FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
Boston Teachers Union Statement on Educator Vaccine Priority
BOSTON – Following President Biden’s announcement yesterday that all states should prioritize vaccinating educators by the end of March and Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker’s news that K-12 educators can begin to sign up for vaccine appointments on March 11, Boston Teachers Union President Jessica Tang has released the following statement:
“We are very pleased that the President has recognized the importance of prioritizing our educators for vaccinations. Since the vaccine has begun its rollout, BTU and other education unions across the country have made it clear that in-person educators are frontline workers and should be prioritized accordingly. While it is frustrating that the State is only giving this priority after a federal mandate, knowing that March 11 is on the horizon and that the federal government has made vaccines available through the pharmacy program is welcome news. We will continue to work with the school district and city to help our educators, especially the ones already in the classroom, make their appointments immediately. We will also continue to advocate for a more effective overall vaccination rollout from the state for the benefit and safety of all frontline workers such as transit workers who are still being left behind in the Governor’s plans, while also advocating for adequate resources to ensure mitigation efforts are fully implemented and sustained.”