The COVID-19 pandemic is prompting some Wisconsin teachers to quit or retire early

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Today we highlight a story by WPR about Wisconsin teachers who are quitting or retiring early because of the pandemic.

“As many Wisconsin school districts are bringing at least some of their students back into classrooms, teachers have pushed back, citing concerns about their health and the health of their families, Madeline Fox reports. “For some, COVID-19 was enough to push them out of the profession entirely.”

The story cites an NBC 15 report that teacher retirements during the first part of 2020 increased compared to last year.

Top Stories

Janelle Laufenberg’s empty Spanish classroom at her La Crosse school. Laufenberg, who was just barely eligible for retirement, decided not to come back this year over concerns about COVID-19. Photo courtesy of Janelle Laufenberg

“I really didn’t feel comfortable going back’: Some Wisconsin teachers quit, or retire early, due to COVID-19 concerns — WPR

Coronavirus in Wisconsin: New cases reach all-time high as state reports more than 2,000 positive tests — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

PSC extends utility shutoff ban through April; 10,000 could lose water service this fall — Wisconsin State Journal

Bay Port teacher dies from COVID-19 complications, Howard-Suamico School District says — Green Bay Press-Gazette

‘We are part of the storm’: virtual schooling takes a toll on children and families — WPR

COVID hospitalizations have spiked in the Fox Valley. Health officials warn if behavior doesn’t change, we could be in for a tough fall. — Appleton Post-Crescent

Ron Johnson exposed to COVID-19, won’t attend Donald Trump rally in Mosinee — Wisconsin State Journal

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Quotable

“Times like these often present the greatest opportunity for change … An unprecedented health crisis, economic challenges and the clarion call for racial and social justice have served to further highlight many systems of inequities. Our schools are not immune.”
— State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor, as quoted by the Wisconsin State Journal

Food access trouble?

We know that when classes are virtual, many Wisconsin students and families lose access to food schools provide. And as the school year starts, some meal sites are closing. Share your experience with News414, Wisconsin Watch’s service journalism collaboration with Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service and Outlier Media. Click here for details.

Data to note

Coronavirus detections are soaring in Wisconsin and reached an all-time high on Thursday, largely fueled by college students returning to campus.

The La Crosse tops the New York Times Upshot’s list of U.S. metro areas where COVID-19 cases are increasing the fastest, while seven other Wisconsin communities occupy the top 20 positions on that list. They are all home to universities or colleges:

Whitewater
Oshkosh-Neenah
Stevens Point
Appleton
Platteville
Madison
Green Bay

Here are the latest statewide visualizations of COVID-19 cases and deaths from our partners at WisContext.

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Resilient Wisconsin

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Local restaurants find ways to extend outdoor seating during colder months — WTMJ-TV

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