I attempted to visit with nearly all of the Representatives and Senators who serve an electoral district that includes a piece of Moore Public Schools. Of those I visited in person, some were honest and legitimate supporters of public education even if we happen to disagree with the mechanics of how to accomplish the goals of fully funding the needs of our students. One gave a D- attempt at a song and dance around the issues--imagine that uber slick car salesman at that slick auto dealership in your town and then imagine the schmuck that doesn't have the finesse to land a job at the slick dealership and works at the dumpy lot in the "bad" neighborhood and he is trying to convince you that the 25 year old jalopy is the most advanced and equipped car ever created--that was the nature of this song and dance; I almost felt sorry for him for that poor performance. And then there were the ones who wouldn't even make time available to visit with their constituents...it's easy to guess where they stand.
But I don't want to spend too much time talking about the lawmakers, and the anger I hold for some of them. I want to focus on the aspects of today that brought me joy, and, at times, joyful tears.
I spent the whole day with Jennifer, Julie, and Shelia, three of our wonderful elementary teachers. At times throughout the day we were joined for some of our legislator visits by other amazing teacher friends. Each of these teachers shared their stories of trying to teach 30 or more first graders or kindergartners in one room. Folks, that's a whole lot of little people to tie shoes, wipe noses, keep in line or in their seat or on the story carpet, etc., all the while trying to present whole group and small group lessons to help develop their little minds. My first year I had a class of 36 sophomores crammed into a portable classroom for geometry and I would gladly take those 36 kids over even five squirmy kindergartners--yet these ladies make it look so easy. They told the stories behind why classes are so large... a new quality first grade teacher applicant could not be found despite the best efforts of the school and district. The teacher shortage is real. The struggle is real. And yet these ladies are consummate professionals who refuse to let their kids know that they are being shortchanged. With heads held high and love in their hearts for their kids, they walk into those classrooms determined to give it their all because those precious kids are worth it.
Throughout the day as I had cellular connectivity (even on a normal day at the Capitol cell service is spotty inside those thick granite walls, but more so with 30,000 people trying to use their phones), my heart would be stirred by seeing a text or social media post from teacher friends across this country letting me know that they were with us in spirit despite being in Iowa or Colorado or New York or Georgia or California. These are teachers who I've met as part of the professional development programs that have taken all across the United States and to numerous intentional destinations. You would never believe that some of the teachers I've met on those programs have become some of my dearest friends. And I love the fact that one of them has two kids who are wicked fans of the OKC Thunder and I've traveled to Sacramento to join them for a game. The simple words of love and support that they have shared today or over the past week have meant more in this struggle than they could ever know.
Only a small fraction of the 30,000 people actually came inside the Capitol building. Most rallied outside. Many shared pictures of the many protest signs being carried and pictures of dear friends and co-educators from my district marching in solidarity. Some took time to write out their teacher story of educational funding complications on social media. Catching glimpses of those postings during strong connectivity times as well as once I got home have been extra encouraging to the entire cause. Three special stories really grabbed my attention.
Story#1: One of my principal buddies, Seth Meier from Oakridge Elementary, shared one of the stories on Facebook:
Story #2: A group of band teachers from around the state organized themselves to bring their personal instruments and play some tunes to energize the crowds outside. One of the songs that is trending across social media was their rendition of Twisted Sister's "We're Not Gonna Take It". This video was captured by Jordan Nguyen, the wife of my friend Philip who teaches music at Bryant Elementary.
Story #3: I have a handful of friends who teach at Edmond Memorial High School in a neighboring district. One of their teachers carried out the idea of some of his students and brought their classroom to the Capitol lawn. This morning Regan Killackey and his students had AP English together so they could continue preparing for the rapidly approaching AP exams. This is one of the stories being highlighted within national media, such as this story and video in Newsweek. <click here>
Today's walkout and school closing is the first of what could be many, many days. Most participants are willing to stay out of the classroom until the legislature significantly funds or creates a clear pathway to fund Oklahoma's schools. I don't know when this will occur; I hope sooner than later. The one thing that I do know is that, at least right now, our communities support our teachers because they understand the teachers did not walkout on our students--they've walked out FOR our students.
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