The Missouri State Teachers Association is asking Gov. Mike Parson to direct the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to pass an emergency rule to protect Missouri’s teachers.

MSTA is formally requesting the department to immediately pass an emergency rule substantially similar to Emergency Rule 8 CSR 50-5.005 Presumption of Occupational Disease for First Responders.

In the letter to the governor, MSTA Executive Director Bruce Moe said, “These additional protections are essential to maintain a quality education workforce and to protect Missouri’s education professionals who may need wage replacement or medical benefits due to COVID-19 exposure during the course of their work.  On behalf of MSTA members, we ask that you direct the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to take this immediate action.”

Moe said the rule should be retroactive to include education employees who may have been exposed to COVID-19 prior to the rule.

“If districts choose to return to in-person school, we know school employees will be at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19. Our goal with this action is to provide additional protection for these employees,” Moe said.