In a season where expectations, are high? We should be fully resourced.
There should be an abundance of teachers, paraprofessionals and substitutes ready to jump in and help out in whatever way they can. Class sizes should be smaller than normal to meet the various needs of students in transition. Class sizes should be capped so that teachers can build relationships and ensure a measure of security in the classroom construct while they support academics and community building.
Funds should be abundant in education to support these additional resources and professional educators. Teachers asked for these things. We spoke up and ASKED. We honestly know what our children need. We know what we need.
The systemic failure of this moment is that those in power continue to not listen to even the smallest request we had to support instruction during this period of adjustment.
They told us the classes would be smaller.
They told us we would have support.
They told us that there would be grace because we’d all been through so much.
They told us that there would be increased sanitation and protective equipment.
They told us, just come back and it will be okay.
They lied.
I am happy to see others getting to go back in spaces where the science is valued and teachers can fight for what they believe in and WIN. I know that power is through years of action an I am working in my union so hard to help it grow.
I am just tired and mad.
I shouldn’t have to beg for support–especially in a pandemic.
I shouldn’t have to beg for time to plan or grade papers-especially in a pandemic.
Students whoneed services shouldn’t have to wait all year–espeically in a pandemic.
None of this should be, yet it is.
We need relief.
We really, REALLY do.
