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If I may, I would like to share the lessons I learned along the way in the hopes that they may help a teacher facing this for the first time. #ONEd
You will hear people talk about teachers in a way that attempts to diminish and belittle the work you do. Remember the many students you positively impact every day.
Remember that the work you do is important. You make a difference in the present and future lives of your students
You will hear that you are greedy and that the only reason you care is because of how cuts will affect your bottom line. You know this isn’t true. You know your fear is for those students who will be most impacted by “efficiencies”.
Your concern is for the students who will be lost to us, who will not realize their full potential if we do not have the resources we need to help them to grow and flourish.
You will hear people discuss July and August as if they are something you should be punished for, something that justifies cutting and gutting education. Ignore the anger and hostility. It has nothing to do with the issues at stake.
Continue to use your summers for professional growth and to prepare for the school year ahead.
You will hear that you are overpaid and underworked. Remember the years of education you have under your belt and the many extra courses you took, at your own expense, to become a better teacher.
Remember the hours you spend (as if you could forget!) planning and marking, communicating with parents & students, and doing all the extra things that make school a happy & enriching place for your students. You are worth every dime you are paid.
Remember that you are part of a larger purpose. The foundation of Canadian society rests on equitable access to high quality public education. That is what you are standing up for. That is what you have the right, and responsibility, to fight for.
This isn’t just about what will happen in schools over the next four years, it is about what our province will become over the next generation.
This isn’t going to be easy. There will be moments where you feel defeated and heartsick. Remember to take breaks from social medic and the other places where you find all the anger and vitriole directed at your profession.
Turn off the radio, close the comment section. Remember that there are a multitude of people who appreciate you.
Parents, students (past and present), colleagues, administrators; they may not have the same loud voices as the angry ones, but they are out there and they are supporting you in the daily conversations they have.
Finally, take care of yourself. Take care of each other. It will not be pleasant, but I promise you will gain a renewed appreciation for this system we have the privilege of teaching in and for the colleagues who will be there by your side.
You are a link in a long chain of teachers, stretched over generations, joined together in defending public education. Be proud of the part you will play.
I don’t regret a single step I took carrying a protest sign. I wish it wasn’t necessary, but as long as it is, and as long as I am able, I will stand up for the students of Ontario.
