GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Even if they are teaching an online class, Grand Rapids Public Schools says that teacher still has to be in the school building. Some now fear for their health.
"They just don't need to be there," says Mary Bouwense, President of the Grand Rapids Education Association. "We want to keep people alive, we want to keep them safe. We can't teach if we're dead."
GRPS requires all teachers to be in the building unless they have an approved ADA accommodation. The GREA says this still sends many high risk employees into a dangerous scenario.
"It could be something as simple as being post surgical or being pregnant or pre surgical, or having some other issue that doesn't necessarily qualify as a disability," says Bouwense.
The GREA cites a MIOSHA emergency order from last year, saying employers must allow work to be done from home if it can feasibly be done. But GRPS says it does have a need for teachers inside the building for other tasks even if their class is remote.
"They may be asked to cover recesses or bus duty or hand out masks," explains Bouwense.
Bpuwense has been trying to answer questions from nervous virtual teachers this week, and says that stress is detrimental to the students.
"Its really hard to teach when you're fearful and anxious and do right by the kids," she explains.
A spokesperson from GRPS says the district will reassess its needs in two weeks and may send virtual teachers home if they aren't needed in the building.
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