Beginning February 15, teachers and students from Wake County will return to face-to-face learning. Many teachers have expressed concern, saying it is not yet safe.
“I can’t imagine being such a big system and not feeling that fear and not feeling that apprehension, so my heart is with these people,” said Tonya Smith, a member of the North Carolina Educators Association.
Smith is a high school teacher in Elkin, western North Carolina, and she has been back in class with a modified plan since October.
“We had, of course, like everyone, some cases, but not major outbreaks because our system is very small,” said Smith.
According to the state’s vaccine deployment plan, frontline workers, as well as teachers, are the next group in line for a COVID-19 vaccine.
“I would love to see us get a little promoted, if possible, especially for larger counties with a large number of students,” said Smith.
Davie County was one of the first to vaccinate many of its teachers, and this is something that teachers would like to see done in other counties. However, Davie County has about 400 teachers, compared to Wake County, which has more than 10,000 teachers.
On Thursday, Dr. Mandy Cohen, state secretary for health and human services, said North Carolina should have enough vaccine to start vaccinating residents’ third phase, which includes teachers, in a few weeks.
Governor Roy Cooper also announced a proposal for a unique bonus for educators for their hard work and dedication.
“We continue to put pressure on the administration to get more vaccine in North Carolina,” he said. “We want to reach teachers and other essential workers as quickly as possible.”
“I would love to receive my vaccine – 100% yes – but I would not like to get it from someone who has life-threatening problems,” said Smith.
Lisa Luten, a spokeswoman for Wake County schools, says the district continues to advocate for teachers to be vaccinated as soon as possible.