Union of educators counters delay in school decision-making by expressing disapproval
German Teachers' Association President Criticizes School Policies Amidst COVID-19 Surge
Heinz-Peter Meidinger, the president of the German Teachers' Association, has voiced his concerns about the ongoing COVID-19 situation and the government's response to it, particularly in relation to school policies.
In a recent statement, Meidinger expressed his worry that adjustments to the lockdown, which are scheduled for November, might come too late. He questioned the inconsistency between restaurant closures and students sitting next to each other in class without masks, stating that such a situation could potentially lead to a further spread of the virus.
Meidinger also criticized the postponement of school closures until next week, calling for decisions on further coronavirus measures in classrooms to have been made earlier. He emphasized the necessity of a reduction in class size to ensure the safety of both students and teachers.
Moreover, Meidinger suggested that states should agree on uniform regulations such as a mask requirement in all classes. However, there is no clear information from the search results identifying which federal states in Germany have currently introduced a uniform regulation on mask-wearing in classrooms as demanded by Meidinger.
In addition, Meidinger stated that school management and teachers should decide which students have to stay at home or come to school in hybrid teaching, rather than leaving the decision to the government. He also called for an expansion of the mask requirement to contain the infection in classrooms.
Meidinger's concerns highlight the ongoing challenges faced by educators and students as they navigate the pandemic. His calls for action underscore the need for consistent and timely responses to the evolving situation, with the safety and well-being of those in the educational system at the forefront.
