DMV Teachers Call For More Distance Learning Until Metrics Fall

WASHINGTON METRO AREA — On Tuesday, teachers urged DMV leaders to continue distance learning and develop a unified approach to reopening schools. The educators worry that a hasty return in one district could threaten the well-being of another, given how intertwined the area is.

"The lack of a coordinated plan among the many school districts in the region is creating instability and unnecessary anxiety," the teachers unions said in a joint letter. "We cannot afford disparate and inconsistent approaches to reopening school facilities."

The unions, which represent more than 48,000 workers, asked their school systems to keep classes online until:

• Coronavirus metrics fall to a "reasonable" level
• A vaccination plan is in place for educators
• Schools have the means to follow coronavirus guidelines

The teachers are also concerned about the potential disparities of a rushed reopening. They fear that parents would need to abruptly find child care options if they suddenly return to work. This could hurt families whose finances were disrupted by the pandemic, the unions noted.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted the lives of our Black and brown, poverty stricken, and special needs students in our communities who were already facing structural disadvantages," Theresa Mitchell Dudley, president of the Prince George's County Educators' Association, said in a separate press release. "To prevent these inequities from worsening, it is essential students and parents across our region are provided a consistent plan."

These 11 unions signed the joint letter:

• Prince George's County Educators' Association
• Montgomery County Education Association
• Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO
• Arlington Education Association
• Fairfax Education Association
• Loudoun Education Association
• Prince William Education Association
• Education Association of Alexandria
• ACE-AFSCME Local 250
• Baltimore Teachers Union
• Washington Teachers Union

"Educators and school employees in the region are eager to return to school buildings and in-person instruction, but we must put the safety of our communities first," the collective statement added.

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