As a science teacher in the Battle Ground school district, I miss seeing my students and teaching in-person classes. However, opening up schools at the current infection rate will put teachers and their families on the front line of the pandemic. The rate of new cases is much higher now than it was when in-person classes were canceled in March. Even with school buildings closed, just under 10 percent of COVID-19 cases in Clark County are among individuals up to 19 years old. This will only increase if there is any in-person instruction this fall.
I am also concerned about being exposed to COVID-19 from other adults at my school. I share my classroom with three other teachers. During my planning time, I share an office with 30 other adults. My school building is not designed to operate during a pandemic.
My recommendation is to delay in-person instruction until we are in Phase 4. Linking the start of in-person instruction to the phase guidelines will encourage people to limit large gatherings, wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines. Delaying in-person classes until cases are lower is not ideal, but we all must make personal sacrifices to protect the health of all members of our community.
