Glengary Elementary.
Sarah Banks Middle School.
Walled Lake Northern High School.
I'm a product of public schools and proud of it.
I'm grateful for the education that I've received, and I'm forever indebted to the incredible humans who dedicate their professional lives to giving me the space and tools to grow. What I'm not proud of, however, is the way that public school teachers across grade levels, districts and states are constantly devalued by peers, parents, other adults, the government and society as a whole.
I've put a lot of thought into possibly becoming an educator myself one day. Through all of the judgment, ridicule and discouragement I've faced and witnessed, I still can't understand why teachers are so disrespected. Why would you tear down a career that's so vital to the development of future generations? Why do you actively resist supporting the public school system? Why do you belittle the people who persist to make the children's lives better?
In the wake of Betsy DeVos's Senate confirmation this past week, I'd like to formally say thank you to the educators that have contributed meaningfully to my development as an individual. They've motivated me to be the strong woman that I am today. They've endlessly encouraged my voice and my ideas. They showed me that I was worth it. They were there for me when others weren't. For these reasons and more, I am grateful for my public school teachers.
To my third grade teacher: I was shy, and you respected that. At the same time, you never stopped pushing me to share my voice and to try new things, even if it made me uncomfortable sometimes. You believed in me more than I believed in myself. Thank you.
To my eighth grade social studies teacher: Middle school SUCKS. Your classroom was a place where it didn't. You made me feel intelligent and capable. You were passionate and you commanded respect. I looked up to you. Thank you.
To my sophomore year English & history teacher: You honestly have no idea the impact you've had on my life. You were there for me during a time when school was my sanctuary. I had no clue what I was going to walk into at home. You motivated me as a reader and a writer. You encourage my sense of humor and my sense of bad-ass-ery. You were always there when I needed someone who I could trust. Being in your presence was comforting. Thank you.
To my algebra & statistics teacher: The first day I met you I was terrified, I'll admit. But you were empowering and motivating. I'm not afraid to be wrong or to mess up a problem on the board or to speak up in class. I don't totally remember how to conduct a t-test (sorry!), but I do remember a thing or two about being fearless. Thank you.
To my AP Language teacher: You challenged every idea I've ever had about myself, and it was frustrating but necessary. I'm a better thinker because you were in my life. I am a better reader because you were in my life. I am a better writer because you were in my life. You wanted your students to be open-minded. You wanted your students to be strong. Thank you.
To my Spanish teacher: You taught me not to take myself so seriously. You made me laugh and reminded me that life didn't have to be so intense. You taught me not to be so hard on myself. At the same time, you pushed me never to take the back seat. You made me feel like a leader. Thank you.
To my forensics teacher: You made us laugh and you always kept it as real as possible. You knew about all the bullshit that was going on, and you always had our backs while we tackled it. Plus, you let us break glass, spatter blood, interrogate administrators, rip dead pigs open and play with their organs. Thank you.
To my AP Literature teacher: Your classroom was a special place. You cultivated my passion for literature. You made me a better feminist. You loved to talk to me about my reactions to whatever we were reading. You never let me back down. You put so much effort into each and every one of your students, even when we didn't deserve you. Your hard work made me want to work that much harder. I respect you so much, and I love having conversations with you. You made me feel like my voice was important. Thank you.
To my AP Government teacher: Simultaneously, you kept me grounded and kept me empowered. I respect you so much as a woman, as an educator and as an intellectual. We could always talk to you about politics, about our favorite books, about our dumb classmates and about our struggles. You are a wonderful listener. Learning from you has made me a better feminist and a better citizen. I will not remain silent in the face of opposition, and you've given me the support to keep fighting. Thank you.
To my choir teacher: Your classroom and your passion for music facilitated the greatest friendships I have ever known. After we finished a piece, you smiled at us like you were the proudest man in the world. You told corny jokes and wore dorky socks. You taught us what it means to be a family, and what it takes to persevere when things get tough. You were a shining light for so many people. I haven't stopped singing since. Thank you.
To all of these teachers and so many more, you are valuable. You have played a significant role in the making of the person that I am today. I really, truly believe that I would not be where I am without you. Sometimes life was really dark. Sometimes I really didn't see the point in continuing on. Whether you know it or not, you helped me through so many personal challenges by being present and compassionate and dedicated. Thank you.
