Do Teachers Have Access to School Properties During Campus Closures?
The Pandemic and School Closures: With the ongoing pandemic, many schools across the world have been closed for extended periods, posing unique challenges for both students and teachers. This article explores the issue of teacher access to school properties during campus closures, particularly in areas where cell tower and broadband internet access are limited.
Context and Background
Many rural and remote areas in my state lack access to cell towers and broadband internet. Without these, many students and teachers face significant barriers to remote learning. In these areas, teachers have been taking proactive measures to ensure that students have access to educational materials. For example, some teachers have been providing physical packets of materials to students who do not have internet access. This shows the lengths to which educators are willing to go to support their students, even in challenging circumstances.
Normal Campus Operations
Under normal circumstances, access to school properties is managed through a system of keys and permissions. Teachers, especially those who teach multiple subjects or have specific responsibilities, often have keys to open exterior doors to the buildings they work in. These keys allow them to enter the school to work on projects or retrieve materials they need. For instance, a PE coach might have keys to the gates and locked fences around the school to manage school facilities.
Impact of the Pandemic
The pandemic has significantly altered these access protocols. With the closure of public schools for extended periods, many teachers find themselves unable to enter the school to carry out their normal duties. The official policy at my university, which recently closed for the summer, is that all buildings will be locked until May 31. Teachers must apply for permission to be on campus, and even then, this access is highly restricted.
Administrators who are deemed essential, such as department chairs or IT personnel responsible for maintaining servers, are still given access. This ensures that critical IT infrastructure and ongoing research projects can continue. However, for other teachers, campus visits are discouraged to minimize the risk of exposure to the virus.
State-Specific Policies
State-specific policies are another factor that influences teacher access to school properties. In my state, for example, there is no universal access to school buildings for teachers. The head custodian is the only person who checks the property during the summer, and they do not stay there all day. This highlights the inconsistency in policies across different districts, with each district having its own guidelines and restrictions.
Ensuring Teacher Safety and Support
Despite the restrictions, teachers are still expected to comply with health and safety guidelines. At my university, we have been repeatedly advised to minimize our campus visits. However, the deep lack of access has made it more challenging to provide physical resources to students who need them. For instance, I could use the school's internet in the parking lot if needed, but this is not a typical scenario and poses significant health risks.
Teachers who need to work on research projects or take care of lab animals must still follow strict protocols. Some teachers have found alternative ways to work from home, but the lack of access to school properties can significantly impact their ability to carry out their duties effectively.
Future Implications
As the pandemic continues to evolve, so will the policies governing access to school properties. It is crucial for districts to develop clear, consistent guidelines that balance the need for teacher and student support with health and safety considerations. This includes providing alternative methods for accessing necessary resources and ensuring that essential personnel have the flexibility to perform their duties.
Conclusion
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of teacher access to school properties, especially in areas where internet access is limited. While many schools have implemented strict access policies, it is essential to ensure that teachers can still support their students during campus closures. Clear and consistent guidelines, along with the provision of alternative methods, can help mitigate the challenges faced by both teachers and students.