever they want. And now they want teachers to believe there will be enforcement of health and safety standards. Little Johnny is not going to wear a mask after being allowed to throw chairs and curse out adults all year with no consequences. And Little Suzy’s mom isn’t going to keep her home now after repeatedly sending her sick to school last year without having to pick her up or keep her home.

A plexiglass divider might actually solve a few of my issues, items being thrown at me, spitting and virus protection, but it wouldn't be practical.

You mustn't be afraid to dream bigger, darling. I want an Iron Man suit. My school's rough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Solution?

To some it seems some form of ‘in person’ learning is the solution. This is a pandemic that is actually affecting us, tired of people referencing other pandemics that DID NOT affect the US like this.

As for the solution, it is to facilitate your child’s learning. Not teach but facilitate, there is a difference. I’m so sorry you will have to do extra work, however we all are making sacrifices. Myself as a mom and teacher included.

This year WILL not be what you’re used to. If you feel teachers are being unreasonable while other jobs have to put themselves at risk you are barking up the wrong tree.
We are not talking about them right now, are we? And if we were I’d have a similar answer, online grocery delivery. Small businesses, order online pickup at the door.

There’s a solution for every job except most of those who work in a hospital who btw ALWAYS have some sort of risks.

So just stop with the comparisons. We are talking about TEACHERS. We are not martyrs. The district is going to come up with a better distance learning model, nothing will ever be as good as in person but this is where we are right now.

+1

+1

And all of this is after a steady decline over the past twenty years of discipline in schools. Parents want their kids to get exceptions to rules all the time meant to keep kids and teachers safe. And schools have no discipline so kids can do whatever they want. And now they want teachers to believe there will be enforcement of health and safety standards. Little Johnny is not going to wear a mask after being allowed to throw chairs and curse out adults all year with no consequences. And Little Suzy’s mom isn’t going to keep her home now after repeatedly sending her sick to school last year without having to pick her up or keep her home.

I feel like the only possible way to mitigate that problem is to make parents who knowingly send kids to school sick during this time subject to a citation in the thousands of dollars for endangering the public or disrupting school operations. Or if the nurse calls and the kid is not off school premises within an hour. It has to be a penalty with teeth to make stupid, selfish parents take it seriously. You want schools open because you need a dumping ground for your kid? Fine. This is the cost.

[Anonymous]

Instead of being mad at teachers or parents, be mad at politicians and billionaires.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Solution?

To some it seems some form of ‘in person’ learning is the solution. This is a pandemic that is actually affecting us, tired of people referencing other pandemics that DID NOT affect the US like this.

As for the solution, it is to facilitate your child’s learning. Not teach but facilitate, there is a difference. I’m so sorry you will have to do extra work, however we all are making sacrifices. Myself as a mom and teacher included.

This year WILL not be what you’re used to. If you feel teachers are being unreasonable while other jobs have to put themselves at risk you are barking up the wrong tree.
We are not talking about them right now, are we? And if we were I’d have a similar answer, online grocery delivery. Small businesses, order online pickup at the door.

There’s a solution for every job except most of those who work in a hospital who btw ALWAYS have some sort of risks.

So just stop with the comparisons. We are talking about TEACHERS. We are not martyrs. The district is going to come up with a better distance learning model, nothing will ever be as good as in person but this is where we are right now.

+1

+1

And all of this is after a steady decline over the past twenty years of discipline in schools. Parents want their kids to get exceptions to rules all the time meant to keep kids and teachers safe. And schools have no discipline so kids can do whatever they want. And now they want teachers to believe there will be enforcement of health and safety standards. Little Johnny is not going to wear a mask after being allowed to throw chairs and curse out adults all year with no consequences. And Little Suzy’s mom isn’t going to keep her home now after repeatedly sending her sick to school last year without having to pick her up or keep her home.

I feel like the only possible way to mitigate that problem is to make parents who knowingly send kids to school sick during this time subject to a citation in the thousands of dollars for endangering the public or disrupting school operations. Or if the nurse calls and the kid is not off school premises within an hour. It has to be a penalty with teeth to make stupid, selfish parents take it seriously. You want schools open because you need a dumping ground for your kid? Fine. This is the cost.

Transmission of this illness will have nothing to do with selfish parents sending in sick kids, but with whomever decides to re-open schools at all without a program of systematic testing, robust successful contact tracing, and widespread availability/use of masks outside the home. Contact tracing has been abysmal.
The peak of infectivity - the point at which someone is the most contagious - is a couple of days before the onset of symptoms and right at onset of symptoms. There are examples by now of an asymptomatic person infecting dozens (choir practice example), some of which died.