It is recommended that teachers who teach in different classes wear face shields and masks, commented the Minister of Education Krassimir Valchev from Burgas. According to him, the model of non-interaction between the classes, similar to the one in other countries, has been chosen for conducting the classes for the new school year in our country. He considers that the recommendation to wear face shields and masks will not apply to primary school teachers because they only interact with one class.
The measures will hinder part of the efficiency of the pedagogical work, Minister Valchev pointed out and specified that these teachers will not be able to walk between the ranks, but will be able to work with more classes.
If a child becomes ill with COVID-19, only the relevant class will be quarantined, Minister Valchev also revealed. According to him, the problem remains the so-called „critical areas“ – toilets, corridors, school chair, teacher’s rooms.
„We have a set of recommended solutions that each school will choose. Pedagogical councils are likely to take place this week. We have announced what the chosen model is, but, realizing that all schools are different, we cannot have a single solution. That’s why we gave a list of selectable solutions.“
Mandatory measures include wearing masks, disinfection, the obligation to notify parents on a weekly basis or in the event of infection. The Minister of Education added that the situation is similar in other countries. According to him, the selected models for conducting the classes are basically 2.
„The first model consists of blended, hybrid learning, which dilutes classes and separates them. In addition, according to this model, part of the training takes place at home and another – from school. We analyzed all possible models, but it turned out that they are difficult to implement in our country or are undesirable. We do not have twice as many classrooms and twice as many teachers, so we can leave 10-15 children in a class. We can’t get half the parents to stay home every week. That’s why we chose the option of non-interaction between classes.“
