Just A Teacher!
On this day set aside to remember a man connected with momentous
occurrences in history, quotes and memories abound. It’s not just a day
that should cause respectful reflection of Dr. King and past
accomplishments, but it is also a day that should remind us the society
for which Dr. King strode toward has yet to become. Dr. Diane Ravitch
has just written, “Teachers, then and now, invoked the legacy of the
Civil Rights Movement to support a deeper investment in America’s public
schools……” Dr. Ravitch’s faith in the ability of teachers, students,
and parents to overcome the oppression of the wealthy upon our society
continues to amaze me! I believe her to be the voice of knowledge and
experience in our charge. But, how am I to make a difference? I am “just
a teacher.” That is the phrase all too often echoing back at me from
those not educated to the cost of a stance of non-action. “Just a
teacher!” What does that really mean? Does it mean that we are helpless
to attempt correction of current education policy? Does it mean we have
no way of overriding the effect of the billions of dollars which form a
wall against us, or does it mean we should just leave well enough alone,
since we are “just teachers”? I believe neither! Just being a teacher
is extraordinary! It allows me to affect minds of the future of our
democracy and the possibility of reaching that society for which Dr.
King sought. This day reminds me of the many struggles from a time that
insist upon my confidence in persevering in the struggle. It reminds me
that there is no such thing as “just a teacher”. Teachers lead when no
one else will lead. Teachers educate, not only students, but those who
have fallen under the spell of the tsunami of misinformation about
society and our public schools. In a time of foundations, billionaires,
and super pacs, teachers are joining their students and their parents in
sounding the bell of warning. Public education has been plotted to be
sold to the highest bidders. The measures being taken by those with the
financial means drive us backwards in time to schools where children
will quite possibly become segregated by the markers Dr. King tried so
hard to erase. It is for those reasons that I choose, now more than
ever, to be “just a teacher”! I choose to be a teacher who attends
protests, marches, conferences, and opportunities to shine a light on
the injustice cast down upon our society. I choose to be a teacher who
signs onto an amicus brief presented to the supreme court on behalf of
teachers of our nation. I choose to stand when so many fear to stand.
It is that quote from Dr. King which resonates with me: “The ultimate
measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and
convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and
controversy.” So, on a day where so many will remember, I choose to be
reminded. The destination has yet to be achieved, and I choose to
continue the path that many other educators continue. We are not “just
teachers”, but we are advocates and activists standing for the students
of our schools and our peers who teach them. So, before you say, “just a
teacher” again, remember the charge that lies with the phrase.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.