The COVID-19 pandemic led governors to take unprecedented social distancing measures to protect the health and well-being of citizens. School closures were among the first state-mandated orders to help slow the spread of COVID-19. As schools plan to reopen in the fall, they are likely to confront another crisis--that many of their teachers will be unable to return to the classroom due to the risk of contracting COVID-19. Current guidance suggests that individuals with higher-risk profiles--including those over age 65--should remain at home. This poses a significant dilemma for education, as early estimates suggest that at least 18 percent of all teachers fall within an age range considered to be vulnerable. In fact, the numbers are likely to be higher given the full range of school personnel, including paraprofessionals, bus drivers, custodians, administrative staff, cafeteria staff, and counselors. There are wide-ranging implications for the nation's education system, given that it may not be safe for many teachers to return to a classroom until a vaccine is developed. With fewer than five months until the start of the 2020-21 academic year, leaders need to assess these risks now to make necessary preparations. The health and safety of their personnel must take paramount concern, requiring creative solutions that still leverage these teachers' expertise and experience while addressing the pipeline challenges.