To the editor:

Rhode Island has committed again and again to in-person classes throughout this pandemic. As a teacher, I know that in-person learning is the best option for students and does not compare at all to online substitutes. As Gov. Raimondo said, “Every day that a child is out of school is a problem for that child.”

But being in the classroom is only half the battle. We cannot forget about the role of the teacher and how they impact each student’s classroom experience. Because of this, we must make sure that teachers are as safe as possible in the classroom, so they are comfortable and able to teach at their highest level.

This means we need vaccinated teachers and schools filled with necessary medical equipment or social distancing tools.

Masks, plastic dividers, sanitizer, cleaning materials, and fully vaccinated teachers are what it will take for teachers to continue to give everything to their students.

These medical supplies and vaccines are already being delivered by healthcare distributors to states across the country. Rhode Island should be prioritizing teachers for the vaccine and bringing medical supplies to schools, ensuring teachers have the best protections possible.

With schools taking advantage of the goods distributors are bringing, your children will be kept safe and will be able to learn and grow even during this pandemic. I want in-person learning to continue on, but we must be as safe as possible to guarantee that it can continue.

Laureen Bonin

285 Corys Lane 

Portsmouth