Dear Loving Community,
I am bursting with joy and enthusiasm to share—I'm back in the classroom! 🎉 Yes, you heard that right—I've returned to teaching and couldn't be more excited. As I stepped into my role as a 4th, 5th, and 6th-grade guide, I felt a surge of energy (and urgency) to make a meaningful impact in their lives.
However, amidst the excitement, I am acutely aware of the social and political responsibilities of being an educator, especially in the current climate. One look at the Education column at the Houston Landing shows a harrowing story of the state of Texas; the stakes have never been higher. HISD, the largest district in Texas and the 8th largest in the country, is under the shadow of a state takeover that threatens our democratic values and rights as Houstonians. With the absence of a democratically elected board, the challenge to uphold educational equity has become more urgent than ever.
I am inspired by the resilience and courage of my colleagues, who fearlessly advocate for justice in unconventional ways. From championing banned books (please follow this account) to affirming every child's identity, including gender identity and pronouns, to challenging the pro-Israel boycott, they're the unsung heroes of our community. Whether they raise their voices in a whisper or a shout, I'm in awe of every one of them.
I'm finding my place again as a classroom teacher. I'm slowly and quietly working to foster community with my learners, revamping lesson plans to be ABAR, and seeing what needs to be improved to create a brave classroom. For those of you in a similar situation, I hope you find comfort in these words:
Activism, much like the ebb and flow of a river, can roar with thunderous force or whisper with gentle ripples. Yet, its significance lies not in the volume of its expression but in the depth of its impact.
While my official social media return is slated for mid-April, I couldn't wait to reach out to my beloved community to share the good news (and ask for help). Like before, I am turning to social platforms to connect with fellow justice educators, seek resources, support, and inspiration, and find clarity in our collective mission.
I'd love to follow you if you share justice-related content on your page. Or if there's a teacher account you love on IG, please share their handle below.
With boundless gratitude,
Britt