Last week, California health officials announced they were keeping the statewide school mask mandate in place, with a plan to review the policy on Feb. 28. In the meantime, schools in San Diego County are facing increased resistance to masking, often leaving teachers stuck in the middle.
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Keri Avila, president of the Vista Teachers Association, joined Midday Edition Monday to talk more about what teachers are experiencing in the classroom amid the ongoing debates on school masking.
As the pandemic enters its third year, Avila said morale is low for educators. Many teachers are deciding to leave the field altogether.
"Like for a parent, right, you can't put your kids first if you don't put yourself first and that's what's happening a lot to our educators and it's contributing to a teacher burnout, educator burnout. People are leaving the profession," she said.
Avila said she looks forward to a time where political beliefs are more removed from classrooms.
"My hope is that we can unite the community and educators again," she said.
