My next door neighbor is a teacher. Used to march lock stock and barrel to the union line. She wasn't a very good teacher, either, but don't believe me. Even our very liberal state didn't know what to do with her (Merryland) and moved her all over the place.
She's a sweet woman, really, a real joy to have as a neighbor. But independent thinker? Seeker of truth? Inspiration to the youth she teaches?
Never.
We chanced to talk the other day, over the fence as it were. "How are your students doing?" I asked. For here lately my mind's run amok with the effects of all this on our children and hey, I don't think it's necessarily a BAD thing. My daughter, who I love dearly, grew up in an era of peace, prosperity and no fear. I stupidly sent her to public schools and believe me, she's a product of same if ever there was a definition.
But I digress.
Anyway, meek, mild teacher tells me how she blew up in the teachers' lounge. "Another teacher was going on and on about Bush, how he can't talk properly....really making fun of him," she explained. She told me she couldn't stand it for another minute, jumped up from the table and shouted, "What's a little verbal stumbling with all this man has on his mind? He's done a fine job and for all your mockery, would you rather have Clinton at the helm? Thank God we don't."
*MY* mouth like to drop to the ground at the description of the outburst. This woman is very liberal, total Dem and, well, she's a teacher.
I then launched into a mini-rant about how kids today are going to be a whole different breed, THEY'LL be the ones to change the world. I even, so inspired was I at the sound of my own voice, raved about the importance of teachers, more now so than ever. Those precious and frightened children, I ranted, need guidance and leadership top notch.
Teacher neighbor tells me how they say the pledge of allegiance and she can see their endless pride. They're collecting money for the children of Afghanistan, a Bush move that I thought to be pure and unadulterated genius. They have a "patriotic" moment every afternoon. She said they're keenly interested in American History.
My goodness she was so animated, so into it. For a brief shining moment I envied her...me, the person who'd sniggered at her life of lazy summers and tenacious tenure.
I'd disagree that the NEA President's words don't ring true. The NEA might well be reflecting the change in the very students they teach.
We will never be as we were pre-9/11. That powerful punch to our nation's soul may serve as a springboard for far more positives than negatives.
Perhaps we have spent too much time being wary, watchful, and suspicious of those who disagree with us. I'm not suggesting that now is the time to "let down our guard", but it may be time to listen first and react later.