Virginia Beach teachers group says it ‘cannot support’ in-person instruction this fall

The education association that represents some 1,400 teachers in Virginia Beach said on Thursday that it “cannot support the opening of schools to face-to-face instruction” due to rising coronavirus cases in the region.

The push from the local teachers’ group comes two weeks before the Virginia Beach School Board will decide among three options for how best to plan for this fall: a return of five-days in-person classes, all remote learning, or a hybrid approach, where students might only come to school two days a week.

Kelly Walker, the president of the Virginia Beach Education Association, said she has been bombarded by emails, phone calls and text messages from teachers are who deeply concerned about having to choose between their job and their health. She said a recent survey, conducted by the group between June 8 and July 1, showed nearly one out of three teachers had health concerns for themselves or family members if they had to return to schools for in-person classes this fall.

“It’s been very overwhelming. Many people are very scared,” she said. “They’re frustrated. They don’t know what’s going to happen.”

The group said in a statement that the school division should listen to and address concerns from staff and that a return should “not be imposed until the division can guarantee the safety of students and employees.”

Norfolk School Board members said on Wednesday they think the fall semester should start virtually for all students due, in part, to worsening local health conditions. Cases and hospitalizations throughout Hampton Roads have significantly increased in recent weeks.

The Virginia Beach Education Association will host a series of town hall meetings for members and a “park the parking lot” event on July 28 so employees and community members can safely share their concerns.

Peter Coutu, 757-222-5124, peter.coutu@pilotonline.com