Passionate Music Teacher

This morning I had a group of Music Education students from a local University come to visit my classroom. They came during the time that I have second grade students.  I had planned a lesson that was going to be so much fun!  We started with warm-ups, a review on Dynamics, then next was a “Field Trip” around the school to listen for things that are loud and quiet.  This is a lesson that I love!  Most classes have a blast walking around the school being quiet and listening to the sounds of the school.  I was ready to share the joy of music with both my students and the guests in the room.  

Today, the students in my class had a different idea.  I tried to “go with the flow” and follow their energy, but things soon were out of control enough that I knew our little field trip was not a possibility.  We transitioned to plan B and they were able to grasp the basic concept of the lesson, but it just wasn’t the same. Once the students had started to get with the program a little better, we moved on to an exciting game.  The class progressed, but was certainly not what I had planned.  I figured it was good for Music Ed students to see “the lesson that didn’t go as planned” anyway.  

When these students returned to their classroom, their amazing teacher talked to her students and got to the bottom of the things to find the principal culprits before I even had a chance to talk with her about the situation.  She had three students write apology letters to me.  When they came to me at the end of the day, letters in hand, I spoke with them, accepted their apologies with a hug, told them I loved them, and sent them on their way.

Then I read their letters. Phrases jumped out from their barely legible handwriting like “I am so sorry.  When I get back, I am going to be good”, “I love you so much and I’m just being crazy”, “Do you still love me?  I hope you do.”  Letters like these remind me that behavior in the moment is never about that moment alone. Everyone has a story, a history, and that story shapes everything about them.  

That is true of children and adults.  A cross word as you pass someone in the hall can have a negative impact on a person’s day. But a simple phone call to say “I’m sorry.  I have had a hard day and I just wanted to make sure we are okay.”, makes a huge difference.  (This happened today, too)

This school year I have new eyes to see and new ears to hear.  I hear it every year – the cries of children anxious for the new school year. I remember the cries of my own children when they were little, being away from Mom for the first time.  This year I noticed something different about the tears at my school.  I suspect that it has been there for a while and I have just now become attuned to it. Who is crying?  Why are they crying?  Is it simple separation anxiety?  That’s not what I noticed this year.  These tears are foreign tears.  

The Kindergartener who I had in the middle of the day in Music class yesterday was quiet but interested in our songs and games.  He participated with a smile in his eyes, if not quite on his face.  This morning, this same student was not only crying, but clinging to his mother, crying until he made himself sick.  His bilingual teacher was able to help him calm down by walking him through the hall and having him take a few drinks from the water fountain.

The Fourth grade student was not as dramatic, but her quiet, silent tears still broke my heart.   She’s been at this school at least since Kindergarten.  Usually there are no tears in Fourth Grade.  Why today?

Then there was the First Grade student who melted my soul.  At first, I saw him with his mother in the hallway outside of his classroom. Beautiful black skin glistened with tears that streamed down his face and soaked his shirt.  I could not recognize all of the words, but I could understand enough Spanish to recognize that it was the basic “You’re going to be fine. Mama has to get going now.” speech. A few minutes later, I walked back by to hear the wrenching wails of “Mama!  Mama!”. I offered to help and found our amazing ESL teacher who was able to talk to him and calm him down for the day.  The story I heard later was of immigration, detainment of family members, and a true, deep fear of never seeing Mama again.

My heart breaks as my anger rises.  Why must our children be afraid?  These innocent lives just want to be loved and feel secure.  How can they be expected to function in the schedules and procedures of the school that tries to teach them how to read, write, and live in their new home?  Their families have come to this country to have a better life.  The trauma that these children live in is unfathomable to me.

About 5 weeks before school was scheduled to start, I had a number of friends ask me if I knew “the countdown” yet.  I scoffed and said, “I haven’t even looked at the calendar yet”!  Then I recently heard someone say “Ahh, back to school season. The time that parents look forward to and teachers dread”.  That wasn’t the exact words, but a close paraphrase.  My first thought was, “Well, if you are a teacher and think that, maybe you’re in the wrong profession”.   Then I thought further and wondered if we, as teachers, sometimes give the wrong impression.

