Back to School Disappointment

The beginning of the school year can lead to many mixed emotions from sadness of the end of summer to excitement about what another year can bring.  One of the things that is making going back to school this year less exciting for educators across our country is that elected officials and other leaders are aggressively working to pass laws that help corporate America and hurt our nation's students and schools.

Students shouldn't have to worry about whether or not their teachers will have enough time to help to help them with their individual needs because there are too many students in a class.  Class size, adequate tools and resources, and safe and modern school environments are grown-up worries.

As teachers and parents we must work together to insist that our elected leaders work for our students and not against them.  In several states around the country, politicians only stop by for a photo op while making decisions about public education.  Although many of them talk a good game about making children a priority their actions tell an entirely different story.  Instead of investing in America's future they are cashing in on our children.  The make shortsighted trade-offs that jeopardize the promise of an excellent public education for all of our children to create high profits for corporations.

It is time for parents and educators to stand up to bullies like ALEC and do what is right for our children.  The main purpose of public education is to level the playing field and provide opportunities for all children.  Schools are assets, and they can and should be the heart of a community.