It’s a tough time to be a teacher. And a parent.
On March 27, six people were killed in a school shooting in Nashville. This included three elementary students and three adults. Just five days prior, a 17-year-old student shot and wounded two administrators at East High School in Colorado. This comes less than a year after 19 students and two teachers were killed at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. And the list goes on.
On Wednesday, April 5, students across the country took part in a national walkout to demand action from lawmakers to address gun violence. Even our students are standing up for what they believe in.
At WeAreTeachers we whole-heartedly believe that we need common-sense gun control measures to help end the epidemic of gun violence in our schools. We need stronger funding for guidance counselors, mental health professionals, and school nurses.
We are teachers and we are parents. And we are heartbroken by this path we are on. What is the reality of teaching right now? The reality of being a parent?
We asked the teachers and parents we know, and here’s what they had to say:
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In short?
“There will never be another time where I don’t have to lock my classroom door.” —Kellie Barragan
“Teaching today is nothing short of devastating.” —Amber Mueller
“What would we do if this actually happened. How would we survive?” —Meghan Mathis
“Would I save my students, or my own first grader across the hall?” —Kimberley Gorelik
“We’re not being listened to.” —Josie McClain
Sending a special thank you to the teachers and parents who shared their voices with us. Amber Mueller, April Nguyen, Brandon Pena, Cara Vega, Josie McClain, Kellie Barragan, Fenyx Blue, Emily Wilde, Taylor Hagemeyer, Erin Hoffman Austin, Kimmie Fink, Kimberley Gorelik, Danielle Barr, Malia Bartek, Meghan Mathis, and Kelly Guzman.
