It's been four months since I left school due to the spread of the Corona virus.  Back when we still had to go to work, I often wondered why I had to go whereas employees of many SF Bay Area companies were told to stay home three weeks earlier for their safety and well being. 

It was reported that kids were not easily affected by the virus and so they were not at risk.  But, it was then I also asked, "Don't I count any longer?" 

In all honesty, I was very worried I would be forced to return to work this fall.  I don't mean to say that I don't want to go back to work.. I most certainly do.  However, I am not ready just yet while we are in the midst of a virus pandemic.  It was only last week when California Governor, Gavin Newsom, laid out the norms for the safe return to school that I calmed down.  Was I thankful that I would begin the school year with Distance Learning.

While I agree with many parents that nothing compares to IN classroom instruction, should we then reopen schools regardless of the fact that many teachers might get infected, get sick, and even die?  If doctors in nurses in hospitals are getting sick despite the fact that they are all dressed in hazmat suits and PPEs, what more with teachers who will only be given hand sanitizers and wipes?  Will opening the classroom windows to allow airflow really and honestly prevent us, teachers, and students from getting sick?  

I was so angry at a news segment aired a couple of weeks ago when around six doctors from the northeast unanimously said that they would send their children back to school and not feel worried about the virus at all.  Good for them!  I wanted to say, "Why don't you go to school and teach the children instead?"  Why don't they go to my district where the virus cases are rampant and infections are high. 

It is bad enough that we teachers aren't paid well, yet are our lives really not worth anything at all?