The feedback we're getting from educators who are also CPS parents is...a lot. COVID kills, and we fought hard for their safety, and the safety of their students, in not returning to school buildings. We'll have to fight just as hard for humane, effective remote learning. #thread

Reflection... "My biggest challenge in the spring was a clingy, regressing kindergartener who needed something from me the second I started any online class. It was challenging finding the bandwidth to support the emotional needs of my own children as well as my students."

"I do not live in a home where I have space to work separate from my children. My partner is currently unemployed (lucky us), but otherwise I would need full time child care to do what CPS is asking of me. As it is, I need physical space to work and teach."

"I will be helping parents and students get connected to the Internet, log in, reset passwords, unlock accounts after attempts at logging in and replacing broken devices...

...All while trying to find time to make meals for my own kids and wiping my son after he goes potty."

"I am relieved we will all be at home but the logistics are rough. Maybe all Google Meets should be around the same time period for elementary across the board? Also, we early childhood teachers want the freedom to use platforms that are geared for young kids. Seesaw is one."

"The idea of evaluating teachers in this new construct with an 'old framework' is unfair and will push teachers to choose content over connection when we know that the latter promotes the former."

"We need flexibility to get our students their lessons and have their individual needs met and can’t just work regular 'clock hours' to get that done...We need to be treated as professionals and trusted to give our students quality instruction."

"One of my sons has an IEP, and I watched his resource teacher work like crazy to get her students what they needed. Some days, the kindness in her voice or her start-of-class check-ins would literally make me cry from across the room."

"I have a Pre-K, a 5th grader and an 8th grader at home. I had to mute my classes to help my preschooler multiple times, my 5th grader with questions, and my 8th grader with frustration of completing everything so that she could graduate, in which she was denied a ceremony...

Plus emails at 1-4 a.m. from students or administrators. In the midst of all of this, my husband tested positive and was hospitalized for 25 days and put on a ventilator. I also became sick and quarantined and pushed through at home...

Luckily my kids didn't get sick and never tested positive. But if you want accountability, my dedication to my family and students is enough."

These testimonials, and the struggles of parents across the city is why we fight. We continue to meet with CPS, where we are pushing to help shape guidance on remote learning. We must lead with compassion, empathy and respect to all working parents, including our own.

There is no such thing as a normal school day during an abnormal time. We call on the mayor and CPS to work cooperatively with our members to set realistic expectations and make remote learning an enriching experience for every CPS family.