Missouri teachers and other school personnel are one step closer to being able to teach without the threat of COVID. On Feb. 25, Gov. Mike Parson announced teachers would be able to get the vaccine beginning Monday, March 15, as the state moves into Phase 1B Tier 3.

MSTA has been a vocal supporter for teachers to be on the priority list for vaccines in order for schools to safely reopen. Last week, MSTA shared a letter from the current and several former Missouri Teachers of the Year presented a heartfelt and factual request to allow teachers to be vaccinated and get on with their work in the classrooms.

“Opening up vaccinations to include education professionals is certainly a step in the right direction,” said Bruce Moe, executive director of MSTA. “Educators shouldn’t have to worry about their safety while focusing on in-person learning. Hopefully, vaccinating education professionals will help Missouri’s school districts get back to some sense of normalcy for the sake of educators, parents and most importantly, students.”