Educators press state leaders for changes to protect classrooms

Twin Cities teachers union members will be hitting the streets in St. Paul Friday, calling for distance learning this fall unless leaders take more action to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in classrooms.

Friday, educators plan to call for Gov. Tim Walz to meet a list of safety measures they feel need to be met before students can return to buildings.

Some of those measures include investing in capital projects to make buildings healthier, and hiring more staff.

Thursday, a similar rally was held; a group of educators said they want Walz to listen to health professionals and come up with a detailed plan before they return to the classroom.

"What our public schools look like on September 1st will probably not be what they look like on November 1st," one representative said. "The pandemic has taught us to be ready to adapt. It’s imperative that policymakers at all levels immediately create spaces for front line educators, school staff, and parents to make their voices heard."

This week, about 20,000 educators from across the state participated in a survey. It revealed 49 percent prefer distance learning, 29 percent would like to see hybrid class settings, and just 17 percent want in-person instruction.

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More from KSTP.com:

Education Minnesota survey: Majority of educators favor distance learning; official decision for school year expected July 30

Education Minnesota reacts to push by Republican lawmakers for in-person school this fall

Debate over in-person learning continues in Minnesota

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During Thursday’s rally, a parade of teachers drove to the capitol and set up 30 chairs spaced 6 feet from each other to symbolize a typical Minnesota classroom, and not enough space to social distance.

"Before schools are reopened, we insist that there be not only sufficient PPE for healthcare workers but for school workers as well," Steve Miltich, school custodian, said. "Caring for students and the community should not come at the cost of our health and health of our families."

According to a recent survey done by the state’s education department, a majority of parents said they feel comfortable sending their kids back to school this fall.