Prince George District Teachers Association calls for smaller classes, stricter mask mandate

The Prince George District Teacher’s Association is joining the BC Teacher’s Federation in expressing concerns about the back to school plan put forth by the province.

PGDTA President Joanne Hapke said some good steps, like adding time at the beginning of the school year for teachers and staff teams to prepare, have been taken.

However, some of the teachers’ biggest concerns have yet to be addressed, she explained. 

“We have to look at what the provincial health office has been saying for the last five months,” explained Hapke. “And that is physical distancing is one of the main ways to prevent getting covid.”

Hapke notes class sizes range anywhere from between 18 to 25 students, and due to the density in classrooms, physical distancing becomes difficult.

“There is no way we can maintain a six-foot distance between students and between workers in that building.”

Mask policies also need to be stricter, she adds.

“Kids forget. Kids touch each other. Kids are used to working together, so if they are wearing masks then there is an added layer of protection for them and the adults working in the building,” said Hapke.

Here are the key health and safety concerns the BC Teachers’ Federation is asking the government to implement:

·         Classroom density reduced to allow for physical distancing.

·         An option for remote learning, especially for medically complex children 

·         Dedicated funding for improvements to school ventilation and HVAC systems

·         All adults and students 10 years and older be required to wear face masks when physical distancing is not possible, as long as there is not a medical condition that prevents usage.

·         Schools and worksites retrofitted with physical barriers for safety, where physical distancing is not possible.

·         Additional funding to ensure custodial cleaning of high touch surface areas are completed twice during the day, in addition to regular cleanings.

·         Accommodations for teachers who are immunocompromised