I value my time off of school.  It is absolutely, 100% necessary.  I need summer break from the classroom in order to be the best teacher I can be.  I still work in the summer, but the work is different.  I even work with kids in the summer, but it is still different.  I attend lots of professional development opportunities in the summer, but it is not the classroom.  To be in the classroom takes so much of me and I am willing and excited to give it.  But one person only has so much to give in one stretch.  By the time May rolls around I am very ready for a break so that I can care for myself in order for enthusiasm to re-spark and start the next school year cycle.  

This year marks my 18th Back to School season.  I love to see the school supplies in the stores, but I no longer wade through the aisles, buying supplies that I may not actually use.  I resist the temptation to own the newest plan book and calendar – I make a template that I know works for me.  I tweak my lesson plan outlines to adjust to new schedules and expectations of the upcoming year.  I know that I will have to change plans again, so I don’t get too attached.  I am no longer annoyed that the custodians have taken the Velcro where I put my posters off my walls again this summer.  Instead, I look for new places to hang the posters I really want and am grateful that my room has been cleaned.  I’m not too excited about the long meetings to start the year, knowing that there is so much to do in order to be prepared.  I know that the meetings are necessary to have a staff of 60 be ready to welcome a student body of 700.  When the second-year teacher is bubbling over with excitement, almost to the point of tears, I smile and join in the excitement.  I am ready for school!

I love being a teacher. It is who I am, down to my core. My heart holds so much: looks from little eyes, stories – both good and bad, hugs, tears, successes, failures, joys and sorrows from my students.  The decorations, frills, and bright colors of decorating my classroom don’t stir me as they used to.  Now, I have a deep, poignant desire to reconnect with my students.  I think about them when we are not at school.  I pray that they have someone in their lives away from school who shows them love.  I worry that they are eating, are supervised, are cared for, and are safe. The beauty of being a Music Teacher is that I don’t have 30 kids for one year, I have thousands of lives that I get to touch and reconnect with year after year.  Their lives are a part of my heart.   My heart has grown in order to hold those little lives.

A teacher does so much more than “teach”.  We carve out a large part of our heart and soul in order to hold the space these kids need.  Recently in the news, I heard of several communities in Mississippi that had a large population in the area detained by Immigration Services because they were illegal immigrants.  At the local public schools, it was the second day of school.  Many students left school that day, not knowing if their parents would be at home to welcome them.  The teachers of these communities opened their hearts even wider to make sure every student had a safe place to be.  As with so many situations, there are too many factors that are out of our control.  Many times, my heart breaks as it opens up to love even more.  As teachers, we respond to the situation and do what our students need us to do:  care.  

It’s been one year since teachers exploded on the Oklahoma State Capitol building in a burst of energy and passion for getting the best possible funding for our students.  

One year since I bundled up for the cold weather with my daughters to load a bus to go the Capitol.

One year since Tent Cities popped up on the Capitol grounds as base camps for schools and districts.

One year since teachers joined our voices in the rotunda to shout “We’re Not Done!”.

One year since I carried and read signs and was so proud.

One year since news helicopters circled the Capitol.

One year since I took to the OklaEd stage to share my story.

One year since I shared that story with the PC School Board.

One year since we ate donated pizza and tacos every day at the Capitol.

One year since we waved signs and cheered to cars honking under the bridges at 23rd street.

One year since my feet hurt but my heart was full of hope.

One year since I fell down the stairs (ouch!).

One year since we met with fellow educators from around the state with a common purpose – our kids.

One year since we walked until we were tired, our feet were sore, we were sunburned and windburned.

But we knew we must walk on.

Today was a warm day with a cool breeze.  I met with about 15 other teachers at the OEA building to get the latest news for the day. Parking was easy and I had no trouble getting into the Capitol.  This is familiar now.  I am no longer intimidated just walking up to the front of the Capitol building.  I pass through the metal detectors easily because I know just what to bring with me now.  I smile and chat with legislative assistants because they recognize my face.  I am grateful that steps are being made to improve Education in the state of Oklahoma.

