What a huge sigh of relief heard around the world when the news of at least two vaccines capable of preventing COVID-19 was announced a few weeks ago! We have all been patiently waiting, trying to do our best to keep our families and friends safe and healthy. Being an educator, I have been so concerned and worried about our kids of all ages! Each and everyone of them, along side their families and teachers has endured a really rough road in trying to keep learning and not be negatively impacted.
Last March, it was all understandable to try to halt the spread of infection, to shutter school doors and for most schools to turn to virtual learning. But I think I speak for most of us that we all thought this was a temporary situation – maybe two to three weeks and we would be done and back to “normal.” Unfortunately that turned out to be wishful thinking and here we are in December with some schools closed, some open and still with the uncertainty as to what the rest of the school year may look like.
Thank goodness and hats off to the scientists, researchers and doctors who have worked so incredibly hard to discover the most effective vaccines to fight this hideous virus! But what I am shocked at is that while our country’s leaders are in the midst of determining best next steps for vaccinating – I hear crickets about teachers. Understandably, health care workers, along with the elderly are first in line but next I would vote for all educators. Let’s get every one who teaches vaccinated and protected so that day care centers, schools and universities can reopen safely and for good. It is extremely worrisome to think about the long-term effects on our most precious commodity our children at every learning level. Their school day lives were suddenly upended and every day was ground hog day for the kids, families and teachers alike.
Vaccinate the teachers and get school life back in person, back in the classrooms and again provide our children the most optimal learning experiences. It is time to prioritize and I for one say teachers and school personnel to the the front of the line.
Warmly,
Laine