Students at High Tech High International, a public charter school in San Diego, California plan for their Senior Project
Friday marks the start of a new presidency, with a President-Elect being sworn into office that not everyone in this country is crazy about and with cabinet nominations that are, at times, baffling to those of us who, admittedly, are about as well-versed in political appointments as our new administration.
That being said, I’m a glass-half full kind of gal and try to look at possibilities and opportunities and areas for growth rather than focus on the negative.
And, as President Obama said in his last press conference on January 18, he and Michelle, in raising their daughters, have “tried to teach them hope, and that the only thing that is the end of the world is the end of the world.”
#truth, right there!
So, when President-Elect Trump nominated Betsy DeVos as his Secretary of Education, I decided to be hopeful.
I did a little reading up on Ms. DeVos because the little I knew was mostly from knowing that her family is one of, if not the, wealthiest in the State of Michigan and that family has done some work in creating some economic prosperity for a lot of Michigan and Michiganders --- not all, mind you, but a lot. But I was a teacher in Michigan public schools prior to relocating to California and had not seen her as a positively impactful individual on the public school education front, so I was a little surprised but...
A a teacher, and a Michigander from her state, I had high hopes - hopes that I was wrong about her lack of understanding about the importance of education for ALL children; hopes that I was wrong about her indecisiveness about the importance of keeping schools gun-free zones for the safety of all children, their teachers, and the communities; hopes I was wrong about her ignorance of the importance - or even existence of - the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and ITS importance of providing an appropriate and free education to students with disabilities without limiting their access to high quality education that provides them with future possibilities; hopes that she would be able to speak poignantly and passionately when weighing in on the debates surrounding measurement of academic success for all students, hopes that someone who is not a teacher, has never worked in public education or had children who attended public schools could see the value of public school education and the importance of - no, the necessity of - partnerships and collaboration between public schools, private schools, charter schools (some of which are public and some are not, which she also does not understand) in order to work together to meet the needs of our diverse and growing student populations. I had all these hopes. Then I listened to her confirmation hearing and all of those hopes were dashed. The only hope I have left is that WE the teachers, parents, and communities in which these schools exist have a voice - a strong voice - and if we act together to continue to require - demand - and create safe, engaging, intellectually stimulating learning communities for ALL our kids, then no child will be forgotten. My hope now rests with all of us.
So I went into work today, as a public school teacher, fired up both by the hopes that have been dashed by Ms. DeVos’ confirmation hearing responses and by those high hopes for our schools that I am still holding onto steadfastly, hopes kept alive by all of us who DO the work in education that Betsy DeVos really has no clue about.
And you know what I found? The bright spots are there for everyone to see -- even Betsy DeVos, if she ever steps foot in a public school. One of my first “jobs” today was visiting some public high school students who are immersed in their local communities on academic internships. One highlight from my day was visiting a young lady who was interning with a lawyer and a paralegal.
You know what? This PUBLIC SCHOOL student is blowing the lawyers, paralegals, and college interns away and, in the process, she is learning to connect her classroom experiences with the world and community in which she lives! The college intern there said "she's way smarter than me", and I could see the look of pride and ownership on this high school student’s face as she heard that remark - invaluable, really. She knows people believe in her - a public school student. Imagine that! No, really, Betsy DeVos...Imagine that. If you are going to be the Secretary of Education you need to not only IMAGINE that ALL students can be successful, but you have to BELIEVE that they can and you have to work tirelessly to champion opportunities for that to become reality - for ALL students.
And you know what's more amazing about this one, tiny example? This internship experience has totally changed this young woman too. Just three weeks ago, she was shy, and a little soft spoken. Not today. Not any more! I was there when a client came in and she handled him. I mean, handled him - he was a little upset and she just walked right up, connected, communicated, clarified. Her mentor was right there so she was totally safe but SHE ran the show. This kid is gonna kick butt someday and I got to see her spark ignite! Man, I mean just man!!
Ms. DeVos, when you aren't clear about the powerful role of public education, about providing EQUAL opportunities for ALL students --- not just the wealthy ones who can afford it --- but ALL students, please walk into a public school and talk to some of those kids who, like this student, are accessing opportunities NOT because federal dollars are covering the cost, but IN SPITE of a lack of funds and because teachers and community mentors see the value and purpose in everyone working together to provide access and opportunity.