CDC recommendations for school assume that children sit quietly three-feet apart with masks and learn all day. They forget that most American classrooms are too small for that kind of spacing, and that children do not sit still all day--children are active, vibrant people who like to move, connect with one another, and play.
So what's a teacher to do in a climate that wants to get children back to school mainly for day care reasons asap?
Safety first
Educators have to consider safety first. They can do that with these questions:
- What is my risk for the virus? If you are a healthy person that's been vaccinated, you are probably going to be okay. If you do not feel safe, it may be worth taking a medical or personal leave at this time. Also, you have to be vigiliant about your exposure to other adults in the building--many schools are overcrowded so this is a problem.
- What is the risk for the children? Most reports say that children will be at low risk if they stay distant from each other, wear masks, wash hands often, and get outside frequently. So, with that in mind, educators should create a daily schedule that includes many short stints in the classroom and lots of outdoor learning time--when possible, learn outside.
- How can I teach well in reasonable ways? Prioritize and keep it simple. For most schools, it is the end of the school year and a time of good weather. Children will want to play--find playful ways to teach. Don't sweat the small stuff, but focus on a good day of engaging learning.
Advocacy
While most educators are likely exhausted after a year when they've had to quickly learn and transform their teaching in countless ways, there's still a need to advocate for better. To do this, I suggest you do the following:
- Make a list of all the year's successes--keep that list handy for any kind of teacher/administrative decision making discussion.
- Make a list of inefficiencies in schools including outdated, crowded facilities, crowded classrooms, lack of staffing and more.
- Work with local and state unions to make a long-term advocacy plan that is prioritized--work for better schools with fair pay for employees, just work conditions, and top-notch education and support for students and their families in a systematic, logical way.
Self-care
Summer vacation is around the corner. Make that a time to renew yourself, energize, and look ahead. Don't overcommit or extend yourself in ways that will exhaust you for another busy school year ahead.
It has been a tough year for schools mostly because public schools in the United States have been long neglected. This has to change. It is time to renew our commitment to public schools in the United Stataes and build the best education system on Earth, a system that empowers each and every child in positive, life enriching ways. Onward.