A national teachers union training session that asks educators to log conversations with parents about the COVID-19 vaccine – into a campaign app built for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez‘s campaign – was blasted as a ‘blatant effort to coerce, manipulate, and even track information on students and their parents.’
The recurring virtual training is hosted by vaccine equity group Made to Save and is sponsored by the National Educators Association (NEA), and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
‘Having the audacity to back this type of presentation shows that the NJEA, NEA, AFT, and any other organization involved clearly does not regard educators as professionals or critical thinkers,’ Jennifer Mess, a drama teacher for the Middletown Township Public Schools in New Jersey, told Fox News.
‘This was a blatant effort to coerce, manipulate, and even track information on students and their parents,’ Mess continued. ‘Anyone involved in this type of deception has lost their morals and purpose of education along the way.’
The training session instructed teachers on how to use the Reach app – created for progressive lightning rod Ocasio-Cortez – to ‘follow up and track’ their conversations with parents and even offered ‘gift cards’ for the most active users, according to FOX News.
The workshop – advertised as a guide for teachers on how to talk to parents and caregivers about the COVID-19 vaccine as children 5-11 may soon be eligible for the shot – claims to provide educators with ‘basic skills and talking points’ about the vaccine ‘through active listening practices, and tactics on how to reach out to them digitally.’
‘Look up the people you’ve talked to and mark down how your conversations went! Then add them to your Reach network and add their contact info so that you or Made To Save can follow up with them later and help them get vaccinated,’ the training said.
Teachers were described as trusted messengers and encouraged to guide parents to vaccinate themselves and their children.
‘As someone the person already knows and trusts, you can find out what is concerning them about the vaccine, relate on a personal level, and share information to help them on their journey to get vaccinated,’ one slide read.
‘As an educator or school staff member, you are a trusted messenger for many students. Use these tips to guide your conversations with them and help them stay safe and healthy!’
The training also included talking points such as, ‘Do you want me to help you get an appointment?’ and ‘I’m excited to safely see my students and their families!’