Friends,

Back when I was a teacher, September was an exciting time. As classes got into full swing, my students and I were happy to be in a safe learning environment.

This year is different — students and teachers are going back to school in the middle of a pandemic, coronavirus cases are spiking, and their health is threatened.

It’s critical we have a plan that ensures schools have the resources they need for safe and accessible learning. Trump is offering nothing.

I’m sending a message to my colleagues this week, and I need your name next to mine — sign on to demand that Congress support America’s schools with more resources NOW →

As a former teacher, I know how important in-person class time is — those interactions are foundational for learning, and caretakers are able to manage their own priorities knowing their kids are in a safe environment.

But with our health threatened by the coronavirus, we can’t throw caution to the wind to get this classroom time back. Caution is paramount, even if it means virtual learning for now.

We need to develop a detailed plan to reopen our schools. Add your name next to mine to demand immediate action to support America’s schools:

Thank you for prioritizing this with me.

— Mark Takano