Fellow teachers - How are we supposed to teach with masks on?

[Anonymous]

I’m having a hard time picturing how this will work. We’re going to be teaching in front of a class of kids with our voices muffled by a mask? I’m also a bit concerned as to what it’s going to feel like wearing a mask all day while talking. When I’m wearing a mask out in public, I’m generally not talking much except for short conversations with a clerk. Even then, there are a few times I’ve caught myself pulling my mask down to speak more clearly, of course as soon as I’ve realized what I’ve done, I pull my mask back up, but that just shows me how uncomfortable it is to talk with a mask on that I would naturally do this. Are other teachers concerned about what talking all day with a mask on is going to be like?

[Anonymous]

Yes and the fact that when you speak a lot it generally begins to fall down. Especially the blue surgical masks I imagine they’ll be giving out. I picture myself seeing colleagues with masks off simply saying “I had to, I couldn’t deal anymore”

[Anonymous]

You will do the best you can.

[Anonymous]

Not really a solution because the schools won't pay for them and I don't expect you to pay $33 a mask, but Vog Masks with filters in them are easy to wear and easy to speak through. I have bought a few for my son because it's the only thing I've tried so far, that I feel someone can wear all day without feeling miserable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes and the fact that when you speak a lot it generally begins to fall down. Especially the blue surgical masks I imagine they’ll be giving out. I picture myself seeing colleagues with masks off simply saying “I had to, I couldn’t deal anymore”

But imagine how pissed off parents would get if they found out their kid’s teacher wasn’t wearing a mask. I imagine most teachers will wear a mask for that reason alone if nothing else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m having a hard time picturing how this will work. We’re going to be teaching in front of a class of kids with our voices muffled by a mask? I’m also a bit concerned as to what it’s going to feel like wearing a mask all day while talking. When I’m wearing a mask out in public, I’m generally not talking much except for short conversations with a clerk. Even then, there are a few times I’ve caught myself pulling my mask down to speak more clearly, of course as soon as I’ve realized what I’ve done, I pull my mask back up, but that just shows me how uncomfortable it is to talk with a mask on that I would naturally do this. Are other teachers concerned about what talking all day with a mask on is going to be like?

I am concerned about this too. I’ve seen some decent face shields. I might get on to wear over my mask. I can then pull down the mask in situations where I’m teaching at the front of the room. Kids will be able to see my mouth which is important for comprehension.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not really a solution because the schools won't pay for them and I don't expect you to pay $33 a mask, but Vog Masks with filters in them are easy to wear and easy to speak through. I have bought a few for my son because it's the only thing I've tried so far, that I feel someone can wear all day without feeling miserable.

Do you mean with a filter, or a valve? Vogs have the one-way button valve that lets the air you breathed out (with all the virus particles) pass through the mask. It doesn't protect others.

[Anonymous]

It’s just a matter of getting used to it. Medical personnel do it all the time. My family has been working on wearing them more for when the kids go to school and we have all built up to a few hours comfortably in one week’s time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m having a hard time picturing how this will work. We’re going to be teaching in front of a class of kids with our voices muffled by a mask? I’m also a bit concerned as to what it’s going to feel like wearing a mask all day while talking. When I’m wearing a mask out in public, I’m generally not talking much except for short conversations with a clerk. Even then, there are a few times I’ve caught myself pulling my mask down to speak more clearly, of course as soon as I’ve realized what I’ve done, I pull my mask back up, but that just shows me how uncomfortable it is to talk with a mask on that I would naturally do this. Are other teachers concerned about what talking all day with a mask on is going to be like?

I am assuming you’d be able to remove your mask when standing 6 ft away from the kids. You should have that choice

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not really a solution because the schools won't pay for them and I don't expect you to pay $33 a mask, but Vog Masks with filters in them are easy to wear and easy to speak through. I have bought a few for my son because it's the only thing I've tried so far, that I feel someone can wear all day without feeling miserable.

Throw it away. The masks with the exhalation valves are the wrong type of mask in this pandemic. It serves no purpose.

We wear the mask to protect other people from our breath. Masks with the exhalation valves are easier to breathe in because they let the exhalation breath out more easily. Thus protecting no one.

[Anonymous]

My school ordered face shields for us. I’ve seen some masks with a clear piece over the mouth, I might order one of those.

[Anonymous]

Microphone.

[Anonymous]

You deal with it and keep going.

[Anonymous]

You will be fine! Just like everyone else who has learned to do their jobs with masks on. Just like teachers all over the world who have learned to do their jobs with masks on. You will adjust- just like everyone else has. I also have a job wear I work in close proximity to children for extended periods of time. I wore a K95 mask and a face shield for several hours straight with no break- and I was fine.

[Anonymous]

The same way medical professionals and all other essential personnel have managed for months.

I truly don’t understand the commitment of some teachers to the idea that they are less capable than everyone else. It doesn’t instill confidence in their judgment as professionals.