How do teachers feel about wearing masks to teach?

[windyautumn]

Been reading a lot about this today and it feels like it won't be long before masks are mandatory in schools which is probably the best thing all round for suppressing transmission.

I was curious about how teachers feel about the practicalities of wearing a mask more and more (especially as it's all been about children currently!).

If it was mandated, how do you feel about teaching for hours with one on? Do you feel you can connect with new classes and students if everyone has a mask on? How will you overcome communication barriers with SEN students etc

I'm a speech therapist so I worry about SEN children but I'm particularly worried about voice misuse for the teachers!

On a side note, the way NOT to speak to someone with a hearing impairment or who is d/Deaf is to shout at them.

[quote NailsNeedDoing]@windyautumn Thank you for the explanation, it was really interesting, and something I’ve heard nothing about even after years of working in a school. I suspect there are many teachers that have no idea about what they should do to look after their voices, especially if teaching in a mask.[/quote]
I suspect our voice clinic referrals will be going up a lot as more and more people go back to work wearing one who have to talk a lot!

@user1471530109

Flag this is something we discussed today. I think in practical work, masks would be incredibly helpful to allow these to happen more regularly and more 'as pre-covid'. It's something I will be asking about tomorrow.

I agree that I would prefer to wear a visor, or even just keep such distance as I can (nearest desk 0.75 m from me at the front of the class), when speaking in front of the class, and then a mask to allow me to work closer to a child in real difficulty.

@user1471530109

I completely disagree that my comment was unnecessary. It is quite clear that the majority of those teachers that are not happy to wear a mask are also those that don't have the added worry about catching covid or taking it home (either them or someone at home is vulnerable).

We all spent months trying to protect the vulnerable and were very happy to do so. Now it seems public opinion is that we've had enough of that. We've spent the last 6 months shielding and now expected to carry on as 'back to normal' practically.

Surely we should be trying to keep transmission as low as possible and keep schools open? I can see my opinion is in the minority and I have to accept that. But I'm really disappointed. Thankfully my colleagues have been really supportive about this and have suggested they wear masks/face coverings in our communal areas so we can meet.

Can I ask all of you to bear in mind those colleagues that have been told repeatedly that they have to shield/be extra careful. Plus those students in that category. I'm wondering if ours will be back at all .

Hi being slightly pedantic here but you accused us of moaning, we weren’t.

On the further points - I’m in Scotland and we need to wear them in communal areas now which is fine. Also no face to face staff meetings of over 4. Very happy with that! It’s just the teaching part and risks can be mitigated. There has to be a balance here, it’s not widespread in my area at all. I’m being careful in other ways- socially distancing, hand hygiene etc...