I started teaching online ‘by accident.’ In 2016, I started worldschooling full-time because I had lost faith in traditional public schools. I was sharing pics about our travels and worldschooling on social medai when parents started reaching out to me asking if I would homeschool their children. I kept saying ‘no’ until I finally said ‘yes’ and started my online teaching business.
Just this week, I have read about: an assistant principal being struck so severely by a student that she might be permanently blinded. I read about students being suspended for advocating against racial and gender bias, and yet another school shooting taking place.
It’s becoming a repetitive blame game of who to fault--> teachers and admin, parents, or students
When I was in college, my mentor advised me not to become a teacher. Thankfully, I was able to forge my own path and still do what I love outside of a traditional classroom.
So, what can we do to make our schools safe and equitable for everyone?
- Invest in mental health resources for students and staff, including counselors and social workers.
- Implement comprehensive anti-bias training for teachers and administrators to create more inclusive environments.
- Support stricter gun control measures to prevent weapons from entering our schools.
- Advocate for restorative justice practices instead of punitive disciplinary actions, to address conflicts and biases in a constructive way.
- Ensure fair funding for public education to reduce inequalities between wealthy and under-resourced districts.
What changes do you think we need to make to ensure our schools are truly safe and supportive for all students?
Read a Banned Book
The American Library Association (ALA) tracks books that are banned or challenged in schools and libraries due to content some find inappropriate or controversial, like themes on race, gender, or politics. Classics like “To Kill a Mockingbird” have faced bans. The ALA promotes the “freedom to read” and opposes these bans to ensure access to diverse ideas. Banned Books Week highlights the importance of exploring different perspectives through reading.