Editor:
This post is directed to those teachers who chose not to return to the classroom.
First, let me qualify my credentials for an opinion: I taught for 32 years, the first seven of which were in the classroom, teaching health science, biology and even some chemistry. I was a head football and head baseball coach at what at the time was one of the larger high schools in the state.
I was the head of the physical education department for many years, and my life sports and strength training courses were as tough as almost any class in school in regard to note taking and written tests. That qualifies my opinion.
Let’s get to it. If you chose not to return to the classroom for any reason other than you have a compromised immune system or are suffering from serious underlying health issues, then shame on you. You just let your students down.
If you are at serious risk, then by all means stay home. This applies to students who have health issues which compromise their immune systems as well.
If you are healthy, there is no valid reason in my opinion not to return to the classroom.
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter. If you are online teaching, you may be doing an adequate or even great job of imparting knowledge, but there is a lot more to teaching than passing out knowledge.
Teachers have to deal with classroom management, socialization issues and classroom discipline in the real classroom. This is an important part of student learning and development.
Students need hands-on instruction and the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers that reinforce learning daily. So, if you’re afraid of the virus and don’t want to go back, let’s be clear: You’re wearing a mask, the student is wearing a mask and your classroom will be disinfected on a regular basis.
Where’s the problem?
If you are a healthy teacher and chose not to go back to the classroom, then you failed your students. I’m sorry; find another job.
Rex Sewell
Corrales
