NEA-New Mexico Releases Member Survey on Expanded In-Person Learning

(SANTA FE) -- NEA-New Mexico releases today a member survey of over 3,000 educators from more than 60 school districts across the state regarding expanded in-person learning. The survey indicates that over 75% of members consider COVID-19 to pose a “risk” or “high risk” to their health and life. A majority of members are “worried” or “very worried” that districts will bring staff back in-person prior to them being vaccinated. 56% of respondents had students who had been infected with COVID-19. Over one out of five respondents said they were “never provided” PPE while working under a hybrid model or when working at school so far in the pandemic. About 15% of respondents say they rarely or never were able to maintain social distancing guidelines working hybrid or in-person at school so far. In addition, this survey indicates that numerous concerns that were raised as part of NEA-NM’s surveying efforts in the summer of 2020 have still not been consistently or adequately addressed by many districts across the state. NEA-New Mexico President Mary Parr-Sanchez provided the following statement:

“Our most recent survey makes it clear that educators in many districts in our state believe that the conditions needed to ensure a safe and equitable return to school have not yet been met. More must be done to ensure that sanitary protocols are adhered to, that staff are provided with adequate PPE and appropriate training, and that returning students can process and heal from this pandemic experience. NEA-New Mexico continues to call on school districts to partner with educators, families, and all community stakeholders in reopening. In places where districts are considering expanding in-person learning, districts must collaborate with educators to agree on a reopening plan, which should include educator vaccinations as a top priority.”