I got my first teaching job as a credentialed teacher back in 2007. I was so excited to finally start my work as an educator. Unfortunately, in 2009, the district I was working for at the time was experiencing financial issues. Their resolution to those financial troubles was massive lay-offs — including classroom teachers. As a teacher with little seniority, I was one of the many who were laid off. I was essentially given the option to leave the district, or interview to substitute teach with the hope that I would move up this massive list until I would be eligible to interview for a full-time classroom position again. It would take me five years to become eligible to return to a classroom position. I was consistently at the bottom of the seniority list, and therefore, was one of the last teachers at my school site to sign on to a grade level. Due to five years of constant moving as a substitute teacher, and always being one of the last to sign on to a grade level, I have not been in the same grade level or classroom since my first two years as a teacher. After as fourth time being asked to change grade levels, I decided to leave the traditional classroom. The experience of constantly being required to change left me feeling discouraged and dissatisfied. I felt there was no place for me at any school or with any district. This feeling emerged from the feeling that it did not matter where I was — that I didn’t matter. I was dispensable. I still don’t feel like my former school district or the many school sites I taught at miss me or the experiences I could bring to the classroom.
Now, after a year of virtual teaching due to a global health crisis, I hear of political leaders saying that health officials are deeming school sites safe from covid-19 and that teachers should return to classrooms without being vaccinated. I keep asking myself how this is possible. Teachers aren’t the only adults on campus. Are teachers going to be expected to interact with other adults who also haven’t been vaccinated? And, although children are not as likely to have severe covid-19 symptoms, they can still be a carrier of the virus. What if a child passes along the virus to a teacher or other school worker? Or, what if an adult on campus passes the virus to a student and that student then brings the virus to their home. Why is it OK for teachers and other school staff to return to school unvaccinated? After my pervious experiences, I would dare to say that much of the world views its teachers as dispensable.
If our government leaders and communities want schools back up and running because the children are in desperate need of the academic and social-emotional supports that schools provide, then they need to think of the needs of the teachers and support staff as well. All of the adults on campus much physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy to provide support for students. Schools need medical, psychological, and social workers available on campuses daily to support students. staff, and faculty during this incredibly challenging and difficult experience of teaching during a global medical crisis. Schools need enough materials for each student to have their own sets because sharing is not safe at this time. Everyone wants schools to reopen, but I have yet to hear about their plan to keep schools safe.
I’m so fortunate that my current work is keeping all of its teachers virtual until we are all vaccinated. We know most of the parents would prefer in-person support. The teachers would like to work with the students in person as well. But, we recognize that we don’t have the resources to keep EVERYONE safe from covid-19 at this time. My employers recognize that teachers are not dispensable, and that keeping us healthy and safe is what’s best for the students right now.
I know this is a very controversial subject. My opinion may be very unpopular. But, I would love to start a conversation about how we can make things safe for school sites. I would love to know what your community is doing or has tried or is planning on. I hope some of my international readers will also participate. How are other countries bringing students, staff, and faculty back to campuses during this time? Please share your comments.
Until next time… TEACH SAFELY!
PinaRose Education 