Letter: Statement by Amherst Pelham Education Association on Fall Teaching

Source: Amherst Pelham Education Association (“APEA”)

August 10, 2020

We, members of the Representative Council of Amherst Pelham Educators Association, represent diverse members who work in our district as teachers, clerical staff, and paraeducators. In considering how to reopen this fall, we recognize that we are all – students, families, and staff – being asked to make difficult choices to which there are no simple answers. We are united by a shared commitment to the wellbeing of our students and the acknowledgement that our students’ wellbeing is linked to our own.

We miss our students. We want to resume in-person learning as soon as is safely possible. However, in-person learning is neither physically safe nor educationally sound at this time; anything other than fully remote learning is a medium risk activity per the CDC. Return to medium risk activities should be contingent on Hampshire County sustaining a “Green: On Track for Containment” level as assessed by health data analysts rather than a calendar target. As Dr. Anthony Fauci said, “you don’t make the timeline, the virus makes the timeline.”

This fall, we must draw upon the many resources of our community to keep our students healthy, supported, and learning. Staff and families have much to share with our administration and school committee about how to improve distance learning based on our spring and summer experiences.

Should we return to in-person learning in Fall 2020, the socially-distant school with new safety protocols and stressors will be unrecognizable for students. Furthermore, should we again find ourselves transitioning between models there will be massive disruption and learning loss. Until it is safe to return, we want to focus district resources on developing robust remote learning plans with qualified exceptions in situations where there is high need, rather than focus on phasing in in-person-learning. Many districts, such as Northampton and Springfield, are beginning to make this difficult choice.

Spring 2020 was a challenge for us all – but with increased resources, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to our young people, we can plan for distance learning that will support the health and well-being of our students and community until it is safe to be in person again.

The APEA has made available a slide deck summary of their Staff Survey – August 2020.