April 2nd, the one year anniversary of the teacher walk out,  is the 5th day this legislative session that I have visited the Capitol.  I have learned that there is about a 2 hour window in the morning when you might be able to find your legislators in the office.  If I can have a 10-20 minute conversation with one person, I consider it a successful day.  I have learned that you have to listen and listening is difficult.  Anyone can make their point sound like it makes sense – and sometimes it actually does.  Things change every day.  Opinions change, bills change, budgets change, schedules change, I have changed.  

This one year has taught me a lot of very important lessons. “We’re Not Done!” was an easy phrase to shout in the rotunda with thousands of other teachers, but it is much more difficult to continue to take the action that is still needed.  We are not done.  Right now, it looks like teachers will get another $1200 pay raise.   Hopefully, retired teachers will get a 4% Cost of Living Adjustment.  I have heard that the funding formula for education will probably end up getting somewhere between $30-$70 million added to it.  Even if all these things that look probable now actually happen, it is still just a step.  It will not fix education.  

One group that I was a part of calculated the funding needed to match education funding to where it was in 2008 (adjusted for inflation and growth) is nearly $2 Billion dollars. So, no, we are not done.  There are still many more steps to take.  We can’t stop now.  Even though we are tired, our feet are sore, we are sunburned and windburned, we must walk on.  We thought it was tough to walk out for 2 weeks?  It is even more difficult to keep teaching and continue the journey this year, next year, and to never stop.  For it is when we stop that progress stops.  

I have said this before, but it has been about a year since I did:  Show teachers how much you appreciate everything they do.  Give them a hug, school supplies, gift cards, whatever you can do to make them feel loved.  Contact your legislators and let them know how you feel about issues affecting education.  Stay informed about the issues and how they affect you, your family, and your community. Let your voice be heard at the polls. Appreciate teachers.  Contact your legislators.  Be informed. Vote.  Appreciate teachers.  Contact your legislators.  Be informed. Vote.  Appreciate teachers.  Contact your legislators.  Be informed. Vote.  Keep doing it.  Then do it again.  I will – again and again.  We’re not done.  

One year ago today, I hummed the first note to tune my voice to be a voice for Public Education in Oklahoma. Today, I joined other Fine Arts teachers and advocates at Youth Arts Day at the Capitol.

I have done many things in the past year to discover how to use my voice. I have held signs, walked miles with other teachers, spoken with legislators, researched, emailed legislators, established relationships with legislators, spoken with Administrators and Superintendents, had conversations with people working in the State Department of Education, met with union leaders and members, talked with teachers, cried on my husband’s shoulder, had difficult conversations, struggled with what to do, stepped WAY out of my comfort zone, worked to become a better teacher for my students, performed parody songs, mentored new teachers, led professional development, danced, sung songs, played games, played instruments, learned and taught the ukulele, gave hugs and high-fives, and taught Music (and many other life lessons) to my students.

Just listen, and you will hear my voice along with so many other teachers and supporters lifting up our children.

I love what I do.  I am a teacher!

Being a teacher is at the same time the most challenging and the most fulfilling thing I do. I am a teacher who loves what I do and loves ALL of the children I have ever had in my care.

As a teacher I have....

Held a trash can as a kid vomits

Stopped bloody noses.

Held pressure on a playground wound as I take a kid to the nurse’s office.

Visited students in the hospital.

Called DHS to report suspected child abuse.

Prayed for my students.  Prayed for their safety, their growth, their future, and their present reality.

Visited students in the hospital.

Sang “Circle of Life” at a student’s funeral. She was a student in my Sunday School class before I was a certified teacher. I was already a teacher...

Brought Christmas cookies to a student recently removed from his parents and placed in a DHS home (different student than above).

Walked around my school to pray for each room, each hallway, each student encounter.

Stepped in between fighting kids to break them up and keep them from harm.

Watched airplanes in the sky and wondered where they were going and how would I keep my kids safe (2001).

