I am a teacher in California and the mask mandate is dropping on Monday. I have a variety of high risk health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and scarring in my lungs – all as a result of aggressive cancer treatment (which I am now in remission from). I really honestly thought that my doctor would put me on a medical leave until the vaccine mandate in schools kicks in (August 2022) but I was shocked that she turned me down. She seems to ascribe to the “we need to all get back to normal” philosophy.
I have a bunch of antivax kids in my class and am determined not to put myself at risk teaching them. The district won't approve an unpaid leave and says I will have to quit if I don't want to work. I don't want to resign and plan to go back after vaccine mandates are in place.
What should I do? All advice appreciated.