This school year is shaping up to be unlike anything we’ve ever seen.
From the way our classrooms look to the bus protocols and remote learning plans, change is everywhere.
But as different as this school year will be, one thing remains the same: your commitment to your students and your communities is an inspiration to us all.
Whether in person, at home, or via a hybrid form of instruction, you and your colleagues are working under challenging circumstances to make sure the students in your care have a safe and healthy learning environment; to make sure they’re fed, and to make sure they have fair access to the internet and the equipment they need for remote learning.
It’s what you do, and we thank you for it.
As you support your students, we want you to know that your local union, your statewide union and your national affiliates are fighting hard to protect you. We have spent this whole summer fighting to ensure school reopening plans are safe and responsible.
We are fighting to make sure school districts follow science and err on the side of caution.
We are fighting to make sure that if there are any questions about safety or if any district’s plan is missing any details, that district starts with remote learning. We are fighting to make sure masks are mandatory in schools, and that proper social distancing is in place for all in-person instruction.
We are fighting to make sure that any building in which there is a single case of COVID-19 is shut down immediately and students transition to remote learning for 14 days.
We are fighting to protect vulnerable staff by pressing districts to provide accommodations like telework or other options.
And, of course, we are fighting for the funding to pay for it all.
This may be a time of change and uncertainty; but one thing stays the same – your union has your back. It’s what we do.
Thank you for your commitment to your students, and good luck to you this school year. We’ll be right there with you every step of the way.
In solidarity,
The NYSUT Officers