So I’ve made it through the beginning of my first school year since 1976 as an “outsider.” I’m not a teacher or a student this year, but I still have a kid in school so I get the mom experience.
I gotta say, it’s wonderful to get some distance from that stress. And since I’ve changed careers, I think I finally put my finger on what made teaching so frustrating when I was doing it.
The difference is that the people I work with now think I’m an adult and trust me to make responsible decisions about how I spend my time. They’re not nosy about why I can’t come to a meeting if I can’t. They trust me to get the work done.
In all my years of teaching, I was mostly treated like I was one of the kids and that the most reasonable expectation is that I would be trying to get away with something.
(HINT: most teachers are not trying to get away with anything; they are a hard-working bunch in it because they believe in it)
I am relieved for myself that I am away from that toxic environment now. And now that I have a little space and emotional energy, I will do all I can with my vote and my advocacy to change that environment for the people still in it.
Public education for all is a quintessential American idea. And too many Americans have been trying to kill it and make it into something you can make a profit off of. ENDRANT.
@Samanthabwriter Indiana is a perfect example. Promoted vouchers years ago, funds private, charter, and religious schools. Denigrates teachers and is not generous to public schools even though we have a HUGE budget surplus. Gerrymandered crimson red statewide.
@Samanthabwriter Sad to be ruled by ignorance. 😞