So many of the amazing educators that I have been privileged to work with have said that their parents never wanted them to become teachers; the co-founders of FLI both experienced the gut-wrenching reaction of our parents when they told us, upon our acceptance into Teach for America, that we could do better. A decade later we are both proud to say that we stuck with education, but it wasn’t easy.
While this is sad, it is a reality that public servants have to give up a lot to do what they love, and to make an impact for others.
Check out a recent EducationPost blog by Latisha Marerro,
Parents Don’t Want Their Kids to Be Teachers But I Do
For the first time in the poll’s 50-year history, a majority of parents are reluctant to support a future for their children as educators in public schools.
FLI knows that much of this issue steps from a system where 40% of our students cannot see themselves represented by the educators or school leaders that are in front of them each day. We are working to change this. We know that systemic change takes time, is hard, and must be strategic, which is why we partner with schools to incubate initiatives to increase equity and inclusion. One day, the teaching profession will not only represent our students, it will be valued by all people.
Hang in there, educators. FLI LOVES YOU! 