It is, I hope, warm comfort that you will likely be that one teacher that every kid remembers, even years later, for their passion, and the invaluable non-academic lessons they taught.
If your contract isn't renewed, I also hope you make sure everyone knows about it. Here, the parents, your local connections, etc. I believe that people reap what they sow, and I believe you've sown quite a bit of integrity and community in your efforts.
Can’t you ask some of the parents who are happy with your lessons to advocate on your behalf? Do they even know that your job is at risk? One unhappy parent should not be able to dictate lessons and hiring practices.
The world desperately needs more teachers like you.
I wish I could say this was the first time I’ve read or heard accounts of discrimination and censorship in the classroom, but alas… Perhaps it’s time to retain a lawyer.
Thank you for shining the light on the squashing of critical thinking and any “courageous conversation” that does not fit a narrow progressive agenda. I hope that a groundswell of parent support from grateful parents will preserve your job. If you were to write/video the lesson you wish you could teach on 1984, then I would send a donation for it. It would be so useful for me and so many parents/educators who do want to engage with our kids on critical thinking on covid through lens of history and literature. Anyone else here who would be excited to donate to support a lesson or series like this?
How tragic that you are the bright light for so many of these students and the leadership can't wait to extinguish you. You are exactly what teachers are supposed to be - intelligent, concerned for the children, and one who encourages critical thinking - a rare breed. I truly believe that if you continue to stand on the side of Truth, you will prevail, whether in your current environment or elsewhere. I hope you keep your job, but if you do not, my wish is that every child realizes why and that the impact of your silencing is profound in their lives. They will be saddened at your departure and will understand the lack of justice. Perhaps it will inspire them to even deeper thinking and maybe even action. Good luck and keep us posted.
Perhaps you could include these quotes for a “courageous conversation” lesson on Ghandi and Martin Luther King - Martin Luther King Jr. said, “One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.” Similarly, Gandhi said that “Civil disobedience becomes a sacred duty when the state becomes lawless or corrupt.” What would these leaders say about current events? About discrimination? How is that different, or the same, as racial or gender discrimination?
I am in utter awe and admiration of your courage and dedication. After all, it’s the kids they are after. I hope you keep at it, though I’m sure you need to keep your job. If you want a casual chat with a CA employment attorney let me know!
You sound like a wonderful teacher. Unfortunately, that means you are lost on the i̶n̶d̶o̶c̶t̶r̶i̶n̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶ education system. Hope it all turns out well for you.
You are the class of teacher I remember from my youth. The others all sort of blend into my memory. Nothing like lessons in critical thinking to awaken the mind. I hope you keep at it, even if you have to change schools. There are children everywhere whose minds are begging for your brand of teaching. Often, getting let go in a situation like this is a blessing in disguise.
I wonder if the response would have been different if you had used as your example, the Covid response in the UK, which was fairly similar to here in the US? If moving the location is still too close to the nerve, there is always the Iraq war - no shortage of lies and propaganda there.
It is, I hope, warm comfort that you will likely be that one teacher that every kid remembers, even years later, for their passion, and the invaluable non-academic lessons they taught.
If your contract isn't renewed, I also hope you make sure everyone knows about it. Here, the parents, your local connections, etc. I believe that people reap what they sow, and I believe you've sown quite a bit of integrity and community in your efforts.
Thanks for being 'that guy'.
We need more of you in our classrooms. Good for you for challenging the students. And what a coward your Principal is. So sad.
Can’t you ask some of the parents who are happy with your lessons to advocate on your behalf? Do they even know that your job is at risk? One unhappy parent should not be able to dictate lessons and hiring practices.
The world desperately needs more teachers like you.
I wish I could say this was the first time I’ve read or heard accounts of discrimination and censorship in the classroom, but alas… Perhaps it’s time to retain a lawyer.
Thank you for shining the light on the squashing of critical thinking and any “courageous conversation” that does not fit a narrow progressive agenda. I hope that a groundswell of parent support from grateful parents will preserve your job. If you were to write/video the lesson you wish you could teach on 1984, then I would send a donation for it. It would be so useful for me and so many parents/educators who do want to engage with our kids on critical thinking on covid through lens of history and literature. Anyone else here who would be excited to donate to support a lesson or series like this?
How tragic that you are the bright light for so many of these students and the leadership can't wait to extinguish you. You are exactly what teachers are supposed to be - intelligent, concerned for the children, and one who encourages critical thinking - a rare breed. I truly believe that if you continue to stand on the side of Truth, you will prevail, whether in your current environment or elsewhere. I hope you keep your job, but if you do not, my wish is that every child realizes why and that the impact of your silencing is profound in their lives. They will be saddened at your departure and will understand the lack of justice. Perhaps it will inspire them to even deeper thinking and maybe even action. Good luck and keep us posted.
Perhaps you could include these quotes for a “courageous conversation” lesson on Ghandi and Martin Luther King - Martin Luther King Jr. said, “One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.” Similarly, Gandhi said that “Civil disobedience becomes a sacred duty when the state becomes lawless or corrupt.” What would these leaders say about current events? About discrimination? How is that different, or the same, as racial or gender discrimination?
I am in utter awe and admiration of your courage and dedication. After all, it’s the kids they are after. I hope you keep at it, though I’m sure you need to keep your job. If you want a casual chat with a CA employment attorney let me know!
This is so great. I’m sorry it’s probably going to cost you your job, but you did right by your students.
Thank you for your service to the next generation.
You are a fantastic teacher. In this time of widespread mass delusional psychosis, no good deed goes unpunished.
As a life-long progressive, it kills me to see progressives who only allow courageous conversations for topics that don't require courage!
Thanks for all you do!
You sound like a wonderful teacher. Unfortunately, that means you are lost on the i̶n̶d̶o̶c̶t̶r̶i̶n̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶ education system. Hope it all turns out well for you.
You are the class of teacher I remember from my youth. The others all sort of blend into my memory. Nothing like lessons in critical thinking to awaken the mind. I hope you keep at it, even if you have to change schools. There are children everywhere whose minds are begging for your brand of teaching. Often, getting let go in a situation like this is a blessing in disguise.
I wonder if the response would have been different if you had used as your example, the Covid response in the UK, which was fairly similar to here in the US? If moving the location is still too close to the nerve, there is always the Iraq war - no shortage of lies and propaganda there.
Thank you for this story. We need many more teachers like you!
What a great teacher you are!! It does my heart good to read this.