Been in meetings to decide “How do we do a lock-down drill?”.

Practiced fire, tornado, lock-down red and lock-down blue drills.

Stood outside for a fire drill and wondered, “do I smell smoke?”.

Thought about what I would REALLY do if it was not a drill

Listened to tornado sirens as my kids duck and cover and cry.

Placed good tennis shoes in my emergency bag. Because that’s what teachers need in an emergency.

Walked kids out of the building, down the street, loaded them on buses, and watched over them at a new location when our school had a bomb threat.

Provided a safe place for kids to be. A place where kids come to calm themselves in distress.

Stood outside at 7:15 in the morning as police had their weapons drawn and were actively searching for an armed suspect fleeing in the neighborhood directly surrounding the school. I hearded in the children who were innocently walking to school, unaware of the danger around them. My principal would not let me go to the crosswalk, she wanted me inside. I stood outside anyway.

Attend funeral services for a student’s friend who committed suicide. Too many suicides......

Been a shoulder to cry on. (Shed tears on my husband’s shoulder, too).

Asked for and pleaded for money, bargain shopped, written grants, opened social media fundraisers - all to get supplies and opportunities for my students.

Sold over TEN-THOUSAND candy bars.

Held signs, knocked on doors, talked with legislators, made my voice heard.

Voted.

Every day I laugh, sing, dance, smile, hug, encourage, and...teach.

I am a teacher and I love my students. I always will. I will always be there when they need me and do whatever I can for them.

One week until over 700 students walk through the front door.

One week until I see 29 different Music classes, from Kindergarten through 5th grade.

One week until I get so many hugs that I lose count.

One week until my bladder is ruled by the school bell.

One week until the first day of school!

Getting ready for school to start this year has been more of a challenge. Usually this is a time to see teachers shine as we create in our natural element and prepare for the first day of school. We have new decorations, new themes, new lessons (along with our favorite old lessons), new supplies, new class lists, and are ready for the new year.  However, memories of April float in my head like scenes from a compelling movie.  The memories are both positive and negative.  The positives include a pay raise and a shot of adrenaline for Public Education.  As a state-wide community of teachers, we found a remarkable strength in each other and we found our voice. It was loud and strong and full of passion.  The negative is knowing that all the amazing things that happened last Spring are only the first baby step to true, lasting change.

But now it’s time to start a new school year.  A new classroom, new staff, new administration, new students, and a new hope.  The spark that started last April, with the teacher walk out, has been smoldering.  We had flames of passion leap up as Oklahoma stepped up to make their voices heard at the polls in June.  A steady fire has been tended during the summer months.  Tended by teachers as they continue to grow professionally and continue to learn more about candidates and issues that affect education. I am encouraged to see this bonfire spread to light the spark of learning in our students and to warm the hearts of our fellow Oklahomans.  

But this year will not be like last year.  Teachers have changed.  We have new knowledge and new tools that will never let us return to the past.  We have this fire in our souls that feeds our passion to make a difference.  We will make a difference to the children in our classroom, but we always do that. This year, we will also make a difference outside of the classroom.  We will make a difference with elections in August and especially November.  We will make a difference with the people who make the policies for our state, our schools, and our students.  We will make a difference because we know how.  We will not stop until Education in Oklahoma is funded so that every child has everything they need.  

It sounds so simple. What is “everything they need?”  We still have to figure that out, but we’ll know it when we get there.  It includes everything from teacher pay to text books.  From classroom sizes to building repairs.  From school meals to after school care.  From the front door of the school on the first day of school to graduation day and beyond.  

“We’re in it for the kids.” That’s what all good teachers say. It doesn’t matter if you are a public school teacher, a private school teacher, a virtual school teacher, or a parent teaching their kids at home.  We are all in it for the kids.  

Until recently, I often felt at odds with teachers who were not in the public school system.  My assumption was that if you taught in a private or virtual school, you had no idea of what it was really like in the public school classroom.  In my ignorance, I thought that parents who had the call from God and the wherewithal to educate their own children, in their own home, were somehow my nemesis.  Boy, was I wrong!  

