I’m a teacher, and I’m tired. Everyday my mind runs a continuous loop worrying about my students. I worry about the world they will graduate into, and what opportunities they will have. I worry high stakes testing will rob them of their ability to critically and creatively think. I worry my lessons will fail to help them learn. I worry they will not feel supported, challenged, and inspired in my class. I worry what their life is like outside of school. I worry I will let them down.
…I should not have to worry about Columbine, Sandy Hook, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas. I should not have to debate for their safety. I should not have to explain the 2nd Amendment was never interpreted as an individual right to bear arms until 2008. It should not require a history lesson to understand the NRA is wrong. It should not be a partisan statement to say gun laws are necessary. And I should never have to consider my students might not live through the day.
…I’m tired. Teachers are tired. Yet we will keep worrying about your kids America, because your kids are worth it. However, it’s about time you solved our mass shooting crisis. We need your help.