Teachers Excited, Wary For Return To Class Amid COVID-19

Teachers from across Oklahoma are speaking about their preparations to enter the classroom again.

The Oklahoma State Board of Education approved a plan suggesting masks, not requiring them, for most Oklahoma students and teachers based off the county where the district is located.

The recommendation is based on the number of COVID-19 cases per capita in a county and they suggest masks in 71 out of 77 counties in the state.

Many teachers said they're excited to get back to the classroom with their students, but they said they're also wary of the challenges that will accompany the return.

As hundreds of thousands of students are set to head back to school, their teachers are getting ready for a new normal.

Over the past few weeks, school districts across Green Country have released their plans on how to operate amid COVID-19.

Related Story: Back To School Plans For School Districts Across Northeastern Oklahoma

"On a daily basis we're getting emails just letting us know how we're going to be going back to school, and the precautions they're going to be taking for teachers and students, as well as other staff," BA first grade teacher Marla Warwick said.

Warwick said she's pleased with the district's safety plan, and said she's prepared to do whatever is required this year.

"I'm really excited to go back to school this fall, I've missed my students since we've been out, I'm excited to see them in person, to work with them in person," Warwick said.

Bixby 9th grade teacher Michael Cox said there's clearly focus on health this fall. He tells me he plans on some classroom changes to try to keep himself and his students safe.

"Once I get back in the building and can move my chairs around, my desks around, and see just really what is feasible in my classroom," Cox said.

Bixby Schools, like other districts, are highly recommending students wear masks, and requiring masks be worn on buses, at arrival and dismissal.

"I think they've developed a solid plan, but there's still a lot of uncertainty in the next two to three weeks," Cox said.