Guilford County is among many school districts welcoming teachers back into the buildings this week. They're preparing as the district begins the first nine weeks remotely.
Schools have added extra PPE and sanitizers as teachers plan for live instruction from their classrooms. District leaders say it will help address quality concerns about instruction during remote learning. The content will be recorded and provide more flexibility for students and families juggling different schedules and other challenges.
Teachers will also have access to tech support and collaboration opportunities with other educators inside buildings. Guilford County Schools Superintendent Sharon Contreras says the district has taken several steps to help teachers with the reentry process. One challenge had been childcare.
“They asked — could they bring school-age children onto campus? and the answer is yes. We are also staggering start times for the safety and health protocols that we put into place.”
The school system says it's working with local organizations and nonprofits to find solutions for addressing childcare needs in the community.
Contreras says the district is being flexible with teachers who don't feel comfortable yet returning to campus. She says more than 400 teachers have been given permission to work remotely because of medical conditions and other challenges.
The first day of school for students is Monday, August 17.
For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here. WFDD wants to hear your stories — connect with us and let us know what you're experiencing.
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