Reopening California schools: Public officials v. teachers unions

The sign outside Mark Twain Middle School in Mar Vista, Los Angeles points to online resources for distance learning, February 2, 2021.

The sign outside Mark Twain Middle School in Mar Vista, Los Angeles points to online resources for distance learning, February 2, 2021. Photo by Amy Ta/KCRW

The Biden administration and the CDC say it’s safe for teachers to return to classrooms before they’re vaccinated. California Governor Gavin Newsom agrees.

In LA County, teachers will be eligible for the vaccine starting March 1. LAUSD Superintendent Austin Buetner says elementary schools might be able to reopen if 25,000 teachers and staff get their shots.

Meanwhile, United Teachers Los Angeles says it can’t support reopening until in-person staff members are vaccinated and LA County is out of the purple tier. The California Teachers Association also says returning to in-person learning is premature.

From this Episode:

Credits

Host:

Madeleine Brand

Producers:

Sarah Sweeney, Angie Perrin, Michell Eloy, Amy Ta, Rosalie Atkinson, Brian Hardzinski, Bennett Purser