The Teachers' Union of Ireland says schools will not open as planned next Monday.
Michael Gillespie of the TUI says schools can accommodate for remote learning better than they could during the first lockdown in March.
"There is a plan - we're way better prepared than we were last year - there's a plan to support continuity of schooling, and this was agreed by the stakeholders."
He says the plan "should kick in" next Monday.
Meanwhile senior government ministers are meeting this afternoon to discuss the situation.
The Taoiseach, Tanaiste, Health and Education Ministers will be among those at the cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19 along with NPHET officials.
Elsewhere, Ombudsman for Children has urged the government to avoid a blanket closure of schools.
Niall Muldoon says it would have a disproportionate impact on children with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Principals And Special Needs Schools Call For Blended Learning
Meanwhile one principal says blended learning needs to be looked at.
Tiernan O’Neill is the principal of Corpus Christi Primary School in Moyross, Co. Limerick:
"If a child is dealing with homelessness, abuse, addiction, mental health issues, online learning is not a priority."
"What a parent has three or four children in one bedroom in emergency accommodation?"
"How are they going to engage in online learning?"
"It's pie in the sky stuff."
This was echoed by the Minister of State for Disabilities Anne Rabbitte.
Deputy Rabbitte says exceptions must be made for special schools as the students needs additional support.
"We do know that the profound impact of the very first lockdown on these children and their families."
Concluding, she said "we can't go there again."
