LogFAQs > #943313172

Ok, some of you may know I'm normally a teacher, but I have not taught since my wife passed away almost 4 years ago now (4 years next Feb). I was planning on working as a TA this year (teachers assistant) to get back into the swing of things before starting to teach again next year.

Because of the virus I already decided to suspend that till next year, but what do ya'll think about in person teaching this year?

When I taught last it was in CA, in Gilroy CA where 2 schools had been closed recently, our classrooms typically had over 40 students. Currently the guidelines state you are supposed to have 6 feet between each child's desk, which would limit most class rooms to only 10-15 students max.

Personally I'm all for a MUCH better teacher to student ratio (and if you are going to have 30+ students you should ensure the teacher has a TA to help). The problem is, if you have only 10-15 students per class you need at least double the number of classes and teachers, to compensate.

I should also mention that in CA we had special needs students mixed in with the normal classrooms as well (I never had less than 3), which often take alot of attention/extra effort etc. Again, a TA would seriously help, but there was a massive lack of money/funding (hence the schools closing) which prevented that from being possible.

My personal suggestion is to suspend in person school for 2 months right now, and then if we can get the numbers under control, open up classes in October, and just continue school through July this year to compensate. I also suggest passing a bill to freaking BUILD MORE FREAKING SCHOOLS, and to fund TA's for most classrooms. Limit all classes to 20 students max as well. While that won't solve everything, and it requires we actually get a freaking handle on the virus before October, it would be way better than trying to open the schools right now.

What do you all think we should do as far as opening up schools etc? I know there are other teachers on here as well. Curious what everyone thinks.

On a personal note, I plan on getting the blood test done to see if I already have gotten the virus (supposedly it's accurate now). If it shows I already have then I will volunteer or work as a TA this year, but I'm still not ready to start being in charge of a full classroom yet.

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