Last night, I attended a 3 1/2 hour school board meeting about the reopening of school in the fall. It was a zoom meeting. Let that sink in for a moment. It was the first time that I had attended a board meeting since an ugly strike many years ago. As you can imagine, the discussions were emotional. There were terrified educators and unhappy parents about the remote learning proposal. I have been outspoken with my opinion. I ask others to do the same. I love my job, my colleagues & my students but I do not want to return until it is safe for everyone to do so. Last night, I understood the ..read more

As a classroom teacher, I have lots of worries and concerns. I want to be back in my classroom teaching, but not until safety for everyone can be adequately addressed and when our numbers have significantly improved. I got into teaching because I love it. I stay because of the relationship aspect of my career; however, returning to school now, is dangerous and counterproductive. Initially, when I looked at the work study groups that were looking into the return of school, I was relieved. It seemed that great thought was being put into the reopening of sc ..read more

I haven’t written for a long time. Working as a first grade teacher keeps me busy. Normally. Like all of you, my normal world changed. Initially, we heard hints of it. “We” thought it was about “them” or “way over there.” It was sad and horrible but far away and we kept going as normal. We watched the news and the conflicting information. Pretty soon, it was closer. It hit home. I had less students coming to class in “an abundance of caution.” The last day of school, which I didn’t know was going to be the last day, half of my class was home. Thankfully, they were healthy, just practicing the ..read more

At first glance on Facebook, there are lots of Happy Mother’s Day pictures this morning. Overdressed little ones lined up by the front of the house or family members smiling from the tables of fancier restaurants. Handmade cards, breakfast made by little hands, and coupons for promised hugs and kisses. But if you look closer, you see other Happy Mother’s Day messages. Different messages. You read messages of pain, regret, struggle, and loss. Some, relate to those who have wanted motherhood so desperately, but it hasn’t happened. I vividly remember a couple of my own years through this very le ..read more