Saturday, March 19, 2016

A Letter to My Sister

Dear Abby,

When you told me a few years ago you wanted to be a teacher, I was so happy. We'd have the same profession! You are one of the most connected, compassionate, thoughtful, meticulous, intelligent, creative people I know. So, how lucky would the profession be to have you!

You went to an excellent undergraduate school for education and completed a four-year degree. You got certified to teach English Language Learners. You took your preparation to be a teacher seriously.

Your first couple of years teaching we hard, as to be expected. But you didn't give up. You kept on going. You organized, planned, wrote, connected with your students.

And then you moved to a new city, and you had a hard time finding work. I tried to help you in any way I could. The profession cannot lose you, I thought. You finally found a fourth grade position. And now, after two years, you are ready to throw in the towel. You feel beaten down by pressure to convert barely fluent non-native speakers of English into master test-takers. Your administration has taken it upon themselves to organize your students into small groups, yes, based on test scores. You deal with constant infringements to your judgement, your knowledge, and your ability.

You are a wonderful teacher. Those students are so lucky. The problem is not you. The problem is that somewhere along the line, the system (whatever that is anymore) started failing teachers. Especially teachers like you, willing to work with disenfranchised, struggling students who more than anything else need someone who is compassionate, thoughtful, meticulous, intelligent, and creative.

So please, please, don't leave. I promise to fight harder for you. And for those students who need you. Don't question your gift. You have it.

Love,

Your Sister

18 comments:

  1. I hope your sister finds her passion again. It is a difficult world for teachers right now. We are getting hit hard by everyone. I keep telling myself "this to shall pass" but it is hard to believe sometimes. But, I have faith in what teachers do. Your sister needs to keep doing what is best for her students. She needs to know she is not alone.

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  2. This post makes sad because I know a lot of skilled, compassionate teachers who could use a letter like this. It's too often that a teacher's dedication, time, and effort goes unnoticed and unnurtured; in the worst cases, like your sister's, it gets beaten out of us. I hope you advocating for her will be enough to save one more gifted teacher.

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  3. This post makes sad because I know a lot of skilled, compassionate teachers who could use a letter like this. It's too often that a teacher's dedication, time, and effort goes unnoticed and unnurtured; in the worst cases, like your sister's, it gets beaten out of us. I hope you advocating for her will be enough to save one more gifted teacher.

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  4. "The profession cannot lose you, I thought" what a poignant thing to say. That statement alone yanks at my heart strings. Your letter is so laced in love and support, recognizing the road she's already been on thusfar and the unfair obstacles which she faces. It reads like you're there for her no matter what and isn't at all preachy or judgmental. I love this slice. For what it's worth, I hope she sticks it out too and I'm proud of you for labeling the system as you did. Keep fighting, both of you. :)

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  5. What a beautiful, encouraging letter. I hope your sister can find a place where her gifts are appreciated.

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  6. We see this happening every day! Hope this letter reaches many people as well as your sister. I wrote about a similar topic today in my slice -- too many teachers are questioning themselves and the profession. Thank you -- I know some teachers I will share this with. Hope you are feeling better!
    Clare

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    1. How wonderful that we both wrote about this. This challenge is so full of connections. I just read your post, how beautiful. I will be sharing yours widely!

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  7. What a wonderful sister you are! I hope your sister can make it through. I know her students need her and love her. It's so frustrating for teachers everywhere - dealing with those in charge who think they know what's best and it's all about tests and numbers. Ugh! Good luck to your sister. I hope things get better for her very soon!

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  8. I hope your sister stays in education. It is sad how many wonderful, brilliant teachers think about leaving. Sounds like the profession needs her and so many dedicated teachers like her.

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  9. We need teachers of all types, especially like your sister. Gifted, passionate, compassionate. We cannot let "the system" steal these precious souls from us that are our only hope for our future generations.

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  10. We need teachers of all types, especially like your sister. Gifted, passionate, compassionate. We cannot let "the system" steal these precious souls from us that are our only hope for our future generations.

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  11. What a beautiful letter to your sister. I hope she realizes the impact she can have on children and stays in the profession. I had to have similar talks with my son. Teaching music in an urban setting with little administrative support really took a toll on him. He loved the kids, but was beaten down by the system. We need to help each other stay strong!

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  12. What a beautiful letter to your sister. I hope she realizes the impact she can have on children and stays in the profession. I had to have similar talks with my son. Teaching music in an urban setting with little administrative support really took a toll on him. He loved the kids, but was beaten down by the system. We need to help each other stay strong!

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  13. It is so hard when teachers burdened by the ridiculous things in the system question themselves. My sister is a teacher and I love that we share this profession.

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  14. I love this! I teach ELLs too, and you have captured the joys and struggles of this hard, frustrating, amazing, encouraging job so well! Your sister is so lucky to have your support!

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  15. Your letter spoke to me as well. I've been teaching 26 years and feel like the system is beating me down. But I always think if not me, who. You sister's students need her.

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  16. Your letter spoke to me as well. I've been teaching 26 years and feel like the system is beating me down. But I always think if not me, who. You sister's students need her.

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  17. Thank you for your kind comments! I think your comments will mean more to my sister even than this letter. She certainly isn't alone. So grateful for this community.

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