By Chris Lott
Why aren’t our teachers demanding the reopening of schools? Pandemic fear? Union oppression? Belief that virtual learning is working? Maybe because it’s a great deal for them?
To be fair, there are many dedicated teachers caught in the politics of closure and so-called science. I get that. They are fearful of retaliation if they speak out against their leaders and union masters.
At the same time, I hear whispers of the “love” they have for their profession and students. Truthfully, because of lack of action on their part I’m not sure I believe that anymore.
Just to be clear, I don’t think of teachers as babysitters needed even though the country’s family financial infrastructure has been based on two full time wage earners for some time now. I find it amazing that some teachers do. I have always felt a great public education for all is needed for a great country to prosper. Without political baggage of course.
No solidarity.
And yet I see no evidence of valiant teachers locking arms in solidarity with parents in making sure our children are guaranteed a real in-person education. No passion. At least not in any big way.
When I read about educational leaders justifying a lesser education because all students are in the same boat makes me cringe. These folks I consider educated idiots with no clear understanding of the damage being done.
Our kids are suffering.
In talking to my neighbors’ children and my own, they are having a hard time dealing with the restrictions placed on them. They understand that they are missing out. They are dealing with depression/sadness, frustration and anxiety in a way most of us don’t realize or understand fully.
As professionals why aren’t teachers pushing for a quicker change as they truly love their positions and our children? My takeaway is it’s a good deal for them.
Are teachers really suffering?
They can stay home and take care of their families without any great loss of income. Pretty good deal if you ask me. I have a son in law that was asked to take a pay cut because their services would not be as great during the pandemic. Many of us have felt the financial sting of closures and less business. Some have been reduced to a single income earner so their spouse could stay home with their children. None of this applies to teachers typically.
Silver lining in all this?
As parents, we have been forced to make changes for our children and family in general. Changes in our incomes and lifestyles. Many have adopted new innovative ways to home teach without the public school system. Our local experience last year with the public school virtual education was dismal. Because of this my family uses the Acellus program which so far seems pretty awesome. We went so far as to put in a home gym which has been critical for my teenage son to keep his attitude positive. What many families have learned is that they are not necessarily tied to the public school program. Maybe not a good thing for the public school teaching profession?