Smith: For the love of teachers

At the beginning of the pandemic, teachers and school staff were among those hailed as heroes. There was widespread support of teachers. In Canton, I remember the lawn signs from the schools and teachers letting students know that they were missed. As the pandemic continued into the fall and the following school year, the tone changed. I have seen much vitriol online and in the media directed towards teachers, both locally and nationally.

Christine Smith

Teaching is one of the most important, most difficult and most undervalued professions in our country. I know that I could never be a teacher. I stand in amazement at those who do it so well. I have so many fond memories of a number of favorite teachers I have had over the years — the kind ones, the ones who challenged me to do better, the ones who opened up a world to me that I had not imagined. I have many fond memories too of a number of my children’s teachers, from pre-K to grade 12, all here in Canton. The few teachers who have not been the best fit for me or my kids have largely faded from memory.

The situation we have found ourselves in over the past year is an untenable one. Stricken by a global pandemic that was mishandled by many has put us in this position. It is not the fault of educators that we found ourselves in the current situation; they are not to blame.

I have many close friends and family members who are teachers, school support staff and school administrators. I know that all of them would like nothing better than to have students back in the classroom just as much as parents. Everyone shares this common goal.

Of course, the data shows that most students learn better in person (which is why teachers also want to get students back in the classroom). The other education-related reason given is that students are falling behind. My question is: Falling behind from what? We have suffered through a major trauma over this past year — all of us. Our children are right where they should be, given what they have gone through. The lessons and studies will be adjusted to take into consideration everything that has happened and to meet students where they are. In the meantime, our children have had the opportunity to learn other lessons such as resiliency, how communities can work together, kindness, patience, and that the world is much bigger than them.

Aside from educational reasons, the other major reasons cited for opening up schools for in-person learning are mental health issues, an increase in incidents of child abuse and neglect, access to nutrition, reduced exercise, disparities in technology among students, economic benefits of allowing parents to return to work, among others.  These are all important and justifiable concerns. Many of these issues are the result of the stark economic disparities in our country. Others, such as lack of access to mental health care, reflect problems within our health care system. My question is this: When did our schools become responsible for fixing all of these societal issues?

Clearly schools see our children six hours or more per day and it became the natural place to address issues like lack of nutrition and health screenings as well as to level the playing field for those students living with fewer resources than others. However, if we as a society have determined that these important social issues are ones that schools should handle, then shouldn’t we support the schools and the people who work there? Support comes in many forms. Fair compensation, adequate staffing, funding school buildings and facilities are some ways to support educators. However, requiring that the health and safety of teachers, school staff and students be of utmost importance and treating educators with respect are also important ways to support teachers and schools.

I think focusing on the common goal is more important than focusing on the differences of opinion. We all want students back in the classroom. Let us ensure that educators’ health, safety and mental health is supported so they can go back to doing the jobs that they love. Just like on an airplane, they need to put on their oxygen masks first so that they can focus on helping their students.

Christine Smith is a mother of three, an attorney and longtime Canton resident.

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=73513

Posted by Christine Smith on Mar 19 2021. Filed under Featured Content, Opinion. Both comments and pings are currently closed.