New CDC guidelines for schools could be coming this week and Pennsylvania teachers are hoping any transition to in-person learning is done safely.
In an interview with CBS Sunday, President Biden said new federal guidance for a safe return to school could be out as early as Wednesday.
While many teachers await a vaccine, Chris Lillienthal of Pennsylvania teachers union PSEA says they're looking for continued emphasis on other safety measures in schools.
"Things like wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, ensuring that staff have the proper PPE and that school buildings have the proper ventilation system," said Lillienthal.
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In a letter to Governor Tom Wolf Monday, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto asked the state to prioritize vaccinating teachers.
His letter read, part, "This measure would help to create a safer environment for students, many of whom have fallen behind academically while attempting to shift to at-home learning, expedite the safe reopening of schools, and alleviate the concerns of teachers who are apprehensive about returning to unsafe conditions. The City of Pittsburgh stands ready to assist the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and other partners with the distribution of vaccines to educators in our community."
Lillienthal said Pennsylvania teachers hope as more kids return to in-person learning, CDC guidelines ensure it's done safely. "That means not rushing from a hybrid or blended learning model to a full in-person model if the result of that is going to be that you have very crowded hallways and very crowded classrooms."