1 year ago
37
At the start of the pandemic, teachers were often in the classroom by themselves, communicating with their students through a computer screen. In some states, the tables have turned where students are in the classroom, looking at their teacher through a computer screen or a projector."If there's one thing we've learned from the pandemic is that remote education is an option, it's just not a good option," Alabama Education Association northern region manager William Tunnell said. AEA says it's therefore a last resort for most districts in our state. The goal is to always have a certified teacher physically in the classroom. "But in Alabama as well, we have a liability issue with teachers not being in a classroom with students," Tunnell added. "So, it's generally not accepted practice that even a para educator would be with students by themselves because of the licensure issues, supervision issues."A more common alternative approach for most districts in Alabama is to call on a substitute teacher who is qualified to fill the teaching vacancy until a permanent teacher can be found. There are special circumstances where a virtual teacher might be considered. "And where we find qualified substitute teachers, a lot of people in the community don't realize that they are qualified with what they have," Kelly Services client manager Chris Zuber said. "High school diploma or GED. We've got folks there with associate's degrees and college degrees. You don't have to be a teacher."The state issues a substitute license for those interested. The Alabama Education Association says the teacher shortage underscores the need for the state to make the teaching profession a more attractive industry. One where people can afford to live off of a teaching salary. "We want to make sure that both husband and wife, if need be, can work and live a quality life as a educator in Alabama," Tunnell said. Eliminating any talk of needing virtual teachers.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. —
At the start of the pandemic, teachers were often in the classroom by themselves, communicating with their students through a computer screen. In some states, the tables have turned where students are in the classroom, looking at their teacher through a computer screen or a projector.
"If there's one thing we've learned from the pandemic is that remote education is an option, it's just not a good option," Alabama Education Association northern region manager William Tunnell said.
AEA says it's therefore a last resort for most districts in our state. The goal is to always have a certified teacher physically in the classroom.
"But in Alabama as well, we have a liability issue with teachers not being in a classroom with students," Tunnell added. "So, it's generally not accepted practice that even a para educator would be with students by themselves because of the licensure issues, supervision issues."
A more common alternative approach for most districts in Alabama is to call on a substitute teacher who is qualified to fill the teaching vacancy until a permanent teacher can be found. There are special circumstances where a virtual teacher might be considered.
"And where we find qualified substitute teachers, a lot of people in the community don't realize that they are qualified with what they have," Kelly Services client manager Chris Zuber said. "High school diploma or GED. We've got folks there with associate's degrees and college degrees. You don't have to be a teacher."
The state issues a substitute license for those interested. The Alabama Education Association says the teacher shortage underscores the need for the state to make the teaching profession a more attractive industry. One where people can afford to live off of a teaching salary.
"We want to make sure that both husband and wife, if need be, can work and live a quality life as a educator in Alabama," Tunnell said.
Eliminating any talk of needing virtual teachers.
English (US)