As a high school teacher, I am deeply concerned about returning to in-person schools this Fall. Especially with the number of new COVID-19 cases continuing to climb, and the uncertainty about how many people aren't getting tested because of a lack of resources, or absence of symptoms, I'm still very worried about returning to work on-site. Most classes are possible to teach remotely. Of course it's not ideal for any subject, and certainly not my subject (theatre), but it's possible.
So many schools are looking to return to on-campus learning with additional "safety measures" in place, but there are so many variables, not to mention the additional costs of many safety measures, that make it virtually impossible to do anything safely. Teachers and students will still be in the same room as other people for long periods of time, and despite masks/face coverings/social distancing measures, this still increases the risk of spreading the virus. And of course there's the matter of common areas like hallways, bathrooms, teacher's lounges, the office, etc., where being in close proximity to others and using the same door handles, copy machines, sinks, and such will be impossible to avoid. There's also the concern over mental and social health from remaining so isolated - but people can't be mentally and socially healthy if they're dead. I want things to return to "normal" as much as the next person, but I also understand that it will take a long time for anything resembling normal to happen, especially since wearing masks and the existence of the virus has become so politicized and so many people are still treating it like it's nothing. Frankly, I'm scared for my own life and safety and for the lives and safety of my students and their families. I had a student email me saying she's worried about not being able to visit her grandparents if we return to in-person learning, and I'm sure there are many other students who feel the same. The fact that schools are even considering in-person learning as COVID-19 continues to ravage the country, and considering the large number of people who are doing nothing to slow the spread, is frightening. It means literally putting the lives of thousands of people, INCLUDING CHILDREN, needlessly at risk. If we're truly trying to do what's best for the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff, we cannot return to in-person or even hybrid learning until the virus' spread can be and has been controlled and contained.
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