Teachers unions across country cite COVID surge to demand halt to in-person learning

Teachers unions in multiple states are pushing for a return to remote learning due to a surge in coronavirus cases, setting the stage for further conflict between educators, politicians and parents.

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) in Massachusetts recently argued that teachers would not be returning to safe environments.

MA public school students and their families have struggled with the uncertainty and anxiety of the COVID pandemic for two years. They have the right to know that after the holiday break they are returning to safe schools. pic.twitter.com/P9w80DXEue

— AFT Massachusetts (@AFTMass) December 31, 2021

“The tests provided by the state allow for testing of all teachers and staff, and that should proceed,” said AFT Massachusetts President Beth Kontos. “It should then be followed by a period of remote learning until the current wave of infections abates.”

“This is not the time for finger pointing. It is time for Governor Baker and Commissioner Riley to accept the fact that we are in the midst of a runaway public health crisis that is beyond our control. They must acknowledge that returning students to school on Monday will inevitably make the crisis much worse.”

Baker, on Monday, defended in-person learning, arguing that it was important to students’ learning and mental health.

“The vast majority of school districts and schools in Massachusetts are opening today, which I think is incredibly important and a terrifically positive sign about the hard work that so many people around the commonwealth are doing every single day to make sure kids get the education that they’re entitled to and that they deserve, and that they and their families have the predictability that comes with knowing that their schools are going to be open and available to serve their kids,” Baker said during a visit to Saltonstall School in Salem. – READ MORE