By Elizabeth DaCunha
I’ve given you the student perspective on the vaccine a while back, but what about teachers that are actually receiving the vaccine very soon?
As our teachers are eagerly preparing to be vaccinated, I decided to find out what their thoughts were on the vaccine and how it will affect the way they run their classrooms.
Of course, many different opinions were shared about the vaccine, but it was interesting to hear from those that have some concerns about the vaccine that they are willing to put aside for the sake of this pandemic.
One FHS teacher gave a statement on the vaccine: “I’m optimistic about the vaccine(s) that are now available to help fight infection from Covid-19. However, I guess I would say it’s more of a cautious optimism, as its effectiveness counts on a few factors;
“1. That individuals actually get vaccinated. 2. That the public still practices the protocols outlined by the CDC (mask wearing, social distancing, no large gatherings, etc…). and 3. That local, state, and federal governments don’t rush to reopen just because there are vaccines available. It is going to take some time for enough people to be provided with the vaccine to truly curb the devastating effects of this virus.”
There are understandably some doubts and skepticism among these several teachers, but some like Mr. Hevey have put aside their doubts and worries and have realized that this vaccine is probably the only way out of this pandemic.
Hevey stated, “I will certainly get [the vaccine] because I know this is what is needed to bring things to a sense of normalcy. I trust the science and I believe the reports that they have actually been working on a vaccine for this longer than we know.”
Mr. Hevey has also gotten his first vaccine shot recently, and is hopeful that more people will get their vaccine as well.
On that note, I will also introduce the opinions of several teachers that are more than excited that the vaccine is now available for the staff.
Mr. McNeil shared his opinion on the vaccine after just getting it, “I think the vaccine is a positive, healthy choice for people. I will carry on with the protocols even after I receive the vaccine mostly because I do not want to endanger anyone else.”
While we all have our own opinions on the vaccine, it is clear to see that no one I spoke to has dismissed the idea of getting it, and perhaps this is because it gives our teachers an opportunity to potentially start teaching “normally” again sooner rather than later.
I’ve spoken a little about bringing back full-time in person school in my past article, but how comfortable is everyone with this, even with the vaccine on hand?
While discussing the vaccine topic with a teacher of mine, they stated, “I am thankful for the vaccine and the recent uptick in availability. In class during the current academic year won’t change, but I look forward to having students be able to work with one another and have the ability to maneuver the classroom at their own free will.”
Another teacher stated, “I will [continue] to keep all work digital, limit my exposure, but still circulate to make sure that students can get the help they need. Until further studies have been done, and it has been determined that transmission is low, I will probably stick with my current routine.”
As you can see, most of the teachers I spoke to are actually quite thrilled to be getting the vaccine. But it doesn’t seem to be enough to change how class is going to run, not until the school department and state feel comfortable with going back to “normal school,” and it seems that this won’t happen until most people are vaccinated.
Remember to stay positive and test negative.
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