Before I begin, I’d like to acknowledge that I understand that the continuous work stoppage throughout all 55 counties of West Virginia schools has been an inconvenience. Teachers and West Virginia public workers have been fighting for higher wages, lower insurance rates, seniority rights, and other issues, which caused striking when the legislature refused to budge on their policies. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions. I understand that it is difficult to find childcare last minute, I understand that it’s expensive, I understand that you need to go to work in order to provide for your family. I get it, and you have the right to be upset. What I do not understand is the blame that I am seeing being put on the teachers and solely the teachers.

Every day, I see parents bashing the teachers, service personnel, and union leaders, blaming them for their children missing so much school.

“Those stupid teachers, I’ll never have respect for them again!”

“Why don’t they just go back to school? It would get the ‘bad taste’
out of everyone’s mouth!”

“My kids are going to have to go to school all summer because
of those ungrateful teachers!”

“They knew what they were signing up for, they just want a free hand-out!”

“This work stoppage is ILLEGAL! What a horrible influence on the kids!”

Please, I’m begging you… Just stop.

I shouldn't even have to point out the fact that often times what is legal is not always right, but honestly, who is really setting the bad example here? Is it the teachers who have peacefully protested for a living wage and insurance rates, worked diligently to provide food and snacks for their students while they’re out of school, organized study groups for AP students, and put together workshops to be sure that graduating seniors have their FAFSA in order? Or is it the parents who bash their child’s teacher on Facebook, yell nasty words to those on the picket line with their kids in the backseat, or degrade the people who care about their children as if they were their own? Personally, I know the answer.

Obviously, this is not every parent. I have also seen so much love and support from some parents, which is amazing. But to those who are taking their anger over the situation and directing it toward the teachers who are just fighting for what they deserve, take a minute and put yourself in their shoes. Teachers seem to be put on a pedestal, but no matter how much they love their students, they can’t allow this treatment any longer; it has put West Virginia’s education on the back burner, and it has to stop. So instead of radiating hatred toward teachers who have worked for 4+ years to spend every day with your child, educate yourself. Research the issues, call your legislators, and pray for each and every worker involved. Parents, please don’t teach your children to hate teachers. Take the stress you are feeling about the situation and turn it into something positive.