Teaching is my life’s work. I have been blessed beyond measure to know literally thousands of young people.
Young people who lived in homes filled with books, and others who read five grade levels behind.
Young people dismissed early for medical
appointments, while others squinted at the board because the family couldn’t
afford an eye exam, much less glasses.
Young people whose parents and grandparents filled the stands
cheering their athletic feats, while others felt no one present to watch them play.
Young people who brought lunches lovingly packed with
sandwiches and fruit, while others felt too ashamed to fill out the paperwork
for free and reduced lunch.
Young people who were accepted to the college of their
dreams, while others never considered post-secondary study within their
reach.
Young people who slept at night safe, warm, and loved, while
others lay awake to the sounds of sirens and gunshots.
Young people who enjoyed homecoming festivities, while other isolated themselves as a result of sexual assault.
Young people who enjoyed homecoming festivities, while other isolated themselves as a result of sexual assault.
Young people who were labeled: Learning Disabled, Gifted,
Jock, Geek, Goth, Immigrant, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Poor, Wealthy, Good
Ole’ Boy, Preppie, Gangster, Gay, Transgendered, Overachiever, Lazy.
We explored in my class the dangers of stereotyping--how
it leads to dehumanization and creation of the others. And about how bystanders, through their inaction, allow
evil to happen. We "Fac[ed] History and Ourselves."
For each of the labels, I see individual faces of good people, each a child of God created in His image. Good people who made me furious, frustrated, sad. They made me laugh. Everyday. But most of all, they made me a better teacher, parent, and human
being.
Young people, friends, family, I see each of you.
I will not be a bystander.
I am a teacher who believes as Robert Maynard Hutchins, “the best education for one is the best education for all.”
