As I was driving to work tonight, I passed a 250 pound man beating up on a much smaller man. The little guy was trying to fight back, but he just wasn't strong enough to do any damage. I knew I had to do something so I stopped my car, got out, and jumped on the big guy in an attempt to stop him. Together we fought and managed to bloody the big guy's nose. Unfortunately, that was all we could do and now he was beating on two of us. All of a sudden a policeman appeared on the scene. He fired a shot into the air and the big guy stopped fighting. We thought we were saved. Then, in a blink of an eye, the policeman was gone. He did not stop the big guy's blows. When he saw the coast was clear, he took up the battle again. He stopped when the little guy was laying unconscious in the middle of the street.
The bully walked away laughing. He was already in search of his next victim. I stood in the street and cried. I cried for the little man and I cried because the policeman who could have stepped in and helped did nothing.
I should be old enough to know life is not fair and that sometimes there is no justice, and I do know this, but I can't accept it. I wonder, is the fight worth it? This battle has sickened me. Is it time to just surrender? No one would notice or care if I wasn't there
11 comments:
Well, the only ones who would notice and care are the kids and parents, but their opinions do not matter.
The truth is, we are all expendable in the mind of the DoE and those in charge, even "the favorites".
You have something they don't have--a well-respected voice in the on-line world. Beyond your blog is your voice on Huffington. When you retire, you can write so many articles on their outrageous behavior. As for this Florida thing, I am sure their are many news outlets that would be very interested in this behavior.
Meetings as you learned count for nothing. It's the formal grievances that count.
PLENTY of people would notice AND care if you weren't there. I know you could care less what the administration thinks, but your students and their parents are the ones who would care. Those kids who you fight so hard for, and bust your butt for, would surely care. The kids who you give up your planning periods for so you can sit on the damn floor and tutor them would care.
The NYC DOE and many of the school systems around the US are just absurd. The stupidity increases every year. As long as the corrupt charlatans are in charge, I do not think there is anything that can be done. It is frightening how easily people are manipulated and brainwashed. Perhaps this is the objective of the corrupt charlatans? Keeping people uneducated keeps the corrupt charlatans in power.
Small Inspirations:
#1: Take heart that there are tens of thousands of us around the US that are fighting to educate our students. You are not alone.
#2: Oskar Schindler is a great role model for teachers. Just pretend to be one of them but really teach when your bosses are not looking. Sometimes teachers must teach in secret. It is very stressful but try to get some teaching in there; even in secret. If you are caught teaching, give one of these corrupt charlatans a compliment. They are so arrogant, they will forget they caught you teaching.
#3: Experienced teachers know the truth and that is why the corrupt charlatans want us out. We refuse to drink the Kool Aid and we are not leaving!
#4: Twenty plus years teaching and still passionate about education? You are a jewel and an inspiration.
#5: Thank you
How is this even possible? When a police officer discharges a weapon there's a ton of paperwork that needs to be completed all of which inevitably leads to an investigation.
Are we sure the the shooter was really a cop? Also, since when do cops walk the street alone?
This is a police officer in his own domain whose only higher authority is himself. I didn't mentioned that he fired blanks.
Stay as long as you can. I too teach in secret as referenced by anon above. I still believe in public education "Let each become all they are capable of being" is my motto. Our future leaders must come from varied cultures in America not just those branded elite. My students can't get enough of higher level thinking b/c they know when they're being dumbed down. POd, your readers are thankful for you and this forum as you do fight the good fight every day.
How is it possible for a police officer to be walking alone? I question if he was really a police officer.
Did anyone call 911?
The post is an analogy. Creative writing?
Some people (MissGingle and one of the Anons) are too dumb for school. If you have to explain. . . .
Sorry, honey. Sounds like the policeman shoots blanks a lot.
It may seem futile to continue tilting at windmills, but remember: they wrote a book about Don Quixote not the Powers that Be that tried to keep him in line.
Keep on tilting as long as you are getting something positive out of it.
Ms. Gingie is ok--I know her. She probably just wasn't focused reading the post. As for anon, well, I don't put much faith in anyone who post anonymously.
Thank you for the defense, Mrs P'OD. I guess that one went right over my head. I wonder what time I was reading all of my blogs.
However, you did give me an idea to post this to my blog. I did something but through email a few weeks ago. The reactions were priceless.
Now, I decided to share the reactions.
http://talesofasweetgirl.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-new-career-opportunity.html
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