Thankfully, I was humbled and learned the underlying truth, that as educators, we are all in it for the kids.  Most of my friends who home-school their children have been right there in struggle for public school funding with me.  Many of the most heart felt questions and concerns have come from the group of home school moms that are my friends on Facebook and face-to-face.  We have met at the dance studio, at the coffee shop, and on social media to discuss issues facing public education and the potential solutions in our future.  

It truly restores my heart to know that so many of the people in communities in the state of Oklahoma are doing their part to help find solutions for funding public education. I would never presume to tell anyone how to vote in any given election.  We do live in a democracy where everyone can make their own decision on their vote.  I do strongly encourage everyone to be informed.  Know the issues that are close to your heart. Find out where each of the candidates on your ballot stand on those issues.  Vote wisely.  If your vote is different than mine, so be it.  I simply urge you to back your vote with your head and your heart.  

It’s official! Summer has begun (at least for me)! I have enjoyed not being at school this week. But my mind often drifts back. “How was the end of school?”, my friends ask. “Crazy, but good”, is my answer. It’s always crazy. But good. And sad. I will miss my 700 students. I pray that they have shelter, care, and food this summer. Many of them will be back next year, and I will see a few as I go about my summer. One student just moved in the house right across the street from me! There will be some students that I will never see again. Others, I will meet up with again many years down the road. These kids will always be a part of me. That’s the nature of teaching around the world.

Particularly difficult for me this summer, are the teachers who are moving on in their life. So many of my teacher-friends are making a move to a different school, a different state, or a different career. That has really hit me hard this year. It breaks my heart, but I understand. Unfortunately, that’s the nature of teaching in Oklahoma.

During the Teacher Walk Out in April, I set an intention. My intention is to keep informed, be vocal, and stay involved with politics in Oklahoma, especially as it relates to Education. Then, as happens often with intentions, life got in the way and the intention fell to the side. I could still see it, but it was not the focus of my attention. When I fell down the Capitol steps and severely sprained my ankle, that took the majority of my attention. Then I was busy making up for lost time in the classroom, then the end of school, then strep throat, then schedules for next year, then the air conditioner, then the pl……the list can go on and on if I let it.

The good thing about intentions is that even when they fall to the side for a while, we can always pick them back up and keep working on them. So here I am, working my intention. Through various social media, news media, political groups, my own research, and friends whom I trust, I have been keeping my eye on Oklahoma politics. I have collected all of the political pamphlets that have been dropped by my door. Now it’s time to study. Summer is a great opportunity to learn. Teachers have known that for a long time. We always take the chance to learn new things during the summer “break”.

Oklahoma teachers, I pray that you find time this summer, between 2nd and 3rd jobs, time with your family, and developing professionally for next year, to continue working outside the classroom for our students. I urge you, teachers and community members, to take the chance to learn this summer. Learn about policies and people that will have lasting effects on our children and the future of Oklahoma, then vote with your informed conscience. June 26th is the first day to show what you have learned at the voting booth. Be a voice – for our kids.

And I'm back! Day 11 for me. I met with Rep. Echols today. Our group met with him for over an hour. Very enlightening. I have two definite appointments for tomorrow and 3 tentative appointments. My goal for these two days is to meet with all the legislators who service Putnam City. The Education Movement continues. ....

Day 12 has brought more meetings, listening, and learning. I have heard the House sessions today- nothing with funding for education today. I have met with more lawmakers and have asked tough, open-ended questions. I have learned about and from my Senator and Representative. I have listened and digested what I have heard.

My take aways today are many.

Relationships are critical. Every person that I have spoken with face to face has been polite and helpful. I take everything that politicians say with a grain of salt. Most believe, or say they believe, in what they do and how they vote. If I want to have influence, it will not happen over night. I must let those who represent me know what I think is important. If it is difficult to make it in person, set up a phone appointment. Use your voice to speak directly with the person who represents you.

