In a poignant and tragic turn of events, Houston educator Marcus Villanueva spent his final days grappling with concerns for his students as he battled COVID-19. The ongoing pandemic has led to the untimely loss of numerous educators across the nation, including a New Mexico special education teacher and an Iowa instructor who succumbed shortly after testing positive for the virus. Most recently, Villanueva, who taught chemistry at Charles H. Milby High School, passed away in December, leaving behind a legacy of devotion to his students.
Marcus, a dedicated father of three and a beloved teacher with 23 years of service in Houston, contracted COVID-19 on November 8 and was hospitalized shortly thereafter. Even while struggling to breathe in a hospital bed, he reached out to his wife, Sara Villanueva, inquiring about the arrangements for his classes: “Is there a substitute for my students yet?”
After being placed on a ventilator four days later and spending nearly two weeks in intensive care, he sadly passed away on December 6. His wife expressed a heartfelt wish: “I hope this never happens to another teacher. They deserve protection.”
The loss of Marcus has profoundly impacted his family, friends, and colleagues. “It’s been devastating. Our family is shattered,” said his sister-in-law, Maria Gonzalez. “He was an incredible father, husband, and teacher.” To help cover funeral expenses, Gonzalez initiated a fundraising campaign, surpassing their initial goal of $10,000.
Milby High School, which serves around 1,800 students, has seen 40 percent of its student body participating in in-person learning. The Houston Independent School District (HISD) confirmed the presence of COVID-19 at Milby High but did not disclose Marcus’s identity until after his death. HISD conveyed its condolences, offering support for students and staff during this difficult time.
Marcus’s tragic passing is a stark reminder of the ongoing risks faced by educators. The American Federation of Teachers reports that over 530 school employees lost their lives to COVID-19 last year. “When a teacher dies from this, it complicates efforts to reassure others,” noted Daniel A. Domenech, the executive director of the American Association of School Administrators.
In Houston, one teacher described the situation as “like playing Russian roulette.” Reflecting on Marcus’s death, fellow educator Traci Thompson remarked, “That could easily have been me. Every day I step onto campus, I’m uncertain if it could be my last.”
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Summary:
Marcus Villanueva, a dedicated Houston teacher, tragically passed away from COVID-19, expressing concern for his students even in his final days. His death has highlighted the ongoing risks faced by educators amidst the pandemic, prompting discussions on the need for better protection for school staff.
Keyphrase: Houston teacher COVID-19
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