We’re on the verge of significant progress. President Joe Biden has pledged to release our entire stockpile of COVID-19 vaccines immediately, according to recent reports, moving away from the previous administration’s strategy of withholding doses for second shots. Biden plans to establish federally-operated vaccination sites in school gyms and sports arenas, aiming to administer 100 million doses within his first 100 days in office. This timeframe offers a great opportunity for many individuals to receive their second doses and achieve full immunity. Given this accelerated vaccination plan, it’s crucial to keep schools closed until all teachers and staff are vaccinated. There’s no other option.
We’re Nearly There
I understand the exhaustion. Remote learning is draining for everyone involved. A friend recently shared her frustration about technical issues and managing her six-year-old during virtual classes, and I can relate. My own children, who are fortunate to have each other and a stay-at-home parent, still face challenges despite their privileges.
It’s incredibly tough for families right now. If we continue to keep schools closed until educators are vaccinated, it may take a few extra months, but those months could save countless lives.
I often find myself overwhelmed, reflecting on the long journey since the pandemic began, and I worry about my husband, who teaches and is currently navigating virtual instruction again. My fear is that he may be called back to in-person teaching without the protection of a vaccine.
Reopening Requires Vaccinations for Teachers
Research indicates that children can significantly spread COVID-19. Studies show that even asymptomatic children carry a high viral load, posing risks in school settings. The CDC reports that up to half of all children infected with COVID-19 may not show symptoms, yet they can transmit the virus for weeks. Sending unvaccinated teachers into classrooms, with children who struggle to wear masks or maintain distance, is simply unsafe.
Moreover, teacher safety is compromised by inadequate ventilation, with nearly half of all schools lacking proper airflow systems. For schools to reopen fully, without putting educators at risk, vaccination of all teachers and staff is essential.
The Reality of Asymptomatic Spread
Even with vaccinated teachers, children will remain potential vectors of COVID-19. However, we can afford to wait an additional couple of months for teachers and staff to receive their vaccinations before reopening schools. We cannot postpone the school year until kids are vaccinated—waiting until late summer is not feasible.
Vaccination is crucial for the safety of teachers and staff, many of whom belong to high-risk demographics. A significant percentage of teachers face serious complications from COVID-19, and we must recognize the role of other staff members, like custodians and aides, who also need protection.
Parents are understandably eager for schools to reopen, but the health of educators must come first. Once teachers are vaccinated, parents can return to work with the confidence that their children’s schools won’t shut down due to teacher illness or quarantine.
The Need for Continued Vigilance
We’ve spent months making sacrifices; we can’t let that effort go to waste by reopening too soon without vaccinating teachers and staff. Children in need can still receive food assistance through alternative means, similar to summer programs.
While it’s crucial to address the needs of students facing challenging circumstances, schools should be staffed by low-risk volunteers if necessary. Teachers willing to help can step up, but the priority must remain on vaccinating the educators who keep our schools running safely.
With the vaccination plans in motion, it’s imperative that we hold out just a little longer. We can support one another during this time—check in on neighbors, offer assistance where possible, and ensure the most vulnerable are cared for.
By prioritizing the vaccination of teachers and school staff, we can make strides towards returning to normalcy.