"People don't buy what you do but why you do it," T. Jaeck of OEA

"People don't buy what you do but why you do it," T. Jaeck of OEA

I can't get this expression out of my head!
I sat in a training, yes learning some union stuff, whether you like them or not it is necessary. I cannot believe the decrease in Teacher pay and lack of input or control over the learning environment in schools that don't have unions, okay so let me step off that soap box.

Why do I do it?
Do what you ask? Attend community meetings on subjects that are affecting our families like, the Linden Police and City Council meeting in August of 2016, or the Community Open House on the Heroin Epidemic tomorrow night at Franklin Heights High School.

I gotta find hope to bring people up out of the hurt and hate! I need to educate today's youth to learn from other's mistakes and to know how to ask for help but by being resourceful.

I get up everyday to build relationships with others by offering a smile. I care about their mind, body and soul. I explain to my career center students that it takes a village to raise a child which means family members, friends, teachers, community members and that we are stronger by helping others find these connections and resources.


I have to fight for the right to get paid or maintain a middle class wage to do my job, to explain the uniqueness of teaching work conditions, to understand the impact local and federal government has on the teaching profession.

This is the burden I carry.
It keeps me up or awakens me some nights.
Some days I want to hand my burden to someone else, but in the end my faith pushes me through.

It is amazing how the right thing will come in my best made lesson plan, through my faith in the moment of connection and I feel like I can get the students excited about the learning. I can help them find hope and see their goals for their futures. I can see them as productive citizens, even through the whines of completing essay's and creating their own lessons. As they say, "Mrs. Mc, it's too much,"
I explain, "Yes it is but I am teaching you how to teach children and they deserve to have someone who accepts the "too much."

Okay, goodnight on that note of feeling hopeful!