Name: 'Teachers are writing wills': Should Texas schools open up? Teachers vent frustrations, concerns
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'Teachers are writing wills': Should Texas schools open up? Teachers vent frustrations, concerns

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This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigateJust the idea of Texas schools reopening their doors for fall 2020 has infuriated some Houston-area teachers and parents.They're not afraid to air their opinions and frustrations. As COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations escalate to an unprecedented rate across Texas,&nbsp; the thought of putting students' and teachers' health at risk in order to provide in-class instruction is unacceptable to teachers across the state."It's pretty atrocious that in preparation for returning to school this fall, teachers are writing wills, getting medical power of attorney established and taking out extra life insurance," tweeted teacher Jessica Schwinn.It's pretty atrocious that in preparation for returning to school this fall, teachers are writing wills, getting medical power of attorney established, and taking out extra life insurance. This country has chosen it's priorities. It's money over people.— Jessica (@Schwinnjessica)'IT'S SO SCARY':&nbsp;According to Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath, Texas public school districts must reopen campuses for an in-person instruction in August in order to receive state funding, unless the governor issues a school closure or confirmed case of COVID-19."On-campus instruction in Texas public schools is where it’s at,” “We know that a lot of families are going to be nervous, and if they are nervous, we’re going to support them 100 percent.”This is not sitting well with many Texas teachers."Like everyone, I am desperate to send my kids back to school. Remote learning is hard on my wife and me, and terrible for our kids. If we thought it were safe to do so, we wouldn't hesitate.&nbsp; But there's no way we're going to risk their health or ours, IF IT'S NOT SAFE," tweeted Jeremy Konydyck.Like everyone, I am desperate to send my kids back to school. Remote learning is hard on my wife and me, and terrible for our kids. If we thought it were safe to do so, we wouldn't hesitate. But there's no way we're going to risk their health or ours IF IT'S NOT SAFE. — Jeremy TEST/TRACE/ISOLATE - NO SHORTCUTS Konyndyk (@JeremyKonyndyk)"@MikeMorath @GovAbbott Why is it okay for you guys to work from home but you're willing to sacrifice the lives of teachers, administrators, clerks, counselors, custodians, cafeteria workers? If in person classes MUST be offered, both of you should join us in the buildings," tweeted teacher Tania Andrews.Why is it okay for you guys to work from home but you’re willing to sacrifice the lives of teachers, administrators, clerks, counselors, custodians, and cafeteria workers? If in person classes MUST be offered, both of you should join us in the buildings.— Tania Andrews (@TechyTania)SCHOOL REOPENING:"Last week, it was announced that Texas schools MUST reopen in the fall or risk states funding. This is extremely dangerous and covid cases here are increasing rapidly!! teachers in Texas cannot strike without losing their teaching certificates. they need help, call to action," tweets dirt prince."And after that, we're going back to school like nothing happened, "tweeted Sol.last week it was announced that texas schools MUST reopen in the fall or risk states funding. This is extremely dangerous and covid cases here are increasing rapidly!! teachers in texas cannot strike without losing their teaching certificates! they need help, call to action below— dirt prince (@pant_leg)Texas teachers say they are now forced to choose between their health or their jobs.&nbsp; Some with health issues have already resigned.&nbsp; According to a report by KHOU, HISD teacher Michelle Shah had a difficult time, struggling with a decision to resign, but she said the health of her children comes first.— Dat Le (@DatLe)HISD teacher Meghan Hokom also recently resigned over the same concerns.&nbsp; Hokom had a heart transplant three years ago, and has a low immunity after the procedure.HISD teacher Michelle Shah is resigning today. She says it's been one of the hardest decisions, but the health of her children comes first. They both have severe asthma. Today is the last day for HISD teachers to resign before they are locked into their contracts. — Janelle Bludau (@JanelleKHOU)While several teachers express that they miss their students and the classroom, they just can't afford to not play it safe.I also resigned from &amp; . I had a ❤️ transplant 3 years ago. I worked at HMW &amp; went back to teach. I have very low immunity &amp; even got very sick last fall; despite wearing a mask &amp; giving anti-bacterial before EACH period. I couldn’t take a chance. — Meghan Hokom (@eduhokom)"I miss my students. I LOVE my job. I want to return to work and be able to help students again, as this is my whole heart. More than that, I want YOUR kids to be safe. It's disgusting that @realDonaldTrump is playing politicas with school reopening. It is NOT safe in Texas," tweeted educator, Tammy Tashi.I miss my students. I LOVE my job. I want to return to work and be able to help students again, as this is my whole heart. More than that, I want YOUR kids to be safe. It's disgusting that is playing politics with school reopening. It is NOT safe in Texas!— Tammy (@Tashi_Tweets_)According to HISD officials, the district is still planning to start its academic year in late August, allowing 10 days for students who suffered a delay because of the coronavirus pandemic. The school year is expected to end on May 28.alison.medley@chron.com

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigateJust the idea of Texas schools reopening their doors for fall 2020 has infuriated some Houston-area teachers and parents.They're not afraid to air their opinions and frustrations. As COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations escalate to an unprecedented rate across Texas,&nbsp; the thought of putting students' and teachers' health at risk in order to provide in-class instruction is unacceptable to teachers across the state."It's pretty atrocious that in preparation for returning to school this fall, teachers are writing wills,...

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Alison Medley

Houston Culture. Commentary. Conversation. Welcome to Chron. News tips 💡: tips@chron.com Pitches 📝: freelance@chron.com

'Teachers are writing wills': Should Texas schools open up? Teachers vent frustrations, concerns

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