Still Processing the Election Outcome
Count me among the millions — billions, even — of people still processing the outcome on Election Day and what it means.
Our future in public education is uncertain right now to say the least. So is the future of many of the children we serve. I don’t have it all figured out yet, but here’s what I know:
I’m excited that 21 out of 28 educator-endorsed local school board candidates won on Tuesday — that’s a testament to what we can do when we work hard and organize. These candidates will make things better for our students and educators. We need to keep working, keep organizing, and keep supporting public education champions in 2018 and beyond.
I believe, now more than ever, in these words from a speech I gave at our MSEA Convention last month:
We know that it’s not enough anymore to go to work, keep your head down, and just do your job responsibilities. You have to be an advocate to be an educator. This is what it has to mean to be an educator in 2016. Because if being a teacher or a school nurse or a bus driver or a speech pathologist, or any of the other irreplaceable jobs in schools, means doing everything you can to help your students learn better, then organizing, voting, knocking on doors, and calling out elected officials when they’re wrong — whether it’s the governor or your school board — is part of your job responsibilities.
I’m also worried and deeply saddened by the reports we’ve heard in Maryland, and across the country, of students being targeted for harassment and worse based on their race, ethnicity, religion, sexual or gender orientation, political views, and more. All students deserve safe learning environments. All students have a right to feel welcome and valued in our schools.
NEA launched a campaign this week encouraging educators to sign a pledge that we will provide safe learning environments for every student. I encourage you to learn more and sign the pledge by clicking here. This isn’t about politics, but simply about every student deserving a safe, welcoming, and affirming place to learn.
NEA, MSEA, and your local association will be working hard to make sure we protect our students as best we can. On a local level, educators will continue to look out for the needs of our students, just like we’ve always done, whether it’s buying lunch for a student, collecting coats and gloves for students, or providing opportunities for students to share their deepest fears and concerns. Several weeks ago I had a conversation with the State Superintendent about elevating the profession. I believe that is a huge piece of improving teaching and learning and I will continue to pursue that conversation.
Truly, the most powerful people in education are the educators who work with our students every day. You have the stories to tell, about the students, the workload, the lack of resources, and the teaching/learning environment. If educators — you and your colleagues — reach out to parents and community groups, if you talk to elected officials about the needs and concerns, if you build bridges and volunteer for causes you care about, it will have an impact.
If we want change, we must act on it. There’s no other way.
I know that as educators we will do everything we can to help our students. No matter the outcome of any election, all students deserve access to a quality public education regardless of their zip code. No matter the outcome of any election, the voices of educators — those who know the names of the students they educate — must be at the table when and where education policy decisions are made. No matter the outcome of any election, we must stay involved and keep fighting for what we know works and is best for our students.
I’m so proud to lead an organization whose members are so committed to their students and their profession. We will never stop working to be the change we want to see. Thank you for all you do. Thank you for continuing to fight for our students and schools.
