As schools prepare for the return of students this fall, many families are facing a mix of excitement and anxiety—especially with the Delta variant still prevalent. Parents are anxious for their children’s safety, particularly those with younger kids who aren’t yet eligible for vaccination. We want masks in classrooms, proper ventilation, and sufficient space between students. Most importantly, we desire to see that every adult in the school—specifically teachers and staff—is vaccinated.
Given the current circumstances, mandating vaccinations for educators should be a straightforward decision. The Delta variant has proven to be particularly concerning, leading to a significant increase in infections and hospitalizations among children. For those with children who can’t yet receive vaccines, the worries extend beyond immediate health risks to potential long-term effects of COVID.
Moreover, requiring vaccinations isn’t solely about protecting our children; it’s crucial for the safety of the teachers and staff themselves. Many educators returned to classrooms pre-vaccine, often uncertain about their own safety and the potential risk of bringing the virus home. Tragically, some lost their lives to COVID-19. Now, an effective vaccine is available, offering protection for them, their families, and their students.
Despite the urgency, there is a notable resistance to making vaccinations compulsory for educators. Misinformation has fueled fears, leading some to prioritize “personal freedom” over public health. The CDC and federal government cannot enforce mandates, but local and state authorities can. Some districts, like those in Denver and New York City, have taken steps towards requiring vaccinations. Denver mandates proof of vaccination for all school employees, while NYC offers the choice between vaccination and weekly testing.
Unfortunately, teachers’ unions are pushing back against these mandates. While groups like the NYC teacher’s union support promoting vaccinations, they hesitate to endorse mandatory policies. This is perplexing, considering the evidence that vaccines significantly protect educators, aligning with the unions’ mission to safeguard their members. Some believe that full FDA approval of the vaccine could pave the way for broader mandates.
From my perspective, as someone with a spouse in the teaching profession and a long family history in education, the consensus among teachers I know is that they overwhelmingly support vaccinations. Data backs this up—nearly 80% of educators had received at least one vaccine dose by April 2021, and many support the idea of mandates or regular testing.
In a context where schools are already breeding grounds for germs, and with COVID case numbers rising, ensuring that teachers and school staff are vaccinated is crucial. The ongoing pandemic is a significant public health crisis, and lives—children’s lives—are at stake.
This is not the time for hesitance or compromise. The vaccines are safe and effective, providing protection to both those vaccinated and those around them. Mandating vaccinations for teachers and staff is a necessary and compassionate step forward.
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In summary, as the school year approaches, it is crucial that teachers and school staff be fully vaccinated to ensure the safety of both educators and students. The benefits of vaccination extend beyond individual protection to encompass the health of the entire school community.