The presence of the community at the Capitol is vitally important. We, as the people, need to make it a habit to show up at the Capitol. Not necessarily with 40,000 other people, but on our own. Parents, bring your children to the Capitol to visit your legislators (call to make an appointment first). If legislators conduct their business in sessions when their constituents are in the gallery, they are more aware of who they represent. If the galleries are empty, they work more to their own personal agenda.

Vote! If you are not registered, do it! Be an informed voter. Look at more than the flyers left on you door. See that the candidate you select aligns with your values and ideals as much as possible. DO NOT vote a straight Democratic or Republican ticket. Find out about each candidate. It takes time, but it is worth it!

Such a long day is coming to a close. So many things have happened today. This day ends with a strong sense of hope.

This morning was another day that started off at our State Capitol. At 8:00, there were very few people there and I felt disheartened. More people showed up during the morning so that it was a good crowd by noon. I attended a meeting with fellow PC teachers to see what direction we want to go next. Great ideas were shared and community was recommitted. Next, I attended a meeting with the teacher walk out group from Stillwater. Honestly, I did not see much direction. It seemed to me that many people were floundering while looking for direction. (My opinion)

I ate lunch with one of my favorite colleagues, Heather Ely. Music teachers are awesome. I have been thrilled to see SO many Music teachers from around the state at the Capitol. Many of the Music teachers from around PC have met at the Capitol, shared our building's visions, and been there to lend a voice (since ours are so loud) to those around us. I am proud to be a Music teacher!

After lunch, I headed back to school to prepare for my substitute on Monday and Tuesday. I was so encouraged!!! Our building has a buzz of energy and life! Our teachers have moved their focus to the return of students. Bulletin Boards were being changed, decorations hung, walk out posters displayed in the halls, and preparations being carried out. We have great things planned for Monday and it will be exciting to return to Western Oaks Elementary.

I will not be there for classes on Monday. My absence is not an attempt to close school on Monday. I have put in for a personal day and that is what I am taking. I still feel that I have unfinished business to attend to at the Capitol. I think that many people do. I have the ability to take off, so I will - especially for those teachers who cannot.

I have had time to process the things placed before us. I see that we can dwell in the past or move forward. I fear that anger and despair are waiting for me if I wallow in the past. I chose the future. The future of education has a burning flame lit underneath it. It is exciting and full of hope. We have accomplished so much in these past two weeks. I am thrilled to see what will happen in the days, weeks, months, and years to come.

I've been busy this evening - visiting with students at the park, driving my daughters to activities, and making preparations for a birthday celebration this weekend. My notifications keep going off telling me of the events of this evening. I haven't read everyone's posts on Facebook. This can get heavy very quickly and I won't allow myself to be dragged down to despair.

Day 9: Frustrating! I was in the House Sessions this morning where nothing was accomplished. I sat with my school in the Putnam City Tent City and cried, planned, and strategized. Then decisions from others came down - PC is going back on Monday, OEA calls an end to the walk out.

Here are my thoughts: I am so grateful for the education I have received during the last two weeks. Educators across the state have learned more about the politics of Oklahoma than any of us dreamed we could. Two weeks of a walk-out have bonded the community of Oklahoma Educators in amazing ways. Throughout the week I met with several dear friends who weren't really thrilled with the walk out, but were there supporting their fellow teachers. I have seen teachers march, walk, wait, speak, cry, pray, question, re-question, research, seek, help, email, call, and LEARN. I have heard of teachers and community members who have filled backpacks with food, played cards with kids eating at the school, met kids at the park, checked on kids, delivered backpacks of food, played basketball with kids at the YMCA, and so many things that have gone unnoticed and unacknowledged.

We are stronger! We are also not finished.

OEA has "changed their focus". They have been instrumental in the walk-out. It could not have happened without their organization, funding (for ports-potties, stage, and sound), and support. Being part of the larger organization of NEA means that teachers from all over the country have been helping our movement here in Oklahoma. Even though I feel disappointed, I will continue to be a part of OEA. I am thankful for all they have done and I feel they have done their best. However, I am the one who determines how I continue to work for the cause of our children.

