Awaken the Sleeping Giant

(Originally posted in the Stephenville (Texas) Empire-Tribune, August 12, 2011)

I have written several letters trying to mobilize educators into action against the war on education. In many ways it has been a frustrating experience because I haven’t received many responses. But I take heart in knowing that most educators are already turning their attentions toward the upcoming school year. All of the teachers and staff in my school district, for example, will be attending a three-day conference this very week. I’m sure the main question on everyone’s minds will be,” how will we do more with less?”

Educators by nature are not a political lot, and rightfully so. Our focus is on educating children. We are already in the trenches preparing for what is going to be a very challenging school year. This does not excuse educators from speaking out against the injustices that have been done to our children, but the truth is we can’t do it alone. We need reinforcements.

Parents have been called the “sleeping giants” of education.  Parents are the ones that hold the real power in this battle. Unfortunately, they have been slumbering on the sidelines. Oh sure, many an angry parent has called a teacher, principal or superintendent to complain about their child’s education. This will probably get worse this year, but the parents’ anger will be misplaced. Try calling your state senator or representative; they are the ones who have created this mess that we all have to live with.

So how does one awaken a sleeping giant? One wake-up call comes from Keller ISD where this year the district is charging $100-185 per semester for children to ride the school bus. In states like Illinois and California fees are already commonplace.  I’m sure more fees are on the way and they’re coming to a school near you. What is a reasonable fee for a student to play football, be in a band or participate in a drill squad? $500? $1000? We must stop this before it starts.

I have two beautiful granddaughters. The oldest will enter Pre-K this year. Everyone who is reading this article probably has school age children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews. We all have “kin in the game.” For their sake, it’s time to take action. Make a phone call. Write a letter. Start a blog or add your voice to a blog. Join an organization such as Save Texas Schools at savetxschools.org or Parents  Across America at parentsacrossamerica.org. (Please note that these organizations are non-partisan. Education is not, and should not be, a partisan issue.)

 It’s not too late to make a difference.

A Letter to Educators

{Note: This letter was originally published in the Stephenville Empire-Tribune, July 22, 2011.}

I am proud to be a Texas educator. However, I am even more proud to be a grandparent, and I can no longer remain silent while my grandchildren’s education is stolen from them.

It is no secret that public education has been under attack for years. The plan is simple: drastically reduce school funding, demonize teachers and, at the same time, continually raise the bar on testing standards. The hope is that schools will collapse under the pressure. Then the politicians get to say, “See, public schools are no good. We need to privatize.” Privatization is the name of the game. Public funds go to private schools to line private pockets.

We educators are the last line of defense for public education. We are the guardians of our children’s educations. It is not too late to fight back against the attacks on education. We can fight back by simply having a voice and a vote. We need more voices like Superintendent John Kuhn who has said, “Look around you. Public school teachers, you are the saviors of our society and always have been. You are the first responders standing in this rubble…”

We have stood silently long enough. Please add your voice to those who wish to save Texas schools. Contact me at savecentexschools@hotmail.com to learn more. The only requirement for joining is a willingness to speak out.

Bill Norris