As I continue to start #Fight4Schools, it is important to understand the voice you are hearing.
I am NOT a teacher.
I am a parent and active remember of the community.
The experience I have in the education field does not come the brick and mortar of our community's public education department.
I recognize this. It is important for you to know. When I write about the teacher experience, it is not my voice. I will use my platform to amplify the voices of teachers, students, and the community. I will use public data, news, and facts. I will bring in my experiences and point of view, but I will never pretend what I am not.
So Who Am I:
Past
I was a zookeeper, naturalist, and wildlife educator for many a year. Before my "retirement" from that field, my mission was wildlife education. In Minnesota, I worked for a county zoo to educate the children on local flora, fauna, and how they can protect them. In a California zoo, I used folk lore and stories to teach about reptiles around the world. I also had the unique privilege to visit our local schools and community centers with the animal ambassadors. Imagine being 15 miles away from the zoo and never had the privilege to visit that school.
Now what does the Animal Field and the Education Field have in common? Unfortunately too much. Politics, funding, public opinion, treatment of their employees...
Present
This introvert "Retired" from the animal field (re: mother of neurodiversity), I found myself a mom of two grammar schools kids.
The pandemic had me itching to help in a way more concrete and tactile. My Voice could only go so far. So I became a Substitute, Guest Teacher as they call them here. My hope is that if there wasn't a sub shortage and teachers feel comfortable taking a sick day, that the teacher's work life balance can improve.
(and not to mention getting #fight4schools off the ground)
Future
Who knows right? My hope is that I have given resources and knowledge to the public education stake holders: The parents, students, teachers, and admin.
So that's who you are listening to! Thank you again for taking the time.
I will leave you on a quote that has guided my soul:
"In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love
only what we understand; and we will understand only
what we are taught." (Baba Dioum, 1968.)
(also note that spelling is something I am still working on at the age of 36; please excuse any and all future mistakes)
