dear mr. president

in the past few months, teachers have been getting a real ass whooping from all four corners of this country. regardless of level of education or profession, gender, political affiliation, or socioeconomic status, they are being stereotyped and clumped together as if they all represent one individual. do i know teachers who are tenured that dont give a flying you-know-what about their students' success? oh yea. do i know teachers who are so burnt out they fly off the handle regularly? definitely. do i know teachers who selfishly keep their jobs, knowing it is hurting the chances or someone who may need it or want it more? you bet. do i know teachers who regularly bend the rules and twist the words clearly stated in legal documents to make their lives easier or create less work for themselves? unfortunately, its a yes to that one, too.

but if you spend a day in my life, you will also meet the saints. like the woman who comes to work everyday, still nursing the broken ribs from the gang fight she tried to save just one girl from. and the temporary legal advocates who had no idea what they were signing up for, but did it anyway because they knew multiple children without someone to speak up for them (trust me - im not the first. and definitely not the last). and the many staff members who give of their time, money, effort, and emotion to tutor for free and outside of school hours, purchase and wash child-size clothing, pack lunches for a kid who belong to someone else, and generally give that flying you-know that mrs. teresa tenure doesnt. these people are who i want to be. they are the reason i wanted to become a teacher, and they are a large part of why i show up everyday. and day by day, i feel as though im becoming one of them. i hope i never tip the scales too far, and end up like the teachers above. it happens. its the reason for laws and unions and tenure, and all the other junk that goes along with teaching. and i really do hate getting on my soapbox (its been awhile, now hasnt it?) so i want to share something much more refined. this woman captured literally everything i was feeling. i read this article yesterday in an educational newsletter. to be honest, i usually throw them out.  the stuffs pretty boring. but the cover caught my eye so i read it. it is not meant to offend or ridicule any profession. if you read it carefully, she is just trying to get everyone else to see what i see everyday. are teachers perfect? none that i know. some come very close - their dedication is unsurpassed by anything ive seen. but no one is perfect. all you can do is be passionate and give your all. its not just meant for teachers. i feel like anyone who works with, comes in contact with, witnesses the troubles of, or generally cares about the future of americas children can see the worth in her points.  the end is my favorite part. sorry its so long - im afraid theyll get rid of the archive so im reposting it here. enjoy:

Dear President Obama: Stop saying schools ‘fail’

Published April 2010 Voice

Mr. President:

Schools do not fail.  Children fail.  Children fail because the adults into whose care these children are placed fail in their jobs to nurture, guide and protect them.

Mothers fail when they smoke, drink or take drugs during their pregnancy.

Parents fail when they do not provide a healthy diet, a safe environment and timely medical care.

Parents and the extended family fail when no one nurtures young minds with books, conversations, and enriching activities that build an understanding of the world in which these children must function.

School boards and superintendents fail when they expect the same results from every teacher regardless of experience or training.

The entertainment industry fails when it markets a steady diet of mindless drivel and gratuitous violence to children.

Businesses fail when jobs are transferred overseas and families are forced into poverty due to lack of employment opportunities.

Law enforcement and social agencies fail when children who are victims of brutality and neglect go unrescued.

Legislators fail when they allow funding inequity and schools in poor neighborhoods to have a fraction of the resources that schools in wealthy neighborhoods have.

State education departments fail when they respond to teacher shortages by lowering professional licensure requirements instead of increasing remuneration or improving working conditions.

Media fail when they do not challenge the myths that one test can evaluate a child’s education; that every child should go to college; or that every social ill can be cured through public schools.

Despite public scorn and accusations of incompetence and isolation, America’s teachers meet the future that walks through our public school doors every day. They buy their own classroom supplies, tutor after school, and stay abreast of the latest research and teaching methods. They grieve when students fail and cheer when they succeed.

I do not know, Mr. President, if it takes a village to raise a child.  I do know that it takes more than a school.

Respectfully,
Kathy Neary

Editor’s note: Kathy Neary is retired after 34 years as a teacher and union leader, including 12 years on the PSEA Board of Directors.