Black Women On The Front Lines Of The Coronavirus

Jade Greene-Grant is a 37-year-old New York City public school pre-k teacher since 2008, who has had to teach remotely due to the COVID-19. 

Source: Jade Greene Grant / Courtesy of Jade Greene-Grant

MN: How do you feel about the recent changes to your classroom setting?

JGG: I’m actually sad because I don’t get to see my students. I have young students and I don’t see how distance learning is really going to help their socialization. We focus on their social skills and since this is their first time in school it’s important for them to interact with their peers.

I am concerned for them. I want to know if they have access to technology. Some parents are working, and we don’t know how much technology is in each student’s house, so they sent out a survey to see how many kids need a laptop. I’m just saddened by that and I really hope things get better and it seems like things are only getting worse.

MN: Are you fearful in any way of an economic hardship/blowback for your business?

JGG: I am blessed to still be able to get my salary and my husband works from home, so we have been blessed that we’re still afloat financially because we’ve both been receiving our pay. And I can save money on my commute, like gas and toll. I guess being home with my family is nice but that will get old soon and overwhelming, but I guess it’s no different than what I do in the summer anyway. I teach pre-k and my son is in pre-k and my daughter is in 1st, so we’re all set.

MN: As a teacher and mother, what are your thoughts now?

JGG: I just feel like everything is about to change in life. I really do feel affected by not being able to go to work. It has its positives and negatives so I’m just trying to reassure my class and kids. I don’t know who will get the virus and who won’t. You don’t know where and who it’s coming from and you don’t know the source. It’s just worrisome and we’re all just doing the best we can to get through it.