and I have a heavy heart. The same teachers that were trying to block students from coming to school yesterday were welcomed back with flowers and smiles today. I, on the other hand, was glared at and snubbed as I walked my son to school. I now get to finish out my years at this elementary school as "the mom that crossed the lines". I don't regret my decision at all and will accept the continued intimidation. A friend told me that she had never seen my kid so happy at school as when I was his teacher. This is all worth it.
But! The scale has been tipped toward homeschooling once again. We'll see...
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Day 3 as a scab.
Last Wednesday, our teacher's union decide to strike. The teachers in our district were asked to leave their classrooms and stand out front, in a show of solidarity, to let the community know that they believed they had been wronged by the governing school board. These teachers were faced with a tough decision: Strike with their peers or cross lines and teach.
Last Tuesday, I was called and asked to substitute teach. I had a decision to make: To cross lines and teach, or to stay out of it. Staying out of it caused another decision making ordeal: would I send my kid to school across picket lines. Teaching meant that my kid would have a decent sub (me) and that his peers wouldn't be left to sit in the multi-purpose room all day because no one stepped up to teach. The decision was easy. My kid wins, always.
I was to report to school at 6:45. By that time, there was a group of picketers already assembled. I had to cross their lines to do my job. I know these teachers and they know me. I was taunted and yelled at as I tried to make my way into the parking lot. I had teachers stand in front of my car and block my entry. I hadn't expected this reaction and I was so disappointed.
Once inside the school, this were organized and calm. There were 8 teachers that had stayed behind for various reasons while their colleagues were just yards away holding signs and doing what people on strike think they're supposed to do. They knew that they risked much by staying in the classroom but they did it (and continue to do it) anyway. The day went off without a hitch. My goal was to make sure that these kids felt no effects of the adult situation even though their teachers had earlier blocked their parents from dropping them off. Kids were confused and scared but soon calmed and had a great day. We are fortunate to have administrators and teachers that had planned and organized so well. The kids came first once inside the walls of the school. Refreshing.
I have been so conflicted about taking sides and by sabotaging the plight of the teachers by crossing lines. Panic and anxiety have dominated my thoughts and have trickled down to my son. I hate that this is happening and that kids are seeing a negative side of people they trust. It's disheartening, to say the least. I've thought of backing off and calling in sick. Then I wouldn't have to take sides. My life would certainly be easier.
God is good though. Today in church, our pastor brought up the strike and talked about not having to take sides. SO true! My allegiance isn't to the teachers or the school board or to the union. My heart had been grappling with that concept for days! Whose side was I on? This made it easy: My heart is with those kids. As long as they show up for school, I will be in the classroom. If I hold my head high and stand firm, I will not regret anything. And I will be teaching my son a lesson as well. I had been panicking and hiding and he saw it. No more. For if God is with me, who can be against me? This political issue has become a God issue. Amen!
Last Tuesday, I was called and asked to substitute teach. I had a decision to make: To cross lines and teach, or to stay out of it. Staying out of it caused another decision making ordeal: would I send my kid to school across picket lines. Teaching meant that my kid would have a decent sub (me) and that his peers wouldn't be left to sit in the multi-purpose room all day because no one stepped up to teach. The decision was easy. My kid wins, always.
I was to report to school at 6:45. By that time, there was a group of picketers already assembled. I had to cross their lines to do my job. I know these teachers and they know me. I was taunted and yelled at as I tried to make my way into the parking lot. I had teachers stand in front of my car and block my entry. I hadn't expected this reaction and I was so disappointed.
Once inside the school, this were organized and calm. There were 8 teachers that had stayed behind for various reasons while their colleagues were just yards away holding signs and doing what people on strike think they're supposed to do. They knew that they risked much by staying in the classroom but they did it (and continue to do it) anyway. The day went off without a hitch. My goal was to make sure that these kids felt no effects of the adult situation even though their teachers had earlier blocked their parents from dropping them off. Kids were confused and scared but soon calmed and had a great day. We are fortunate to have administrators and teachers that had planned and organized so well. The kids came first once inside the walls of the school. Refreshing.
I have been so conflicted about taking sides and by sabotaging the plight of the teachers by crossing lines. Panic and anxiety have dominated my thoughts and have trickled down to my son. I hate that this is happening and that kids are seeing a negative side of people they trust. It's disheartening, to say the least. I've thought of backing off and calling in sick. Then I wouldn't have to take sides. My life would certainly be easier.
God is good though. Today in church, our pastor brought up the strike and talked about not having to take sides. SO true! My allegiance isn't to the teachers or the school board or to the union. My heart had been grappling with that concept for days! Whose side was I on? This made it easy: My heart is with those kids. As long as they show up for school, I will be in the classroom. If I hold my head high and stand firm, I will not regret anything. And I will be teaching my son a lesson as well. I had been panicking and hiding and he saw it. No more. For if God is with me, who can be against me? This political issue has become a God issue. Amen!
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