Teachers worried about back-to-school plans, peacefully protest

Some Lee County teachers are left with more questions than answers after the school district’s plan to reopen schools. There are mixed emotions about whether going back to the classroom is the right thing to do for students. Although teachers want to get back into the classroom, they want to make sure it’s done in a safe way.

Teachers we spoke to recently say they want to get back in the classroom, and they want to see their students. But they’re afraid it’s all happening too fast.

“If some of us return to the building too soon, we are going to be a part of the problem,” said Susan Patti, a Lee County school counselor.

Meanwhile, no two counties in Southwest Florida plan to reopen schools in exactly the same way.

For example: The School District of Lee County will not require masks.

“I definitely would have preferred that it been a requirement,” said. “I personally will wear a mask if I’m going face-to-face. You know, I feel it protects everyone involved.”

“With children, you know kids are kids, and we really can’t depend on them to comply full with masking and with social distancing,” said Carolyn Stachle, a Lee County teacher.

But Collier County Public Schools will require both masks and eye protection.

“That is a big plus, but the other side to that is, right now, it hasn’t been decided yet, but they’re talking about allowing children to eat breakfast and lunches in the classroom,” said Annette Hall, a Collier County teacher. “And doctors and nurses that I’ve talked to have said that that will destroy any kind of sanitation in the room.”

We asked teacher what types of measures would make them feel safe.

“To delay the opening a couple of weeks to see where it goes and where the curve is headed,” Stachle said.

“A plan that would ensure the most safety for all,” Patti said. “Mask compliance, social distancing.”

“At this point, it doesn’t seem feasible that social distancing can take place,” said Eva Ruiz, a Lee County teacher.

“Go back to the model that we used for the fourth quarter, which is online exclusively,” Hall said.

The teachers want to emphasize that they understand the stress the school district is going through.

Still, a parade organized by Lee County teachers Friday was a way for them to peacefully show the district they feel there are still too many questions and not enough answers.