We also advocate that educators move to practice the types of teaching that will benefit all learners. "And we cannot properly reopen schools if funding is slashed and students don’t have what they need to be safe, learn and succeed.". A failure to learn from  past mistakes and ignore the urgent funding needs of K-12 schools and higher education, "would lead to various problems that will prolong the current economic crisis, including increased class sizes, educator job losses, reduced resources and opportunities for student learning, and potential impacts on school infrastructure.". We need to fully fund public schools. Built around four basic principles -  health expertise, educator voice, access to protection, and leading with equity - the document lays out what schools need to do to prepare for reopening, and how they can make their reopening succeed far beyond the first few weeks of the new school year. By the end of March, COVID-19 had forced public schools in 48 states and the District of Columbia to close. Florida College Counselors Terminated, Students Left in Limbo, NEA President: Educators Are Finding Unique Ways to Reach, Teach and Inspire, St. Paul Educators Strike, Demand Mental-Health Supports in School, REGISTER NOW - Webinar: Distance Learning Pro Tips on 1/11, 7 p.m. ET, © Copyright 2021 National Education Association. The grades in the report came from representatives of the local teachers’ union. NEA pushes for school reopening task force. Vermont NEA says fall school reopening a heavy lift (WCAX) By Olivia Lyons. NEA provides guidance and resources for returning to classrooms safely, and with an emphasis on racial and social justice. COVID-19 has already done more damage in three months than a recession that lasted for a year and a half. across the United States. Vermont Business Magazine A group of 25 educators from across the state issued a comprehensive list of requirements that must be met before we can safely welcome Vermont’s students back to class.. As the COVID 19 pandemic continues to intensify, parents, educators, and communities are waiting to see how … Continued The National Education Association (NEA) believes that any reopening model has to not only ensure the health and safety of students and staff, but also prioritize long term strategies on student learning and educational equity. In K-12 and higher ed buildings, a poorly designed and executed strategy can cost lives, particularly among our most vulnerable students and in communities of color, or at the very least further jeopardize their educational progress. Last month, NEA released “All Hands on Deck: Initial Guidance Regarding Reopening School Buildings.”. education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. The economic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic jeopardizes that progress, even threatening a calamitous return to the austerity measures that crippled schools following the Great Recession a decade ago. Once schools are marked for reopening, districts should then spare no effort to equip them with all the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and disinfectants to keep students and staff safe. Too many students were not getting the instruction they needed, exacerbated by inadequate access to the necessary technology. However, COVID-19 has also brought an opportunity to reimagine and reengineer the policies and processes that have benefited some students while not prioritizing other students, specifically under- resourced students, Black and Brown students, and students with disabilities. In addition, more than 800,000 education jobs could be saved—more than 673,000 K-12 and 153,000 higher ed jobs. While physically We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience, provide ads, analyze site traffic, and personalize content. Organizing for Safe, Healthy and Just Schools With Your School Board If we’re serious about making sure every child can learn safely and pursue their dreams during this pandemic and beyond, let’s get serious about doing what works. Indeed, in a study of 835 district reopening plans, researchers found a clear relationship between union strength and prolonged school closures. public education. Share. NEA has With School Reopening a 'National Priority,' Biden Picks a Former Teacher as Education Secretary ... for the first time in a long time,” Becky Pringle, NEA president, told TIME in November. education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. Alaska public schools exist because they are the most effective places to facilitate and foster student learning. We encourage educators to seek out opportunities to engage in dialogue and unlearn biases and deficit ideologies about students, parents, and communities. Jill Biden hears educators’ top concerns around reopening schools. NEA provides guidance and resources for returning to classrooms safely, and with an emphasis on racial and social justice. Despite the momentous efforts of educators during the pandemic, online learning has never been an effective replacement for in-person learning and support. Public schools and public institutions are a driving force in our nation’s recovery because a school is at the heart of every community.". Schools reopening: Teachers unions blasted by Digby Jones over COVID complaints - 'Shame!' But when she was elected secretary-treasurer of the NEA in 2008, he told her he had been wrong. Schools Reopening Latest News: With a decline in COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks, the Gujarat government on Wednesday announced to reopen schools for … By Lola Duffort. School Custodians Are Essential Frontline Workers For Our Students, NEA Member Connections Help Sustain Educators During Crisis, COVID-19 Stimulus Package Helps Students and Educators, REGISTER NOW - Webinar: Distance Learning Pro Tips on 1/11, 7 p.m. across the United States. Many schools across the country will in all likelihood reopen in the fall for the 2020-21 school year. While physically opening schools at the beginning of the 2020–2021 school year is the goal of most districts, the decision of when to reopen school buildings must be rooted in health and safety and not based on an arbitrary start date or any other priority. School Reopening: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had also issued guidelines on reopening of schools wherein states and UTs have been given powers to … state and local governments should listen closely to science and public health experts for more specific guidance. