PITTSBORO, N.C. — After a year of virtual learning, some teachers are marking a milestone in feeling safe in the classroom.


What You Need To Know

  • 55% of Chatham County School employees have been partially vaccinated

  • Perry Harrison School Counselor, Leann Munoz says she's getting vaccinated for family, friends, and to travel

  • On Thursday, the Chatham County board voted to return students in grades 6-12 to in-person instruction four days a week under Plan A, beginning April 19

When kids returned back to school in Chatham County in October, schools took precautions. Even being masked and socially distanced, however, the concern is still real for teachers and parents.

"It's been stressful," says Leann Munoz, Perry Harrison School counselor. "Having to learn a lot of things we've never done before".

For Munoz, the vaccine is a step towards feeling safe again.

"I’m super excited to have a second one done, and to let that kick in and feel a little bit safer," Munoz says.

She says she's getting vaccinated to travel and see friends, but most importantly, she's doing it for family.

Returning to the classroom in October meant putting her in-laws at risk. They took a drastic step, moving across the country to Oregon, until everyone is fully vaccinated.

But on Friday, Munoz was able to get her second dose. It had been three weeks since her first Pfizer vaccination.

"I'm happy to have it done. I'm ready to have a more normal life," Munoz says.

On Thursday, the Chatham County board voted to return students in grades 6-12 to in-person instruction four days a week under Plan A, beginning April 19. ​