COVID: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click Here for Specific Questions and Information on Retirement.
WILL TEACHERS BE PAID IF SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED?
Yes. State law requires it: “In case of epidemic sickness prevailing to such an extent that the school or schools in any school district shall be closed, teachers shall be paid their usual salaries in full for such time as the school or schools shall be closed.”
WHO MAKES THE CALL ON WHETHER TEACHERS REPORT TO THEIR BUILDING OR NOT?
Your school district administrative team based on board policies. However, if you are ill or immunocompromised you should contact your building administrator and discuss alternatives to reporting to your building.
WHERE CAN I FIND GUIDANCE FROM THE NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (NDE) REGARDING SCHOOL DISTRICTS, SCHOOL EMPLOYEES AND STUDENTS DURING THIS PANDEMIC?
Find helpful information from the NDE, including the Commissioner of Education’s Communication with Schools, Resources for Schools, Resources for Students, General Information, and Nebraska and National Resources regarding COVID-19 at https://www.education.ne.gov/publichealth/resources/
WHAT IF I DON’T FEEL WELL?
If you are sick, do not go to work. Follow your district’s policy and procedures if you are isolated or quarantined specifically for COVID exposure. If you do not have COVID but feel ill, now is the time to use your sick leave.
WHAT ARE THE EDUCATORS HEALTH ALLIANCE AND BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF NEBRASKA DOING TO MEET THE NEEDS OF PLAN PARTICIPANTS DURING THIS PANDEMIC?
The EHA – comprised of the NSEA, the Nebraska Council of School Administrators and the Nebraska Association of School Boards – manages the health insurance program provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Find details on responding to the coronavirus pandemic —and what you need to know at https://newsroom.nebraskablue.com/how-blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-nebraska-is-responding-to-the-coronavirus-and-what-you-need-to-know/
WHO IS MY NSEA ORGANIZATIONAL SPECIALIST?
To find the organizational specialist assigned to your school district go to: www.nsea.org/field-staff-units Reach your organizational specialist at 1-800-742-0047.
ARE TEACHERS ABLE TO DONATE THEIR SICK DAYS TO OTHER STAFF WHO MAY HAVE USED ALL THEIR SICK DAYS?
The ability to donate sick days to your colleagues depends on your local association’s contract. Talk to your local association leaders or call your NSEA organizational specialist at 1-800-742-0047.
WHAT ABOUT EXTRA DUTY PAY FOR SPRING SPORTS THAT MAY BE CANCELED? WILL COACHES HAVE TO RETURN THAT PAY?
Contact your NSEA organizational specialist and work with your school district administrative team to address canceled or shortened athletic or activity seasons. Instead of student contact hours, there may be other duties related to the athletic or activity program that can be performed in exchange for the extra duty pay.
New Educators
The New Generation of Educators in Nebraska (NewGEN) exists to drive early career educators towards success by fostering membership engagement, advancing teaching excellence through professional development, and creating a network of support through mentorship opportunities and classroom resources.
Join Now
NSEA is here for you. From professional growth opportunities and support, to amplifying your voice in public policy affecting you and your classroom, to providing perks like college debt assistance, NSEA has your future in mind. Learn more and join NSEA now.
The NSEA Children's Fund
NSEA established the Children's Fund in 1994 to fulfill modest and immediate needs of struggling students encountered daily by NSEA members in their workplaces. Find out how you can help a child today.
L.E.A.R.N — Providing valuable learning opportunities for educators: LearnNebraska.org Visit Website
