Teachers, I need your help.

As I've mentioned in previous posts, I'm currently taking a class that revolves around the idea of giving teachers a voice in a time when our professional judgment is being undermined and derided.

I had this vision of creating a video that includes teachers explaining why they press on despite educational policies that are having a deleterious effect on good teachers staying in the classroom. Many educational reformers think these policies are weeding the garden by causing bad teachers to leave, but they've been pulling up and destroying thriving crops just as much, if not more than the weeds.

It's taken me a while for the vision of my video to finally come to light, but after watching this teacher-created video that made the rounds on Facebook yesterday, I finally know what I want to do...



I've decided I'd like to take the suggestion of my friend Cindy Minnich and have teachers write a statement for why you stay in the classroom on a piece of paper, take a picture of it and send it to me. Something along the lines of this:

If you like this idea but don't want to be in the actual video yourself, you can still help me. Write your response in the comments or email it to me, and I will be the bearer of your message.

So here's what I need from you:

• In clear, concise writing, either in a picture you email me or a message that you send me via comments or email, tell me why you stay in education. 
• If you do send a picture, I'd love for it to be taken in your classroom if possible, but if not, anything is better than nothing. :)
• Tell me your name (if you prefer not to give your full name, at least give me your first name and last initial) and where you teach (just the city and state is fine). 
• You can email me your picture/response at: bethshaum at gmail dot com

Thanks in advance for any help you might be able to provide!