WARNING: Expletives and strong language are used in this podcast episode.

In this episode, I’m speaking to you about the events unfolding rapidly in our schools as we open buildings up for face to face learning, and also about the inequity of remote and online learning.  This episode digs deeper into larger education policy, decisions being made at the state and federal level, and how we, as teachers in districts, navigate these ups and downs.  

I also want to make it clear that I am speaking as a member of the larger group of 4 million educators in this country and not as about my specific situation.  My own district is making decisions that are based in safety and trying to do what is best for our community; I remain eternally grateful to work with the folks I do, in whatever capacity this allows me, and the students who have changed my life and views of teaching.  I don’t want anyone to listen to this episode and get it twisted that I’m not fully recognizing that my situation is unique and, in the grand scheme of a very difficult time, ideal.  

I have the opportunity to work remotely, I have the ability to stay connected to students, albeit through a screen, and I work with educators who are thinkers and problem solvers; a team effort to make the best of a very challenging situation for all.  I understand my privilege; but today, I want to acknowledge that many, many, many, the vast majority really, of educators are not in that position...not even close...and allowing those folks to feel seen is critical. 

We, as a collective group of educators, though, in this country are facing some incredible challenges, and it is imperative we acknowledge those and work to unpack them.  They are not challenges with easy solutions, nor problems that can be solved by simply resigning or quitting or leaving the education field, though I know many of you are tempted to do this.  I am as well. I get it.  I believe the first step, though, in working through this disaster of 2020 is to talk about it, to acknowledge that we are in a very dark place as a society and as educators, and that many, many, many of us are terrified for our lives, our jobs and our futures.  Talking about and acknowledging fear and reality does not make us bad teachers--it makes us humans, and in today’s episode we will also talk about identity and teacher identity--how that changes from year to year, and now, more than ever, how that is challenged as we begin teaching from our homes, our empty classrooms, or from behind shields and shower curtains. 

 ...

Unconscionable: adjective - not right or reasonable, unprincipled.

It is unconscionable that we have teachers dying in our school buildings--the story that came out yesterday of Demetria Bannister, a 28 year old elementary educator from South Carolina who succumbed to COVID19 after she began the school year virtually.  28 years old. A woman of color. Dead.
 

NOTES:

Angela Watson podcast here.

Neil deGrasse Tyson Life Lessons here.

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