Unions and teachers have much concern with the start of this new school year. The concern is about classroom attendance in schools with the current pandemic and the effect on children. They question the engagement of students in virtual lessons.
The struggle is over longer closures and safety requirements. Also, schools struggle with a legal requirement for virtual instruction. The U.S. Department of Education states that video recording of virtual lessons available to students does not violate FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.)
Some states do not allow virtual learning. Instead, they require waivers from parents. Thus, as online learning grows, so are new laws and policies. The schools that do not have policies follow overall guidelines.
Unions’ Views
Teachers’ union’s concern is the protection of teachers and students. They want schools to take sufficient precautions for everyone. However, schools face public and political pressure for in-class learning. Parents and caregivers need to get back to work.
Consequently, unions show concern about how long teachers spent on a video daily. Unions feel that political leaders put other needs above student safety. They feel political advocates in-class instruction without adequate guidance or financial support. Unions feel that teaches go above and beyond a normal workday to educate students during the pandemic.
Ultimately, unions feel in-person is the best method for students to learn. Also, it makes great public schools. Meaning, reopening must be developed with the educational community in mind. The school staff understands remote learning is not adequate. It is not a substitute for in-person learning. Thus, it must be safe for staff and students.
Help or Hurt
The concerns of teachers’ unions are not unsubstantiated. As the science of the pandemic changes daily, everyone is in flux as to the safety of students, staff, and parents. Also, they are concerned with low-income families. The concern is for the creation of a larger learning gap.
A teacher’s pay is the same whether it is online or in-person. However, creating lessons for online and Inclass is something they are not properly trained to do. Hyflex teaching may be the answer but it contains built-in problems. Too many legal concerns are brought to view with a student’s privacy.
Unfortunately, the results of the new normal the pandemic created will not be visible for years to come. Hence, some say the students will ultimately suffer. Others say they will adapt and catch up with the help of schools.
