Governor Cuomo announced recently that enough progress has been made against coronavirus to resume classroom learning in New York, but teachers are not yet convinced that conditions are safe enough for themselves and students
On Friday, Governor Cuomo announced that schools in New York State can open this fall. The coronavirus infection rate for the state stands at 1% as of Friday, and the Governor said, “if anyone can open schools, we can open schools.” Schools must follow strict reopening protocols and conduct at least three question-and-answer sessions with parents before August 21st, the Governor said. The ultimate decision about whether or not children return to school, however, rests with parents.
Many teachers remain cautious about the safety of schools despite detailed reopening procedures. A survey conducted at the end of July by New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) of over 1,100 members found that 93% approved of the decision to close schools to in-person instruction in March and 81% of those polled agreed that the health and safety of students, faculty and staff should guide reopening. Teachers polled who are eager or willing to return versus those who are reluctant or unwilling stands at 50-50.
Aixa Rodriguez, an ESL teacher in New York City and one of 1400 members of Bronx Educators United for Justice, faulted the state for not providing distance learning training during the summer. Rodriguez and two hundred other teachers, students, and parents marched from the United Federation of Teachers headquarters to the NYC Department of Education on August 3rd to protest what they claim are inadequate reopening plans. The Governor may have given the go-ahead to open schools, but there are far too many unanswered questions for Rodriguez and her fellow educators.
Nearly one-third of all members, and 55% of teachers over 55, polled by NYSUT said that COVID-19 has made them consider early retirement. Rodriguez is aware of two veteran colleagues at her school who have mentioned early retirement. In addition to safety concerns, economic factors may also drive teachers out of the profession. Anticipated budget cuts may also reduce the ranks of educators. Teachers may find themselves “excessed” and unable to be kept on, which happened to three of Rodriguez’s colleagues. Rodriguez believes that more teachers will follow, voluntarily or involuntarily, especially math and science teachers who she says have better options than facing life’s uncertainty as a teacher. “Seriously,” she asked, “if you could code, would you go back?”