Teachers with underlying health issues worry about going back to school

Going back to a brick and mortar school this fall could be tough ask for educators with underlying health problems. It has many asking if they should even go back to traditional teaching at all.

Action News Jax reported this week how the school board approved desk shields. It’s just one of the things that will become commonplace in your child’s classroom this fall.

While the emphasis is on keeping kids safe, Fedrick Ingram, President of the Florida Education Association said teachers need reassurances too.

“We’ve got to build a better system around our educators so that they are treated like the academic first responders that they are,” said Ingram.

Ingram said Duval Teachers United is in constant contact with the school board and superintendent.

“I feel a little bit more confident in what’s going on in Duval then I do other places to be honest with you because there are certain parameters that are being guided by science,” Ingram said.

He said letting science guide the conversation is key but there’s a timeline.

“Do you think that seven weeks will be enough time to answer teachers’ concerns?” asked Action News Jax Lorena Inclán.

“I think that the virus is going to dictate that,” Ingram said.

Facing a teacher shortage in a pandemic is also a concern.

“We had a teacher shortage before March 13. March 13 was the day the governor gave the recommended order to close our schools, so we had a teacher shortage. We’re going to have to again assure people that schools are safe,” Ingram said.

Duval County Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene said they’re actively recruiting.

“At this point, we’re not seeing a large number of educators making the decision to retire however we’re still a little over a month out before we begin school and we understand that we have to be prepared,” Greene said.

As plans get finalized, Ingram had this message for teachers who are in the high-risk category or care for someone who is immunocompromised.

“Consistently check with your doctors ensure that you’re getting your own medical checkups and if you have the documentation that you need share that, to the extent that you need to, with your supervisors, with your principal,” Ingram said.

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