Advocating for yourself, your job and, most importantly, your students can be intimidating and outside your comfort zone.
This year has been one of heartbreak and frustration for me. At times, I have felt like no one is listening. So many bills seem geared toward harming public education and our students. After HB 267 passed despite outcries from so many, I felt unheard. I am still not sure if lawmakers are listening.
I wanted to take a step back and stop advocating. No one was listening anyway. Then I realized that if I don’t speak up for myself, for other educators and, most importantly, for my students—who will? If I sit in silence, those who truly care about students won’t hear my perspective. At times, they may not agree with me, but at least I know I spoke up. I fought for my students, my colleagues and this career that I love.
Whether they heard me or not, I was there. I advocated for all of our students, and that is empowering.
Learn More
