A `CRISIS' conference of teachers has criticised the education minister's handling of the Covid-19 dilemma as "scandalous".
An online event run by the Ulster Teachers' Union (UTU) attracted more than 400 subscribers and was addressed by Peter Weir.
Unions are unhappy about a proposal to bring some children back into schools as early as August 17.
They say teachers are eager to see all pupils return, but only if this is done in a safe and systematic way.
Some principals have already cautioned that it is too late to ask schools to be ready for mid-August.
In addition, there are concerns about plans to ask teachers to staff summer catch-up schemes for young people.
They are demanding greater clarity.
UTU members discussed several emergency motions on issues including the return to classes, social distancing and hygiene, meals and transport.
Delegates called for assurances that schools would be adequately staffed, funded and resourced so no child would be adversely affected by the crisis as a result of being from a lower income family.
The conference heard how many teachers were often working late into the night and early hours taking calls and messages from parents and pupils about home schooling.
One Co Down principal said she had provided doorstep food drops to families who rang her in desperation with nothing to eat.
Another told the conference that she often received text messages from pupils at 3, 4 and 5am.
UTU President Stephen McCord was critical of Mr Weir's role.
"When Peter Weir spoke to our conference, I didn't hear any clarity. Unlike the health minister who stood up and said he would not allow any worker in the NHS to be put in danger we feel we have been totally disregarded," said Mr McCord.
"We have seen no leadership, no engagement and our hard work has been disregarded."
Mr Weir said he was disappointed by what he called "disingenuous comments from the UTU".
"I personally met with the representatives of all the main teaching unions in Northern Ireland, including the UTU, and we had a constructive and respectful dialogue," he said.
"The education sector has been making strenuous efforts to deal with what has been an extremely challenging and fast moving crisis. Throughout this time we have worked tirelessly with schools and trade unions and have regularly updated them on progress, including consulting on important guidance that has been prepared and issued throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I have ensured that school leaders have been involved in co-designing guidance for schools reopening and continue to visit schools, listen to concerns of teachers, and engage with the teaching unions throughout this unprecedented public health crisis. Despite these negative comments I will continue to engage constructively with teachers, unions and the public as we plan for educational restart."
