Years later, I was a finalist for a fantastic teacher-leader position in a prestigious district with a salary I could have only dreamed of previously. I went to the wire with interviews, writing samples, demo lessons, but lost the position to a person who was equally qualified and filled diversity boxes in the world of elementary schools. To be honest, this time I did fully understand the need for teachers and administrators to reflect the student bodies they lead, but I still felt sad.
In spite of a few bumps in the road, my own professional journey has been a great one. These days, I am proud to work with an increasingly diverse group of teachers and wanna be educational leaders. My students include first generation Americans, second language learners, career changers, special education students, and former members of the Armed Forces. Each and every one of them aspires to create educational environments where ALL students learn to be effective and reflective members of society who read critically, write responsibly, and create substantially. I am in awe of their passion and honored to lead discussions where we challenge the "status quo" and critically examine educational decisions. After each class, my heart is full of hope for the future of education.
It has taken leaders with vision, quite a bit of legislation and an entire generation. These days, our schools are finally starting to reflect the beautiful tapestry of our society. Yet, these days, I am concerned about the future.
5 comments:
Wow, your opening is what gives your piece depth and power. Having lost opportunities so others may rise created sadness but not bitterness. And you recognize the progress toward a valuable dream, a dream that you share. So powerful. I wonder if you could put it in a news’paper’- letters to the editor. I think folks should hear your take.
Thank you for sharing this important perspective.
Your post makes me think of the saying, "when one door closes another opens". I share your fear about the present. arjeha
I feel the sadness of opportunities that held hope and the happiness that the right doors opened. You are right where you are supposed to be, and the power of the universe is right there with you. You're doing great things, and I often think of a job I didn't get but later saw the revolving door of job change. No one could work in those conditions in that particular place. At the time, I was crushed. But my eyes were opened to be thankful. I'm grateful that you are in a great place. I, too, remain concerned about the state of things.
Your lived experience adds real power to your writing - and it's a reminder that things can be hard *and* necessary at the same time. As a writer I've been frustrated by awards that are only open to others, or publishers who are only looking for writers who fit into different boxes than I do. It's hard, and it can be sad, but I also understand that it's necessary and positive. Life is complex, humans are complicated, and just because things don't seem "fair" doesn't mean they aren't just.
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