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of "The American economy cannot recover if schools can’t reopen," said NEA President Lily Eskelsen García. Still, because of continued uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, "back to school" for many districts and college campuses remains more of an “if” than a “when.”. The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest Testifying on Capitol Hill on Monday before the House Committee on Education and Labor, NEA Vice-President Becky Pringle said, "Under the bright, flashing lights of COVID-19, we can no longer turn away from the fact that not all students have access to the educators, resources, and tools they need. These facilities are safe harbors for students, congregation points for public gatherings, and they provide connection to the world outside of our communities. With the schools set to reopen for in-person classes, Athol Teachers Association President Mary Grutchfield said, “We’re going to address the School Committee on Wednesday, and implore they take a re-vote on the reopening of school.” Published: Jun. WASHINGTON - NEA President Lily Eskelsen García issued the following statement in response to recommendations by the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine agrees on its reopening public schools: “As we have consistently stated before, no one wants students to safely return to classrooms more than parents, educators and administrators. President-elect Joe Biden speaks about safely reopening schools during the coronavirus pandemic at a campaign event Sept. 2, 2020 in Wilmington, Delaware. Accordingly, state and local governments should listen closely to science and public health experts for more specific guidance. affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities public education. By Amanda Menas. The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest NEA has ANCHORAGE: Today, NEA-Alaska, the union representing over 11,000 active public school employees, released results of an internal member survey regarding school reopening readiness which shows overwhelming margins of Alaska educators are uncomfortable returning to in-person instruction this fall. The Vermont-NEA Task Force on School Reopening met for the first time this week, outlining the extensive … A guide to intentionally planning for school success during COVID-19 and beyond with health, safety, student learning, and equity at the forefront. States are currently reviewing potential models that maximize both learning - whether in-person or continued remote instruction - and health and safety. NEA-NH is asking that, in order “to build confidence that our schools are safe for the return of in-person instruction, all districts will need to acquire and distribute personal protective equipment and enact regular deep-cleaning procedures that meet the original CDC standards.” And we need your help to make it happen. And the pandemic has highlighted the vast inequalities of the U.S. educational system, particularly severe in rural areas and communities of color. The pandemic’s continuing fallout could make inequities far worse....The nation cannot ignore the opportunity to help ensure that the students who will be returning to their school buildings all return to equitable and just - and safe - educational experiences.". As the #RedforEd protests have demonstrated so powerfully over the past two years, educator voice can bring about real positive change in how the nation invests in its schools. O. n Thursday, Sept. 3, the Vermont NEA – the union that represents public school teachers in the state – released a “report card” for “overall preparation for safe start of school” as the Covid-19 pandemic continues.. NEA-Alaska Statement on School Reopening. Plans must be rooted in health and safety. As some states are currently discovering, reopening plans that ignore or downplay the advice of scientists and public health experts can backfire. This is hardly surprising. Communities across the country are grappling with how to safely reopen school buildings and college campuses. ", When education support professionals (ESPs) in Donna, Texas reported back to work in May, nearly 2 million educators—one-fifth of the workforce—could lose their jobs. "By investing in our educators, our public schools, and institutions of higher education," NEA's guidance says, "We will emerge with stronger, more resilient, and more racially and socially just communities. Share 566. 10 responses to “ Mitch McConnell’s 5 terrible ideas for reopening schools ” Tweet. 566 Shares. NEA strongly opposes waiving school districts’ and higher education institutions’ liability for providing safe conditions for teaching and learning. NEA president: Trump's plan to reopen schools is dangerous for students and teachers ... Reopening our schools full time is an admirable goal, and one … Cardona has been an advocate of in-person learning for K-12 students while adopting safety measures to prevent the spread of … The aim is not adequacy; rather, it is productive excellence for all.". - All Hands on Deck, National Education Association (Photo: Getty Images). Email. Alex Wong—Getty Images Biden, who earned vocal endorsements from the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers, had said he would nominate a former public school teacher to be Education … Pediatricians walk back school-reopening stance as WHO gives dire warning WHO expert warns school reopening shouldn’t become a “political football.” Beth Mole - Jul 13, 2020 10:29 pm UTC NEA-NH Principles for Reopening (7/22/20) Key Points on New CDC Guidance (7/24/20) NEA - Where We Stand on Safely Reopening Schools - Checklist for Reopening (7/24/20) All Hands on Deck: Initial Guidance Regarding Reopening School Buildings (6/23/20) Educating Through Crisis - Know Your Rights BREAKING: Vermont-NEA Task Force Issues Requirements for Safely Reopening Schools. But to attack the inequities exacerbated by the pandemic, our priorities as a nation must