Texas teachers can expect to spend some time in the classroom in the coming school year, but much is unclear about the school year as the Texas Education Agency has failed to publish instructional and safety guidelines as the pandemic progresses. It is also unclear how many teachers decided to retire instead of returning to the classroom and facing COVID-19.
“We have heard from some of our members who have indicated that if schools reopen too early, instead of putting their health at risk, they will retire,” said Clay Robison, spokesman for the Texas State Teachers Association.
Robison did not have a number but said, “Judging from the responses from TSTA members alone, there may be a significant number of teachers considering retirement as an option. Many teachers also have health problems that make it riskier for them to return to their schools. “
Zeph Capo, president of the Texas American Federation of Teachers, has heard the same concerns.
“Unfortunately, COVID causes a lot of disruption and painful decisions for students and teachers. Out of concern for their own health, we know that many older teachers plan to retire early, ”he said. “It really is a shame because experience is an asset to the classroom and experienced teachers not only bring a wealth of pedagogical and subject matter knowledge to the classroom, but they are also excellent mentors for new teachers.”
Capo fears that a large number of retirements and loss of experience will reduce the likelihood that districts will work to improve student performance and working conditions. He says COVID-19 is the last straw and some great teachers say they’ve had enough.
So far, the Texan teacher pension system has not seen an increase in retirements for fiscal year 2020, which ends at the end of August. In fact, retirements are down 3,531, or nearly 14%.
“It’s too early to retire for Fiscal Year 21,” said Kaylee Nemec, communications specialist at TRS, in a statement.
The TRS statistics include all system failures, not just teachers. This also includes pending retirement, which means that not all formalities have been completed.
“TRS takes early retirement every year. However, we cannot determine if early retirement in FY 20 is specifically due to the pandemic, ”added Nemec. Here more is reported about a possible teachers strike and a possible training in autumn – in classrooms and virtually.
