It's an easy read because Shannon Hernandez's memoir is honest and straightforward. She willingly opens herself up to the reader, offering up her vulnerability. For those who aren't working as a teacher in a public school, her account is eye-opening. For those who do teach or have taught recently, each page brings about an "amen" or makes the reader nod their head knowingly.
It's excruciating to read because from the very title, the cat's out of the bag. The reader knows how it's going to end. This is the story of a former teacher. These days, most new teachers leave within five years. It's that hard of a job, so anytime a talented and dedicated educator leaves the field, it's a loss.
However, the story doesn't end there. Hernandez started up her own business, and gave birth to it while she was still teaching, since she had made the decision that she deserved happiness. She deserved to do work that brought her joy. She loved teaching. It was her mission. It was a part of her. But today so much of the teaching job doesn't involve teaching. It's paperwork. It's data driven. It's purposeless professional development.
And when so much of a teacher's time and energy is sucked dry by non-teaching duties, it's disheartening.
Add to that the crazy allegations that are sometimes made against teachers, and it's more than clear why Hernandez had to leave the classroom. Today, there are teachers who are afraid to put a hand on a student's shoulder in encouragement. There are teachers who are afraid to hug a student. Teachers must be conscious at every moment. We can't tutor a student one-on-one without other students in the room, since there would be no witnesses. It's sad.
I've been a teacher since 1991. Having worked in several school districts, I realize how fortunate I am now to have a wonderful principal. He's appreciative, has a great sense of humor, and is super-sharp. He also has a coach mentality when it comes to the staff, the kids and the parents... meaning he is tough and encouraging and is never afraid to get onto the field and get a little dirty.
But I haven't always been so lucky...
Check out Shannon Hernandez's book Breaking the Silence, and check out her out at www.myfinal40days.com to find out more.
And somehow the few abusers and molesters that are still in the system find a way to abuse and molest while everyone else has to walk on egg shells to the detriment of the students and the system as a whole.
ReplyDeleteJoeh--Sadly, you are right about those loopholes...
DeleteI don't think I could read this book because it would make me both sad and mad. I lived every line you referred to above. Lived all my life to be a teacher and in the end, it was not teaching I was doing! Students, even older ones, need touching and affection sometimes. Now it is scary to touch a child anywhere anytime.
ReplyDeleteClaudia--I guess we could do a duet and say, "Amen" together...
DeleteI can't imagine being a teacher. It has to be incredibly difficult and frustrating. Kudos to you, Sioux, and other awesome teachers willing to take on the challenge.
ReplyDeletePat
Critter Alley
Pat--Thanks. It's a tough job but a rewarding one.
DeleteI must get this book! In fact, I was planning to order it from Amazon today at work, but I never found a spare moment, even on my plan time!
ReplyDeleteVal--I think you will find a lot in common with the teacher who wrote it.
DeleteSuch relatable issues. I will have to rad this one. Thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteLinda--Yes, you can read it next school year… when you're retired.
DeleteOne of my daughter's good friends is a middle grade teacher in New York. She teaches Spanish, and loves it. I always enjoy her FB posts and some of her stories. She's only been at it a couple years, but I sure hope she hangs on, because she's really one of the good guys. I'll tell her about this book for sure.
ReplyDeleteLisa---Schools need young, fresh dedicated teachers, because the old ones like me are getting tired...
DeleteTeaching is much more demanding than most people realize--and getting more so every day. When I left, it wasn't about the kids. But sadly, I think it's often the kids who pay the price...
ReplyDeleteCathy--You are right. Most of the stuff I don't like is the non-kid stuff.
DeleteI have the utmost respect for teachers, and had even more after reading Shannon's book. I don't even pretend I have the chops to be one! I am so happy to hear you work in such a supportive environment, Sioux. I wish I heard more stories like yours! In my kids' school, hugs are allowed. In fact, my son, who's in third grade, won't leave for the day without first giving his teacher a hug on the way out the door! I'm sure it's probably a much different story in middle and high school, though.
ReplyDeleteRenee--We hug too. In Shannon's school--as you well know--it was a different story.
DeleteSo glad you have a great principal. That makes such a big difference. I'm not allowed to hug children, so every now and then when one hugs me, I start to hug back and then do that awkward, quick pat-on-the-shoulder thing. It's sad.
ReplyDelete