also be reevaluated. SCHOOL teachers unions are threatening to refuse to … If you continue to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies. The National Education Association (NEA) believes that any reopening model has to not only ensure the health and safety of students and staff, but also prioritize long term strategies on student learning and educational equity. “You have a chance to actually lead an organization that can make a difference in the lives of every student,” he told her. ALL HANDS ON DECK: Initial Guidance Regarding Reopening School Buildings | NEA The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to our schools, our economy, and our nation’s families, exacerbating racial inequities and placing a disproportionate burden on communities of color throughout the country. NEA Initial Guidance for Reopening Schools (Click on the photo for document) » Back to CEA Home. The Athol school districts where four coronavirus cases were identified and the high school ventilation system is nonfunctional are in a white zone. In addition to the urgency around equity, NEA's guidance is also rooted in health expertise, educator voice, and access to protection. Jump to updates, opportunities, and resources for NEA state and local affiliates. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to our schools, our economy, and our nation’s families, exacerbating racial inequities and placing a disproportionate burden on communities of color throughout the country. When education support professionals (ESPs) in Donna, Texas reported back to work in May, they were met at the door by the school nurse who took their temperature but did not provide them with face masks. COVID-19 Legal FAQ Update – Pregnancy Accommodations. Vermont-NEA Task Outlines Comprehensive Steps for Safety, Health, and Learning. Jun 30 2020 July 1, 2020. Some Vermont educators say they want the state to use a different strategy for reopening schools which might push some start dates past the September 8 deadline set … "All Hands on Deck" identifies several necessary preconditions for reopening, including increased. The National Education Association (NEA) is more than 3 million people—educators, students, activists, workers, parents, neighbors, friends—who believe in opportunity for all students and in the power of public education to transform lives and create a more just and inclusive society. COVID-19 Legal FAQ Update – Colorado Proposition 118. We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience, provide ads, analyze site traffic, and personalize content. Blog NEA Initial Guidance for Reopening Schools. The challenges are formidable, but the guidance underscores the opportunity to learn from events, not only from the Spring, but also from the previous decade. Once schools are marked for reopening, districts should then spare no effort to equip them with all the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and disinfectants to keep students and staff safe. August 3, 2020. Furthermore, the critical services and supports schools provide - daily nutrition, emotional and mental health - made the loss of school from their daily lives all the more glaring. Share. Built around four basic principles – health expertise, educator voice, access to protection, and leading with equity – the document lays out what schools need to do to prepare for reopening. professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of NEA's 3 million members work at every level of "Our priorities as a nation must be re-evaluated," NEA's guidance says. As schools formulate their plans around reopening, this strong educator voice and expertise will be indispensable - before, during, and after schools reopen. We need to hold our elected leaders accountable to our communities. If you continue to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies. Educators and parents are demanding that Congress pass the HEROES Act, which provides $200 billion to fill state and local budget gaps, including funds for PPE and narrowing the digital divide. professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of Reopening Schools During Pandemic. Students and educators transitioned - practically overnight  -  to online distance learning. "States and districts must acknowledge that the pandemic was not experienced equally by all communities and populations, particularly in rural areas and communities of color. affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities "All Hands on Deck" pinpoints specific actions states, districts, and schools can take to promote equity, health, and safety, and avoid the ruinous budget cuts that crippled public schools after the Great Recession. The ESPs immediately demanded the district address these gaping holes in the protocols and supply the necessary PPE. "We have a unique opportunity" the guidance says, "to create schools and campuses that are unequivocally resolute in their commitment to student learning, beacons of service and partnership to communities, and respected and sought-after institutions of employment. We need to dismantle unjust systems. Recent News. If this damage goes unchecked, nearly 2 million educators—one-fifth of the workforce—could lose their jobs over the next three years. ET, © Copyright 2021 National Education Association, "All Hands on Deck: Initial Guidance Regarding Reopening School Buildings. These systems must evaluate how different families handled the time out of school buildings." "All Hands on Deck" identifies several necessary preconditions for reopening, including increased COVID-19 testing and contact tracing. I. 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Learning has never been an effective replacement for in-person learning and support holes in protocols! Could be saved—more than 673,000 K-12 and 153,000 higher ed jobs practice the types of teaching that will All. Must be re-evaluated, '' nea 's guidance says practically overnight - to online distance learning including... Economy can not recover if schools can ’ t reopen, '' said nea President Lily Eskelsen García during... Jobs over the next three years district of Columbia to close three years every. Economy can not recover if schools can ’ t reopen, '' nea 's 3 million members work every!