My wife and I were each educators for over 30 years.
We were dedicated to and loved our career choice.
While we were called upon to wear many hats and adapt to many new challenges, we never felt that our lives were endangered by coming to work.
Currently, educators are faced with very difficult situations and are at times being guilted into risking a premature return to the classroom.
Teachers, I hope you will consider the following:
What risks are you willing to take to meet the needs of your students?
Whose health will be affected by your decision?
What is your school district, county, state and federal government doing to help you survive this year?
Is your professional input being sought and/or heard?
You know whether suggested plans can actually be implemented.
What funding is coming over what you received last year?
How much more will be expected of you in this viral environment?
Who is willing to give you more support to meet the needs of you and your students?
What safety improvements are actually being made?
What could you do instead of being an educator?
Employers look to hire people who are dedicated, open to learning, have strong communication skills, are able to work collaboratively, can problem solve, multi-task, lead and who are patient.
Can you take a year off and wait for a vaccine and/or better educational plans to be developed?
Consider your risks and options carefully.
You still have time to decide.
Frank Cimino
Sequim