Coronavirus Sheds Light on How Some Community Members View Schools

Apparently my post went viral on Friday.

Two days later, I have no regrets and offer no apologies. Reading comprehension is obviously still an issue in this country, as so many didn’t realize that I was actually speaking on behalf of children, many of whom often are made to feel like burdens by the adults in their respective homes.

Nevertheless, I choose not to argue with "adults" who strike me as the type to curse out their own children in Wal-Mart for bumping the basket. 

"Keep the schools open because parents have to work." 

"Keep the schools open so students can eat."

"Keep the schools open so that students won't fall behind."

Translation:

 We need someone to "watch" our children while we work.

We need someone to feed our children throughout the day so that they

won't bother us for food during normal school hours.

We don't always insist they do their homework; we missed the last 10 parent conferences, but now that school is out - academia is our priority.

I'm prouder than I've ever been to be an educator. Districts are making the right decision to close schools, despite the emphatic and illogical pushback from many parents around the country.

Some of you are only reading to argue, but before you prepare your defense – think about this PLEASE: there is a deadly virus running rampant throughout our communities, our states, our country and the world. Why exactly do you want your beloved children in school? Why do you want them anywhere other than by your side?

If you’re still reading, you’re one of two thinkers: (Thinker A) she’s right – school buildings need to be deep cleaned and children need not be around other children. That is all. (Thinker B) she still doesn’t get it because she doesn’t have children and she’s still getting paid.

The truth is there are many students who won't eat if not at school. There are children at home right now with emotionally abusive parents. There are children at home right now with selfish adults who use every opportunity they can to inflict their disgust with their own lives on innocent young people who did not ask to be in this world. Every single educator knows these things to all be true. We teach children with the lingering effects of such mistreatment every single day. In saying that we are glad the schools are closing, none of us are excited to see children struggle. That’s not at all why we signed up for a career that reflects about a $4,000 yearly pay difference between a 10-year educator and a 25-year educator.

Districts everywhere, despite the obvious medical risk are setting up drive-thru stations to assist with the reality that some children will go without food. Not one of us will complain about such a thing - just like you will be hard pressed to find an educator on this side of the sun that has a problem with students receiving free lunch. In fact, on a daily basis when I see maybe 8 of 10 lunch plates being wasted, I'm still grateful that the two children who desperately need the nourishment are being fed.

The misconception that is spreading faster than the Coronavirus is the true purpose of school.

What do parents really think of the place where they "drop" or "send" their children off to each day?

The conversations online haven't for the most part been about missing curriculum units and academic vocabulary. Few of the loud ones seem to be inquiring about the progress reports that went out last week. I’ve seen little to nothing about scholarships and college application deadlines – ALL of these academic dynamics that can still be influenced in the home.

The concerns are moreso about having to "deal with" children during a daily timeframe when they are typically under someone else's care.

Over the last 48 hours, I’ve had parents ask me how they’re supposed to make money if they have to “watch” their children during the day. One person went as far as to say, “you (teachers) ask for so many school supplies and then have the nerve to want school closed.”

While I can’t speak for every teacher, I can say that my syllabus over the last ten years has listed (1) journal and a good attitude as the only required supplies for my class. Sure, elementary teachers ask for more, because some of them teach multiple subjects in one classroom. In many districts, teachers have to fund everything needed. And by the way, don’t school supply lists only go out at the beginning of the school year or am I missing something? Are school supplies a monthly bill now?

Two consistent pieces of commentary that stood out the most went something like this: (1) these children will be eating up everything in sight if they’re at home all day. (2) teenagers will be out of the house getting in to all sorts of trouble.

Bear with me, as I attempt once again to not be condescending.

These sentiments are the reason why so many teachers struggle with students not comprehending the word NO. We are in the midst of a global crisis and adults are still intimidated by their children. 

If your teenager can walk out of the house and go wherever he chooses - you are the problem. If your seven year old can swing open your refrigerator 10 times per day, eating whatever she wants, in spite of you saying “no” - you are the problem.

A lot of the posts during this crisis are exposing the true issue in many homes today - young people are controlling adults.

Those are the voices and the individuals upset about school being closed. You’ve completely disregarded the fact that the virus is circulating and selfishly don’t want to parent your own children.

What if school wasn’t a thing at all?

What if one day a few years from now, there is even more of a massive shortage of educators and home school becomes your only option over sending your child to a campus where he will be packed with other children like sardines?

Be upset with the powers that be that haven’t yet revealed a plan to subsidize bills and provide emergency funding to small businesses and parents truly in a bind with childcare.

Schools are closed, as they should be. Teachers, administrators, custodians, cafeteria employees, office clerks - none are immune to a deadly virus. And in case you’ve forgotten – we have our respective families as well.

If you’re nervous about having your own children in your home for an extended Spring Break, figure out the real root of your concerns.

School should not be the only place where young people learn how to communicate, how to be resourceful, how to develop ambition. Likewise, school should never be the only exposure to food, attentive adults and structure.

But since school has become all of the aforementioned necessities of life to so many children - perhaps schools should be more respected and the adults within more revered.

School is a privilege. Teaching is an art. The hardest part of being an educator is caring more about children than their own parents.

You should only be offended if this pertains to you.