We Acknowledge You, We Appreciate You, and We Will Continue to Advocate for You.
Like many others, I was shocked when the announcement regarding the new Secretary of Education was made. A figure like Betsy DeVos, with no background in public education as a student, parent, or educator, is concerning. Her inability to commit to protecting students with disabilities or ensuring safe school environments is just a glimpse of her troubling perspective on education.
For those of us with children in public schools (or those who may have in the future), this news was deeply unsettling. As a mother of public school students, I immediately thought about the implications for my kids’ educators and the future of public education.
The news also resonated with me on a personal level. My grandparents dedicated their lives to teaching; my grandmother taught math during a time when few women did so, and my grandfather was a chemistry teacher before becoming a principal. My mother, a single parent, spent 25 years teaching special education. Now, my husband is a high school English teacher in New York City.
Having witnessed the dedication of teachers firsthand, I can confidently say that teaching is not an easy profession. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a job filled with leisure. You might think, “Teachers finish by 3 p.m. and enjoy long vacations—what a dream!” But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
My husband, for instance, rises early to prepare for his day, arriving at school well before the students. He works tirelessly, using every moment to grade assignments and refine his lessons. After the school day, he stays late for meetings and additional planning, often using his vacation time to catch up on responsibilities.
Let’s not forget the evaluations he faces multiple times a year and the nights spent worrying about students who are struggling with personal challenges. It’s no surprise that teachers often feel immense stress and frequently lack the recognition they deserve.
However, I want to emphasize that as parents, we truly appreciate your efforts. We recognize the hard work you do for our children, even if we don’t express it often enough. We admire your commitment to nurturing our kids and understand that spending hours in a classroom with numerous children is no simple task.
We know you dedicate your lunch breaks to lesson planning and communication with parents, often using personal funds to provide materials or treats for your students. We are aware of the countless unseen efforts you make, from jotting down notes to the thoughts that keep you awake at night.
You care for our children as if they were your own, sharing in their triumphs and heartaches. We recognize that you would go to great lengths to protect them, and we know you often lack the support, resources, and time you need.
Above all, we understand you deserve every bit of your summer break—and a well-earned raise!
As we move forward, we pledge to stand by your side. Many of us are becoming more politically active, ensuring that we advocate for public education whenever it is threatened. We will participate in school boards, join PTAs, and engage with educational advocacy groups. We will volunteer in schools and collaborate with teachers to ensure that our educational institutions remain the exceptional places they are meant to be.
Educators, you are not alone. We recognize your tireless efforts to advocate for our children, and now, more than ever, we will be by your side in solidarity and gratitude. Your commitment does not go unnoticed, and we are thankful for all that you do.
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In summary, teachers are vital to our children’s development and education. Their hard work and commitment deserve our recognition and support. We are here to advocate alongside you, ensuring that public education remains strong and effective.