Educators Ask For COVID-19 Vaccine Priority In Joint Statement

Tulsa Public schools and the educator’s association sent out a news release asking the state to prioritize Tulsa public teachers for the COVID-19 vaccine.

The statement asks for the prioritization for educators and team members to get the vaccine.

Right now, only teachers and staff over 65 are eligible for the vaccine. 

“We’re not seeking to prioritize our team members who have other health risks above other Oklahomans, but rather to allow us that when vaccinations are available that we are able to start to vaccinate those members of our team who have health risks, and at the same time are serving every single day on the front lines," said Dr. Deborah Gist, Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent. 

Governor Stitt moved public teachers up the vaccine list, into phase two. This means teachers get the vaccine after first responders, people 65 and older, and health care workers.

“I am not and would not say that it should just be teachers first and just teachers and only teachers, never. Particularly, when we have health care workers on the front lines doing things. What this pandemic has shown us [is], obviously, public schools are the be all end all for many things in the community. Look at all the services we provide," said Shawna Mott-Wight, President of Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association.

News On 6 asked Tulsa's Superintendent what makes TPS different from other area schools where teachers are teaching in classrooms: “The demographics of our children and of our team members is different and we have more folks on our team and more of our families who are at greater risk than others,” said Dr. Gist.

News On 6 reached out to Governor Stitt's office for a statement: "For over 300 days, the governor and parents have been wondering what is motivating Tulsa’s superintendent, now the only district in the state refusing to offer in-person learning, and today she has revealed what those motives were: she puts teachers unions first, not students."

The news release from TPS said all of their team members should be vaccinated as soon as possible, and if that it is not possible, at least those in higher risk positions. 

“Those who are serving our kids, who they themselves are at greater risk, not only because many of our students with significant special needs are not able to wear masks, but those students also need to be in school consistently without having on and off quarantines," said Dr. Gist. 

The joint statement is below:

Tulsa Public Schools, the Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association, and the American Federation of Teachers have remained consistent in our approach to navigating through this pandemic:

1. We have followed the guidance of health professionals;
2. We have prioritized the safety of our support professionals, teachers, school leaders, students, and families; and
3. We have remained committed to providing the best possible student learning experiences that we can in a way that keeps our community safe and healthy. 

While we are grateful and enthusiastic to partner with the Tulsa Health Department to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to our team members (including nurses, health care assistants, and teachers) ages 65 and older -- we need all of our team members in public education to be vaccinated as soon as possible, particularly those who are at higher risk. At minimum this should include our special education teachers and paraprofessionals who work with our students with special needs who are typically not able to wear masks, which places them at greater risk. 

All across the country, states have prioritized teachers and other school team members for the COVID-19 vaccine. We simply believe Oklahoma should do the same, which is why we continue to advocate for teachers, and our team, to be a higher priority in our state. 

No one wants our students back to school in person more than our teachers, our team, our board, our students, and our parents here in Tulsa. 

All of our students need and deserve an environment that is safe to learn and grow together in person with their peers and teachers.  

All of our teachers need and deserve an environment that is safe to work in person with their colleagues and students.

All of our support professionals need and deserve an environment that is safe to work in person with their colleagues and team.

We continue to urge all Tulsans to wear your masks, wash your hands, and watch your distance to prevent the spread of coronavirus. When we all use these precautions, we can reduce COVID cases and ensure our students can safely return to their classrooms. 

Our students, teachers, parents, and community deserve better. Oklahoma deserves better. Our children are watching and waiting.