FOR THOSE WHO STAYED
The narrative is still about the ones who left. The “shortage.”
The headlines show the latest stats: “___ state still has ___ open positions. School starts tomorrow.”
Social media regurgitates the frustrated (and almost always justified) tweets and videos of those who’ve had enough-those who left. The sentiment screams: WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS?!
But what about those who stayed?
I’m referring to the teachers, the site leaders, the coaches, the bus drivers, the paraprofessionals, the operational staff...the EDUCATORS who stayed.
They need us right now. And the us I’m referring to extends outside our education community. It’s a collective us-those who simultaneously believe in the power and potential of public education and can also see it crumbling before our eyes. The educators who have stayed are holding the whole damn thing up right now-not the politicians up for reelection spitting rhetoric, not the state governments returning to worrisome pre-pandemic funding strategies, not the CARES Act ESSER funds are running out soon. Nope, the weight of this upcoming school year, like any other before it, rests on the shoulders of those actually doing the work-the educators. Is it fair? It never has been. Can we fix it? In the words of President Obama and Bob the Builder, the optimist in me agrees: “Yes, we can,” but considering the recent ramp up in public school privatization and segregation, the road to necessary school funding and realistic, workforce-sustaining pay for teachers still seems long.
So what do we do? That depends on who you are and what capacity you have right now.
Are you a parent? Get to know your child’s teachers, and work to understand that they teach an entire classroom of students, not just your child. Your kid’s teachers will forget something. There will be a time when they don’t reply within 24 hours to you. There will be a misunderstanding along the way. Just like we should with everyone: offer up some grace, trust that they are doing their absolute best right now, and communicate politely. And don’t wait for a conference or an appreciation week. Send them a word of encouragement-an email, a Class Dojo Message, or a handwritten note just to say THANK YOU. Do the same for your school’s principal…today. It doesn’t have to be cute or Pinterest-worthy. My most treasured notes from parents are on the back of an envelope or a random piece of paper.
Are you a friend of a teacher? Check in. Seriously, sending a quick “thinking of you” text or sharing a funny social media post lights us educators up! Let your friend know you’re around to chat, and then really be there. Allow your teacher friend to vent. Hold space for them, dear friend. Compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress are a real part of their lives. Also, if your funds allow, take them out for coffee or dinner. That’s just good karma.
Are you someone who wants to help, but you don’t really know any teachers? You have options:
Donate Your $: Go to DonorsChoose and find a project that resonates with you. Donate even a few dollars and connect with that teacher. Send them a message and see if they have other needs.
Donate Your Time: You might connect with a local DonorsChoose teacher who would welcome a classroom speaker or helper (Check with the teacher and check with the school on their rules first please! And be patient while you wait for those answers.) OR blast out on social that you are looking for volunteer opportunities at a school. Someone will know someone. :) OR Google schools in your area. Find one with a mission that resonates with you. CALL THEM. I know. Gasp. A phone call? In these times?! But seriously. Ask if they are looking for volunteers and see what your options are.
Donate Your Stuff: If you are a business owner, do you have goods or services to offer? Don’t wait for the ask-it could be something as small as dropping off a gift basket or certificate for the school to raffle off to teachers just for fun! We love that!
Are you a human living in these United States of America?
Google your local school district (elementary and high school-they might be different)
Pay attention when you see news about tax levies, bonds and overrides for those districts-you get to vote on those! Those words sound extreme and can be confusing, but because school funding is regulated and often strictly time-bound, in most states, school districts allow citizens to vote if they will allow for additional funding. There are often informational meetings about what the extra money is needed for and how it would be used along with how or if any levy or override would impact your local taxes.
Vote. Obvi. But take a few minutes to look into your legislative district’s candidates and their campaign platforms. What do they say about education? Does it match with your values? They don’t mention education?! Uh oh.
Are you an educator? You are enough. You are enough. You are enough. Remind yourself of that. I’ll continue to write words of encouragement and support as part of the mission at well+aligned. But please also know that if the time ever comes when it’s better for your life and your wellness to take a break from teaching or to join the ranks of those who left education, know that you are still enough.
Are you still reading this? Thank you. It shows you truly care about those who have stayed, and that you are an ally to educators. Reach out anytime if you want to connect on this issue or need help in researching your local school needs.
Be well. Be aligned.
-Michaela Rose Claussen