Educators Call on School Districts to Extend COVID Emergency Leave Coverage
Educators are rightly concerned as they return to school buildings while the pandemic continues to surge across our state.
Arkansas’s educators work tirelessly every single day to advocate for and create healthy learning spaces for students. Some have lost their lives to this terrible virus. While we know there is no replacement for the in-person connection between students and their educators, in many parts of our state these interactions are putting our families and communities at risk.
As the state’s vaccination effort increases, we have a new opportunity to return to an in-person education where every student can thrive – but only if vaccination campaigns are done safely and equitably. We urge state agencies to use consistent and transparent communications on the benefits and safety of vaccines. The state expects to begin vaccinating educators on February 1, and we encourage the state to continue prioritizing those working on the frontlines of this health crisis, which includes school employees.
Until the vaccine effort begins to curb the spread of this virus, it is vital that we all continue to practice social distancing, masking and hand washing. However, in many districts, the uncontrolled spread of the virus may require stronger efforts, including a shift to virtual learning. The state has made clear these decisions must originate at the local level, and AEA’s Return to Learn Committee and staff will continue working with our members to address issues in their school buildings.
We also call on districts to extend emergency leave for educators due to COVID-19 infection or for those forced into quarantine after potential exposure. The $20 million in CARES Act funding dedicated to this effort in the 2020 fall semester has been exhausted, but more federal funding is on the way. Districts should act quickly to ensure educators aren’t forced to use their sick leave to prevent the spread of this dangerous virus.
We urge all educators to engage with their local associations and AEA Uniserv staff to join the effort to advocate for health and safety with local administrators and school boards. When educators speak up about health and safety issues, we do so to protect our students, colleagues, and community. We must take these concerns seriously and district officials must address them to slow COVID’s spread.
