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It's controversial because teaching in person can be done safely as evidenced by thousands of private schools during the past school year. If teacher's unions

It's controversial because teaching in person can be done safely as evidenced by thousands of private schools during the past school year. If teacher's unions were doing what's in the best interest for the kids, they would have largely returned to school at this point. However, it has become clear that what is best for the kids is second to what is comfortable for the teachers. If this obstruction to in-class instruction continues, the short-sightedness of this position will become readily apparent in the Fall as many families who have the means will go private (if they haven't already) thus depriving the schools of both tax dollars and the critically-important engaged families that support many of the extra/co-curricular amenities of public schools. Voucher Programs/charter schools/religious schools will all benefit to the detriment of public schools.

HarryHirsch 5y ago
Schools are the main source of spread between households. Consider the experience from Israel, the disease appeared to be under control and on the way out, until they opened school. Understandable that any teacher wouldn't wish to bring it home.
- anonAndOn 5y ago
  And yet, the US only has ~320 million more people with thousands of private schools across the country that stayed open for in-class instruction this school year but no discernable pattern of causing outbreaks. Understandable how the anti-vaxxers and the teacher's unions are both opposed to empirical evidence.
edmundsauto 5y ago
I am not in a teacher's union, but if I were, I would want it to be focused on what's best for me - not the students. Parents and other groups are good advocates for the students. Also, the resources available to private schools are very different than those available to public schools. The example provided shows that it is possible for some schools to return to in-person. It does not follow that it would be possible for all (or most) schools, especially as you have fewer resources available.
kbelder 5y ago
Well, it's the teacher's union. Any benefit it from it that accrues to children is purely accidental. Maybe kids should unionize. There's a nightmare scenario.

HarryHirsch 5y ago

Schools are the main source of spread between households. Consider the experience from Israel, the disease appeared to be under control and on the way out, until they opened school. Understandable that any teacher wouldn't wish to bring it home.

anonAndOn 5y ago
And yet, the US only has ~320 million more people with thousands of private schools across the country that stayed open for in-class instruction this school year but no discernable pattern of causing outbreaks. Understandable how the anti-vaxxers and the teacher's unions are both opposed to empirical evidence.

edmundsauto 5y ago

I am not in a teacher's union, but if I were, I would want it to be focused on what's best for me - not the students. Parents and other groups are good advocates for the students. Also, the resources available to private schools are very different than those available to public schools. The example provided shows that it is possible for some schools to return to in-person. It does not follow that it would be possible for all (or most) schools, especially as you have fewer resources available.

kbelder 5y ago

Well, it's the teacher's union. Any benefit it from it that accrues to children is purely accidental. Maybe kids should unionize. There's a nightmare scenario.