Educators React To Governor's Announcement That Teachers Will Move Up Priority List For COVID-19 Vaccine

State health officials say the second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination distribution plan could begin in January and many educators say they are relieved following Governor Stitt’s announcement that teachers will move up the priority list to get the vaccine.

Related Story: Gov. Stitt To Move Teachers Higher In COVID-19 Vaccine Priority Plan

TPS Superintendent Dr. Deborah Gist said in a statement that “teachers are essential workers and will always play an essential role in shaping the future of our children, which is why we have continued to advocate for them to be a higher priority. We are grateful to Governor Stitt for moving Oklahoma educators and school teams up to phase two on the COVID-19 vaccination priority list and acknowledging their role as the invaluable professionals that they are.”

Broken Arrow superintendent Dr. Janet Vinson echoed a similar sentiment adding, “we continue to give the utmost praise and thanks to our teachers for staying the course, and this opportunity for them to choose to be immunized more quickly is a light at the end of the tunnel.”

According to health officials, support staff will also be able to get vaccinated under the second phase.