Putnam City has called us back to school on Monday. I understand. I'm not angry. I'm sad, but I do understand. I see the necessity. I will be at the Capitol on Friday, and I have put in for a substitute for Monday and Tuesday as well -not in an attempt to persuade school to be closed, but because I truly feel that this is what I need to do. I can't leave today. I have more to do. I will strategize with fellow teachers on Friday. On Monday, I will look lawmakers in the eye and let them know that the movement has just begun. On Tuesday, I will watch the legislative sessions to hear what happens when teachers "leave, and let them work". Then, I will most likely be back at school on Wednesday. I will be a part of the district's rolling delegation to continue the movement. I will continue to work for education and the future of Oklahoma's children.

Today was a frustrating day. It's hard to sort out the truth from the half-truths from the lies.

The main questions for today: When will the walk out end? What have we achieved in our 8 days?

Answers: I don't know when it will end for sure. It will end when we can be sure that the funding promised will come through. When Fallin signs the bills that have struggled through both the House and Senate to grant full funding for the first year of change. That won't happen this week, as far as we can tell. Are there still challenges to funding lurking around the corner? There are rumors of funding being pulled from under our feet. We cannot let that happen. We have achieved a teacher pay raise for one year. We have achieved some support staff and state employee pay raises. We have achieved some increase in student funding. Are we in a better place than we were a month ago? Yes Are we in a better place than we were the last week of March? Maybe - we are still lacking funding for the promises of HB 1010. It seems that all of the struggles of the past week and a half are to try to fund the promises of HB 1010. It is still not signed, sealed, and delivered yet.

The school day is over.  No after school duty.  Nothing pressing to do.  It is an extremely rare time that I am just sitting in my chair, relaxing.  The day has been a good one.  Nothing exciting, and sometimes that is a wonderful thing.  The after school program, Boost, is going on in the school with AmeriCorps volunteers leading groups of students.  I sit with my door open and hear Bella’s voice.  She sounds upset.  Knowing her, I can predict the rapid escalation into anger and a sense that this could go wrong very quickly.  

So, I step across the hall and ask Bella if she would like a break.  Now, I know full well that Music is not her favorite subject.  Art is her favorite, and she is a great athlete.  But I have a connection with her anyway so I try…

“Would you like to sit in my fuzzy chair?” “Sure.”

“Can I play the piano?”  

“No, not today.”

“Can I draw?”

“Sure.  You know where the paper is, just get yourself a piece.”

“What's this?  Is it an apple?” she asks as she picks up an apple shaped stress ball off my table.

“Its squishy, you are welcome to try it.”

Bella sits down with the stress apple, paper, and some broken colored pencils, then starts to draw.  She draws the stem of an apple green, then reaches for a red.  There is no red, so she changes it to a green apple.  After asking how to spell “apple,” she hands the green fruit drawing to me.  “It's for you,” she says.  I promptly hang it with other student art on the bulletin board above my desk.  “Thanks,” I say, "you can keep the apple.”

“Mrs. Gosset, catch this!”  

A red squishy apple flies through the air.  We toss it back and forth.  As my tosses fly by her, I explain to her why I love being a Music teacher.  I’m not as good at sports as she is, music is more my thing.

“Mrs. Gosset, can you draw?”  

“There's a reason why you have never seen my drawings, Bella.  Remember, I'm the Music teacher, not the Art teacher.”  

The apple keeps flying.  Sometimes being caught, sometimes falling short, always flying through the air.  

“Bella, it's time for me to go.”  

“Catch this one.”

“Okay.  I gotta go, Bella.”

“One more, Mrs. Gosset.”

“Okay, you go long for this one, Bella.”  

I toss the apple across the hallway and into the classroom where her Boost class is waiting.  She catches it with a smile and I wave good-bye.  

“Wait, Mrs. Gosset, don't you want your apple?”

“No, Bella, you can keep it.”

“Really?”

Oklahoma Teacher Walkout:  Day 6

My own children come to the Capitol and speak with legislators.

Some of my precious students find their names on my “Why I Walk” poster.