Empty seats are normal from time to time. Students are sick, students have appointments. Absences are to be expected. Monday, February 3, 2/3 of my students were missing. Why?
I teach at a Title school that is predominantly Hispanic. Rumors of ICE were no longer rumors ( some spotted them in Richmond outside of traditionally Hispanic grocery stores) this Monday was a peaceful protest.
My heart broke. The deep sadness I felt was beyond words
A safe space
School should’ve always been a safe place. Now those protections have been removed. It’s up to teachers, administration, superintendents to uphold the protections. That we once thought the government granted us. Previously the court of public opinion assumed that schools should allow children to get an education, all children after all, we are the United States of America. Regardless of status, a child deserves an education, right?
Obviously the question is no brainer. School should be a safe space to learn and grow
A new era
I’ve been teaching for 18 years. Every day is not a joy, but I still enjoy it at the end of the day. I wake up and know that every day is a new day. a fresh start, a clean start.
Now I come to school worried about who will show up and worried about who will not show up again. I see children’s fears it breaks my heart. School should be a sanctuary, school should be a sacred place. Not a place for people to come and take someone else’s child.
Let teachers teach. Let children become educated. Don’t let anyone prevent eduction( ignorance is a way to keep people subservient)