If you’re a teacher who’s considering quitting a job at a school due to covid-19 safety concerns, my heart is with you. But, if you’re someone who is considering working for a “pod” of families or a “pod school” formed with a group of families, hear me out:

It sounds safer to only teach 3-7 kids in a neighborhood, but:
• will the parents employing you be providing you health insurance?
• what about sick days?
• is there a contract?
• legally how are you protected if you or someone you love becomes ill?

Will the parents take precautions to care for your health, or is it just about the health of their children? Will they be honest about their own safety measures to protect you? These are all questions you should ask before responding to an ad touting “competitive pay.”

I have seen ads from parents who want a “pod teacher” who has a teaching degree... but who will also be responsible for educating children of all different grade levels.
Are they asking for curriculum plans ahead of time? Is planning time built into your schedule?

Are you expected to pay for supplies?

Before you jump on the opportunity to teach a small group, please consider what that can mean for both your mental/physical health. I stand with all teachers and advocate for all students, so I appreciate that you know what’s best for you.

But as a whole, I can imagine that pods will undermine public education. It’s crisis teaching at best, but a system that will lead to even more privatization and exclusivity at worst.