As a teacher in Rhode Island, I know how important it is for teachers to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Schools in Rhode Island currently have the hybrid option and an increasing number of families are opting to return their children to school in person. Governor Gina Raimondo/Dan Mckee has declared that schools are essential, so teachers and school staff should be protected by receiving the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible. 

As of February 23, thirty states have begun vaccinating teachers to ensure that schools can reopen safely. Rhode Island needs to prioritize vaccinating teachers to help keep teachers and staff safe from COVID-19. With new strains emerging and more students returning to school, this is imperative.