I Believe in Public Schools

I am thankful for public schools
From the one room schoolhouse
To the packed halls of today
For schools rural, urban, rich, poor, and in between

I am thankful for the public school teacher. 
She’s tired, overworked and underpaid and underinsured; 
But more often than not, full of hope. 
For the administrators showing up for kids and teachers, 
showing patience when it’s needed and a stern reteach when appropriate.

I’m thankful for the public school teacher 
who does the right thing for the student whether or not it’s popular.
I’m thankful for the public school teacher who keeps showing up in spite of…
In spite of…
In spite of…

It was a public school where I met friends who were just like me 
and where I met friends who were quite different. 
Where  I learned from teachers who were just like me
And where I learned from teachers who were quite different.

I believe in public education
Where a child will be met where they are at
As best as we can, with the resources we have
With accommodations and second chances and third chances
And with a teacher who will advocate for her students

I believe in a public school whose doors are open
To those who have and those who have not
To the parents, grandparents, and caregivers who can
and to those who cannot
And to those who, today, just can’t even

I believe there’s power in the least restrictive environment
I believe that minds and hearts are opened
when children sit with their differently abled peers

I have seen the difficult conversations around the conference room table
Educators can handle blunt words; we have real conversations all the time
Please save the cheap shots; come in good faith, not ready to fight, but ready to work together.

I believe in the public school teacher
Who wakes up in the morning and worries if his students are safe today
Who wonders if he’ll ever get through the tough outer shell
 brought on by trauma 
Will he ever really be able to reach him?
Who wonders if, after giving it his all, was it enough? Was it enough?

I believe in the public school teacher
Whose discouraged heart keeps beating
with the best interest of a child in their mind
Who tries and tries again to reach that one kid
Who knows we just keep doing the next hard thing

I believe in the public school teacher
Who loves her students
With care, interest and high expectations
With patience and also with tough love

I believe in public education and I believe in public schools
In the principals and assistant principals
In the custodians, the staff, and the secretaries
I see the pride they take in their work
I see their commitment
I believe in the hearts and expertise of these fine professionals
And in the partnerships we have with parents, families, and the community