Presidents of teachers unions call for full school reopening

May 17, 20210

count

In this May 3, 2021, photo, President Joe Biden gestures as he talks to students during a visit to Yorktown Elementary School, in Yorktown, Va., as first lady Jill Biden watches. Biden has met his goal of having most elementary and middle schools open for full, in-person learning in his first 100 days. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

The presidents of the nation's two major teachers unions called separately for a full return to in-person learning in the fall, with the leader of the American Federation of Teachers declaring Thursday that her organization was "all-in."

In an address on social media, Randi Weingarten said the wide availability of vaccines and a new infusion of federal education money have removed many obstacles that prevented schools from opening.

"Conditions have changed," Weingarten said. "We can and we must reopen schools in the fall for in-person teaching, learning and support. And keep them open. Fully and safely, five days a week."

The National Education Association issued its own statement after Weingarten's remarks.

https://apnews.com/article/teacher-union-full-return-in-person-learning-f427ac0b5e6a33532ecd140c590c74c1