Teachers thoughts on 1 June return

Teachers have expressed concern about how physical distancing will be enforced as schools reopen.

The Northcliff Melville Times interviewed three teachers living and working within the region to ask them how they felt about schools reopening on 1 June.

Combined, the three teachers Anna*, Beth* and Carla*, have close to 40 years worth of experience in teaching.

All three of the teachers believe that grade 7’s and 12’s returning to school isn’t a bad idea.

Beth expressed, “Given that kids will have to go back to class at some point, I think it’s a good idea, as these are exit grades and require more teacher-child contact. The implications of lost time have far greater consequences in comparison to other grades.”

Carla, although happy with the decision to return to class, did raise fears over how schools will maintain social distancing.

She said, “It is a dangerous game especially with schools that have large class numbers and small classroom spaces, because social distancing cannot be enforced. There is a possibility that in these schools, infections will spread rapidly.”

This is a troublesome issue that Anna believes will also be a challenge at her school due to the “very huggy student body” at her school.

Carla also worries about the mental health of learners as they return to school.

She said, “There is going to be resistance from learners because they are not in the right frame of mind.” The topic of inequality in South African schools is one that was also addressed by the teachers.

Carla expressed, “My concern is the schools who are less fortunate and do not have the necessary resources and facilities.”

She added that it will be an incredible task for learners and staff of the school to avoid the virus while being in overcrowded classrooms and some students travelling by public transport.

Prior to schools reopening teachers continued their work on various online platforms, but had very little time to prepare for its demands.

Anna explained, “The two types of teaching require two types of preparation. That in itself is huge at the moment – following up on learners and contacting parents.”

Beth is pleased with the fact that children, along with their parents, had to take responsibility for their education. The online teaching experience certainly sharpened and added new skills for the teachers.

The teachers, though worried, are optimistic about the school reopening.

*The names Anna, Beth and Carla are fictional names given to protect the identity of the teachers and the schools they work for, as requested by them.