ABSTRACT
Teacher burnout is now a significant issue in K-12 schools due to an unparalleled global COVID-19 pandemic. However, this burnout has roots in the demoralization of the teaching workforce, which is nothing new to the profession. This paper focuses on bringing light to the underlying reasons for this demoralization, steeped in classroom realities and the very nature of the profession. The paper draws on findings from an examination of research in order to show that teachers are largely demoralized due to their historically devalued status, the isolation and stress inherent in the profession, and the very "semi-profession" upon which the field stands. The analysis shows that something more is needed to fill the cup of teachers, who are beaten down by these historical and modern-day realities. The paper argues that relational trust may be one of those cup-filling modalities and concludes by suggesting that a century of recycled reforms calls for deeper and bolder action, and most particularly ones that bolster respect, personal regard, competence, and integrity.
ABSTRACT
During July 2021, 469 cases of COVID-19 associated with multiple summer events and large public gatherings in a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, were identified among Massachusetts residents; vaccination coverage among eligible Massachusetts residents was 69%. Approximately three quarters (346; 74%) of cases occurred in fully vaccinated persons (those who had completed a 2-dose course of mRNA vaccine [Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna] or had received a single dose of Janssen [Johnson & Johnson] vaccine ≥14 days before exposure). Genomic sequencing of specimens from 133 patients identified the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in 119 (89%) and the Delta AY.3 sublineage in one (1%). Overall, 274 (79%) vaccinated patients with breakthrough infection were symptomatic. Among five COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized, four were fully vaccinated; no deaths were reported. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) cycle threshold (Ct) values in specimens from 127 vaccinated persons with breakthrough cases were similar to those from 84 persons who were unvaccinated, not fully vaccinated, or whose vaccination status was unknown (median = 22.77 and 21.54, respectively). The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 is highly transmissible (1); vaccination is the most important strategy to prevent severe illness and death. On July 27, CDC recommended that all persons, including those who are fully vaccinated, should wear masks in indoor public settings in areas where COVID-19 transmission is high or substantial.* Findings from this investigation suggest that even jurisdictions without substantial or high COVID-19 transmission might consider expanding prevention strategies, including masking in indoor public settings regardless of vaccination status, given the potential risk of infection during attendance at large public gatherings that include travelers from many areas with differing levels of transmission.