There’s something rotten to the core in North Carolina.
Help me understand why there is so much contempt for teachers these days. I don’t see business folks and politicians lining up to spend time in a classroom. Sure, they read a story to a rapt kindergarten class while campaigning or to stroke their own large yet fragile egos. But they don’t roll up their sleeves and dedicate time to students. I’ve spent at least an hour in each of my son’s classrooms every single week since they started school. I tutor. I chaperone. I stuff folders. I do what I can, and it never feels sufficient. No amount of time volunteering seems to convey the gratitude I feel for my kids’ teachers. Every week I see magic in the classroom. I’ve never seen such magic in a board room.
North Carolina’s legislators have done to teachers what standardized testing has done to children. Sucked the life out of them. Teachers must innately be wired differently than we mere humans. The joy they derive and bring to a classroom is immeasurable. Even in tough times like now, while their salaries and tenure are slashed and their dignity rattled, they trudge on. I simply don’t have adequate words to proclaim the respect, gratitude, and awe I feel for teachers.
But tomorrow I shall try.
Please join me in downtown Raleigh at the State Capitol at noon. I’ll take to the podium to share why I value teachers. I will be among grand company. Wear red. Bring a clever sign. Come support North Carolina teachers tomorrow as we SPEAK OUT for Teachers!
thank you for share!