Willamette Week The need for strong, independent local journalism is more urgent than ever. Please support the city we love by joining Friends of Willamette Week. A Union Head Says Portland Teachers Didn’t Ask to Cut in Line for Vaccines—and They Won’t Automatically Return to Classrooms in Gratitude "It is a terrible position to be put into," says Elizabeth Thiel. Protest to demand school reopening. (Chris Nesseth) Updated February 3 For some Portland teachers, the gift of a COVID-19 vaccination feels more like an offer they can't refuse. Last month, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown propelled schoolteachers and staff to the front of the state's COVID-19 vaccine line. Educators started receiving COVID shots on Jan. 25; Oregonians 80 years and older must wait until Feb. 7.