The coronavirus pandemic certainly has affected the way schools and universities will open their halls this year. Rules have changed, now more complex, only to protect the best assets of the academic community: the students, the teachers, and the school staff. 

To prevent the risk of exposure, schools have decided to use the blended learning approach, which brings out some mixed emotions among educators. In general, educators have differing opinions if students should go back to school for a better learning experience or stay at home and do online classes to keep safe from COVID-19.

In a survey by Education Week in May 2020, educators were surveyed to know whether or not they see a need to reopen schools. Among 1,907 respondents, 65% (educators of younger children) said that schools should remain shut during the school year to slow down the spread of COVID-19. The remaining 35% (high school teachers and principals) were more supportive of reopening schools despite the risk of exposure. On the other hand, in teaching college or university students, in-person interactions play a key role in engaging effectively. About 82% of college teachers reported that they are more effective in offices or schools than when they teach at home. 

Safety protocols must be in place or educators will leave their jobs. The CDC recommends that we maintain physical distancing, about six feet away from others, to avoid contracting COVID-19. Lenient safety measures and the lack of an efficient monitoring system may cost schools the potential spread of the virus or even a lockdown. That is why discipline, meticulous planning, and installing thermal monitoring systems come hand in hand.