Chicago Public Schools return to the on site learning put on hold

 Will Chicago students return to the classroom?

 

Children in Chicago schools use PPE and social distancing

Big trouble in Chicago Public Schools as the district wants students to return to the classroom while the teacher's union says not yet. Kindergarten through 8th grade teachers were scheduled to return to the classrooms on Monday to get ready for the student return on Wednesday. However, on Sunday the teachers' union voted to continue distance learning in a vote of its members with 7i% wanting to stay working from home. According to CBS Chicago News:

“The overwhelming majority of our members have chosen safety, unity and solidarity, and an agreement is within reach, but we need a willing partner,” CTU President Jesse Sharkey said in a news release." (CPS Moves Return Date For Teachers To Wednesday After Chicago Teachers Union Votes Against Return To In-Person Learning)

Meanwhile the district administration has pushed back the return date to Wednesday in the hopes of reaching an agreement. The CTU, Chicago Teachers' Union said they have not reached an agreement with the administration at this point.  According to the union only 19% of eligible students have returned  to the classroom but the district is asking for 80% of teachers to return for less than 20% of students. 

If the teachers don't return, the district administration would consider it an illegal strike and some teachers have already been locked out of their school accounts. The district has previously said it would not pay teachers who do not return. 

At the same time the new president Joe Biden said he wants all students to return to school within 100 days of his inauguration. This may or may not be possible in current conditions and many teachers want to be vaccinated before returning to the classroom.

Question: When will you feel ready to return to the classroom?

CPS Moves Return Date For Teachers To Wednesday After Chicago Teachers Union Votes Against Return To In-Person Learning

CTU votes 'overwhelmingly' in favor for continued remote learning amid COVID-19 

Chicago school district delays in-class start after teachers union votes to continue remote work 

Your kid might not return to a classroom this year. Are teachers unions to blame? 

Will we ever go back this year?