My first year of teaching was rough. I wasn't prepared for the realities of what was happening inside and outside of my classroom. There was a lack of resources needed to provide my students with the education they deserved. On top of that, the housing developments across the street from the school were being demolished. Kids literally looked out the window every day and saw their neighborhood being torn down. They were being displaced to other parts of the city. I wasn't prepared to deal with the social and emotional needs of the students and the families living in this situation.
I felt powerless in that situation as a new educator because I knew I needed to do more. Then I went to a conference on social justice and teaching. I had a conversation with someone and shared how I was frustrated because I couldn’t align social justice with the materials I was given to use. I walked away from that conversation with a new focus.
After my first year, I immediately began receiving support as a member of my local association.
Being an NEA member has been the biggest influence on my career and on my ability to advocate for my students.
NEA has been critical in my development as a teacher leader. I wouldn't be in the position I am in my district, both position-wise and leadership-wise, without the guidance and support, I've received from the Tennessee Education Association and the NEA.
The majority of the teaching workforce in the United States is white women, from middle-class backgrounds, it’s important to recognize that our students are more diverse with different lived experiences than those of their educators. I sometimes get resistance in my district and elsewhere, from those who don’t or won’t, understand white privilege, and who don't comprehend how systemic racism is built into everything. As disheartening as this can be, it means I have to work harder and work differently to change their mindsets.
