AIBU to want to wear a mask again in my classroom

[EmsHugs]

Would like to know AIBU to not give in to this parent demand.

I am in my second trimester but still quite small so not told many people as we still have some tests etc and i am listed as high risk. It is my first pregnancy after years of infertility, failed IVf and and I am being super cautious. Before the summer when I was in the early weeks of my pregnancy I caught covid and was very ill so since returning to school I have chosen to wear a mask, particularly as I have still to get several of the vaccinations like flu, whooping cough etc.

A parent of a child has put in a complaint and said I should remove the mask because it makes their child anxious but I have said while I am sorry their child does not like the mask, due to current health issues I will not. They have now made accusations that I am a poor teacher and not respectful of their child's issues, however as a high school teacher I have over 500 pupils in and out my classroom every week and want to every precaution I can to protect my baby. The school are aware why I am doing this and said they will explain to the parent but several of my colleagues, friends and family members are still not awaresi am pregnant so I do not particularly feel I should have to divulge this to a parent and that stating my health concerns should be sufficient. I have even sat with the child and explained that I wear the mask to protect myself and that I need to wear it for now but that may change later but I appreciate them being understanding. The pupil seemed to be okay but the parent continues to be adament and I believe it is because I have immediately not given into them and stood my ground.

The stress of this parent sending complaints everytime this child is in my class 4 times a week, is getting me very stressed so I would like to know:

AIBU to not divulge at the moment the reason I need to wear a mask
AINBU the parent needs to realise they cannot get everything they want.

Yes, these masks are probably more effective for the wearer. They're also disruptive to the learning experience though.
Someone with a compromised immune system may well benefit from such a mask and justifiably wear one. Pregnancy though?

Teacher off sick with a supply teacher instead Vs teacher wearing a mask.

I know which one I would choose.

Might be taken as wearing it in fear of mpox .... anxiety around that is starting to ramp up

I have continued wearing a mask in my classroom and corridors. I am not pregnant nor will.i.be but I have health issues.. it's my choice. In staff meetings I sit apart from others- my choice. If I was teaching one of the hearing impaired pupils I would
remove mask and use visor. I am the onli member of staff who wears a mask- I don't care. Stick to ur guns. Even if there is little tangible benefit to wearing a mask if it makes you feel better mentally then that is a good enough reason to wear it. We do a job we don't belong to parents for them to dictate on such things. Ur health is important. If child can't cope- needs to be moved class. If this not an .option then will have to put up with it.

So the pupils can still see your expressions etc, could you wear one of the whole face covering clear ones? I was in a pharmacy the other day and the pharmacist was wearing one.

I don't see the issue with you wearing a mask. Someone above has mentioned being pissed off about a teacher at their school wearing one, that just seems pathetic to be pissed off about. You are the person carrying your baby, you are the one who will be left to manage your emotions if you do catch anything. If it helps you feel you've done everything you can then more power to you. The parent is a numpty as are all the people telling you you're a poor teacher. Good luck in your pregnancy. You've spoken with your GP and your boss so the rest of them can take a running jump.

This

Came here to say this!

FPP

Do you?
Surely it depends on the teaching experience?
Some supply teachers are actually very good and reliable.

Off sick with what? She's pregnant and can't be off just to avoid COVID when she's at no more risk than anyone else.

COVID is just another virus at the moment. If you want teachers to wear masks in order to never be off sick with viruses, you're being entirely unreasonable

Yabu. You are limiting your pupils' learning, and causing anxiety.

Hand washing, vaccination and an air filter would be more effective, and allow you to do your job properly. Or Ask to take the first half of the autumn term as unpaid leave.

@SummerHoHoHoNy you are wrong in saying this. Please don’t share misinformation- see my link to study

Before the summer when I was in the early weeks of my pregnancy I caught covid

So you've already caught the current variant, and should be immune.

I think you're getting the expected anti mask comments here. I think YANBU to wear a mask if that's what you choose to do, and this parent is being a total tit constantly complaining. It's a mask, they need to move on.

Are they? Teaching from a supply teacher is never as good in my subject.

Due to a health condition since my teens I have been considered immuno compromised. My pregnancy is considered high risk. I am due in the coming weeks ro get a number of vaccinations to protect me and my baby but until then I feel a mask will potentially reduce my risk slightly

Stress? Anxiety? Mental health related issues?

Masks will protect you. It’s an airborne virus. So many people on here need educating.

'Expected anti mask comments'
Eh?
Are you trying to shut down reasonable discussion by labelling it all something it actually isn't, perchance?

Whilst I don't really think you need a mask I do understand your anxiety after the journey you've been on to get pregnant and support your right to manage your pregnancy how you see fit. Also, your school support you in wearing the mask so the parent can quite frankly fuck off. Don't give it another moments thought. If your school have got any sense they will just ignore the parent too....these are secondary age children, the parent needs to get a grip. If they send you emails personally, forward to your line manager then delete....or just delete. It's harassment and you don't need to explain it any more than if you needed to wear trainers to work for a sore foot.....I've had parents complain about that before. Good luck with your pregnancy.

You appear to be one of them.

It’s also “not just another virus”. People need to get off the Daily Mail shit show feeding you absolute bollocks & read about Covid and it’s effects.

So pupils right to a decent education isn't relevant?
Masks hinder communication - there are several teachers telling us that, and parents too.

That's what I thought too