There’s At Least One Thing We Can Do…

I have been contemplating for weeks what to share on Teaching in Pink. So much has happened in the world! I’ve been trying to figure out how to see the coronavirus pandemic with a positive perspective, and how I can effectively show my support for the Black Lives Matter movement. I have to admit that I’m overwhelmed by both issues, and I find myself with so many more questions than answers. After all, what can a white, suburban teacher possibly have to contribute to either cause??? And then, it struck me…

I can teach kindness and compassion.

As I observe people’s responses to reopening their local economies, wearing facial coverings in public, and the protests related to racial injustices, the question I ask myself the most is, Why are people so mean? This is a question that we teachers can address on a daily basis, whether our classrooms are virtual or live. No matter what age group you teach or where on the globe your school is located, we can all teach our students the value of human lives and how all people are deserving of kindness and compassion.

So, as the news cycles continue, and our uncertainties continue to mount, we can rest assured that we have at least one question answered, and that we have the ability to make a positive impact in education.