First They Came

First they came for my planning time so we could have ‘data talks’ and I let them have it because I knew I could still plan my own lessons and go into my classroom and teach my students.

Then they came for my curriculum and replaced it with long blocks for reading and math, leaving out the social studies, science, the arts, health, and physical education and I let them have it because I knew that I still had the instructional strategies to teach that curriculum in a way that reached all kids.

Then they came for my instruction with their mandated schedules and

scripted lessons and I let them have it because I knew that I could still build close relationships with my students.

Then they came for me with a new evaluation system that reeked of disrespect and distrust of my professionalism. That’s when I knew that if they got me, they would come for my students next and there would be no one left to speak for the children. I won’t give them that.

I hope it’s not too late.