Before the local districts decided to close schools for safety in the event of the upcoming walkout, I was planning to go to work because I can't afford to not be paid when I have 6 kids and need the steady paycheck. One of my closest co-workers reminded me there are single parents and couples who BOTH get their incomes from their school positions. My fears compared to what they'd have to face paled in comparison. Once our superintendent explained how a school closure would be handled, it basically answered every personal fear I was facing (including my own internal conflict of wondering if my motivation to stay in school was selfish or even justifiable when compared to my deeply rooted feelings on the situation at hand) and I realized AGAIN that I have something amazing at my job. I also know that it's NOT like this everywhere in AZ. There are teachers who will face legal action and job loss. There are laws and people above them who manipulate them OUT OF using their voice to positively influence the very topics and passions they spend their lives devoted to teaching. BECAUSE my school will be closed down, I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY to stand FOR the teachers in AZ who do not have what I have. And I am happy--excited even--to stand for them. Only 3 weeks ago this was something I didn't think I could do. But tomorrow, there will be teachers and students who CANNOT stand. I will be at the Capitol FOR THEM and their situations.
Many people have made harsh and judgmental statements about the AZ teachers at this time, but they have no idea what it looks like from the inside of an AZ classroom or in the day to day, moment to moment battle to engage and inspire students.
Many people are angry about the school closure. First let me empathize with you: I will not be able to send my own children to school either. I'm in the same boat with you, and my own family vacation plans are ALSO being affected by each day the strike lasts. My personal income may also be affected depending on the unknown factors at this time.
The current state of education in Arizona is FINALLY BAD ENOUGH and has lasted in this sub par condition for LONG ENOUGH that the collective personal discomforts and statewide inconvenience combined is actually LESS THAN what is believed could be gained for Arizona at this time--gained even for people who are incensed about the very idea of a teacher strike.
The current state of educational funding has finally lasted long enough that teachers are no longer divided among each other down the middle about needing real change. It didn't used to be this way. There used to not be enough support or courage among the teaching community to even be able to do something like what you see happening in AZ now. Not 10 years ago. Not 5 years ago. Not even a year ago.
While there are differing opinions in education even on the current topic, there is an overwhelming majority that believes the time to address these needs is now. That's why this is the time. And it's about time.
It's about time to see this kind of unity on a bipartisan topic. Unity that will benefit our kids. Unity that if it had existed 10 years ago COULD have helped children who are facing problems now that are too late to change. Unity that we need to model for the children who are in our classes now.
If you are newly frustrated with the current situation of education in Arizona, we are glad that you are finally taking part in discussions that we've been trying to solve and work on for years. We are glad that many people are being exposed to the hideous things that are happening with the funding--both at the state levels and the local levels of government. We are glad that social media posts (even the ones against #RedforEd) are beginning to scratch the surface of the iceberg that affects so many. We are grateful people are finally hearing about the battles we have been facing the whole time we have been in this profession. Thank you for being with us in the discomfort.
And before you judge the teacher walk outs and the character of the professionals so harshly, try to remember that a short term inconvenience might bring our state a long term solution. For those of you who are overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of rearranging school schedules even for just a couple days… Please remember that it is the teachers that you are mad at who have put the students first and made plans to accommodate every single child and every single variant circumstance that they could think of. The teachers you are furious with are still the ones taking care of the kids--they've arranged for students who rely on the food programs to still get it--they've personally delivered it, even. The teachers you judge for walking out (whether they had the choice to go to work or not on those days) are also the ones re-planning school events and field trips, providing new sites for daycare, meeting with legislators, along with having their own largely emotional concerns at this time.
Tomorrow is not a paid day and it is also NOT a day off. There is NOTHING easy or stress free regarding the collective choice to have a school closure or walk out. It's a bigger deal than you can imagine and all the while that you've been mad at your teachers they are still working as hard as they can to meet your kids' needs under great stress.
No one is walking "out" on your kids.
Stand with us AZ. Something historic for education has finally happened in the state of Arizona. Let's take this where it needs to go. Let's do what we need to do for our kids and the professionals who work directly with them. Let's not drop out of being aware of our local School Board choices and the transparency of our state tax funds again. Stay involved with us and maybe it will get better for all of us.
#REDforED
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