Educators for Excellence-New York Reacts to School Closure

November 18 (New York) — Educators for Excellence-New York (E4E-New York), a teacher-led organization, reacted to New York City Public Schools’ suspension of in-person learning.

“While this is yet another major challenge, I hope this gives my union and the City time to plan for a reopening that works for all student populations, like students with disabilities and those without access to technology and high-speed internet,” said E4E-New York member Mhegan Knighton, a fifth-grade teacher at P.S. 62 Inocensio Casanova in the Bronx. “In the meantime, I’m counting on them to quickly roll out the resources to ensure excellent remote education for my students. We’ve been waiting on the basics, like practical guidance, since March. My students deserve better — it’s time for our City’s leaders to deliver for them.”

“We’re glad the City and union are prioritizing safety, but they’ve left teachers to figure out remote instruction on their own,” said Paula L. White, Executive Director of E4E-New York. “This omission threatens the path to academic and socio-emotional success for our most vulnerable learners. Our leaders must learn from past mistakes and actually start working with educators and families to ensure that regardless of where student learning occurs, it won’t be disrupted and derailed again. Then, when possible, bring students back safely over time, starting with vulnerable students.” 

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