We have a great school and staff at SLE. It makes me sad to see veteran teachers being smeared on social media and in the newspaper. I told myself I would take the high road, stay professional and not respond. But I can’t abide people who have no personal experience with me or my classroom saying hateful things about me and my fellow teachers.
I’ve been a teacher for 30 years in three school districts under seven administrators. Never have I been accused of not doing my job or not being a team player. Quite the opposite actually. I love my job and understand what it entails. I do it because I am a professional and your children are worth it. I work with fellow staff members to develop the best curriculum possible. I mentor new teachers. I meet with support staff before and after school to create learning plans and solve issues for students. Evenings and weekends I grade papers and write lesson plans for my students. I spend my own time and money finding resources to supplement our aging textbooks because the school can’t afford to. I buy school supplies with my own money, so every student has them. I attend trainings and classes so I can do my best for your children. I modify daily work so all students, regardless of ability, can be successful. I attend after school events and sporting activities. I meet with parents before, during, and after school. I come early and stay late to work with students. I give up my prep time if a child needs help. I use my lunch time to supervise recess because there isn’t staff to do it. I don’t just teach the required subjects, I teach about rules and consequences, deadlines, and pride in a job well done. I hug your children when they’re sad and celebrate when they do something they thought was impossible. I teach them about friendship and how to recognize their own awesomeness. I often spend more time thinking and worrying about your children than I do my own. I do this because your children are worth it. My dedication to my school has not changed.
So, what is it that I’m not doing? Have you personally been in my classroom? Has your child been a student in my classroom? If the answer is “No,” then you are basing your opinion about me, a veteran teacher, on what you’ve heard in the community or on social media.
When you say the teachers are mad because we didn’t get what we wanted, think of this… Could it be that what we really want is the very best school for YOUR children?
Thank you,
Sharon Teague,
National Board-Certified Teacher,
Sixth grade, Seeley Lake Elementary
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