Without a doubt, 2020 has revealed that educators are committed, creative, resilient, and flexible. We are built to last and willing to do whatever it takes to serve our students—even in the midst of a pandemic that threatens our health and that of our own families.
When COVID-19 closed public schools, NEA members tirelessly continued students’ learning, despite the digital divide we already knew existed. They fed children and families, designed hot spots for internet connectivity, worked with parents to help support the learning of their students, and collaborated with health care professionals to meet their students’ social-emotional needs. Educators stood in the gaps that are growing wider because of the inequities that have been built into interconnected social systems, adversely compounding to impact the learning of far too many of our students.
As a middle school science teacher of 31 years, I am grounded in the principles and laws of science. I was horrified when the current White House occupant—with callous disregard for the safety of our students and educators—tried to bully us into reopening school buildings and campuses, despite scientific evidence showing that doing so would be unsafe.
Here’s the rub: We would not be in this predicament had the person who is supposed to lead this nation actually looked the coronavirus in the face just seven months ago—when there were fewer than 10 reported cases—and made an attempt to be a leader. Instead, as a result of his denial and inaction, more than 6 million Americans have received a coronavirus diagnosis, our economy is in crisis, and both situations have disproportionately impacted our Black, brown, and Indigenous students and families, and those living in poverty.
We must be done with Donald Trump and Betsy DeVos. He is never going to lead. She is never going to care about our students. We’re done with the false choice between living and learning—being blamed for the failure of this administration to bridge the gaps in equity and fairness.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about protecting the ideals America is supposed to represent: inclusion, diversity, fairness, and equality. It’s about ensuring our students have the quality education they deserve. It’s about respecting educators and providing them with what they need to help every student live into their brilliance.
That is why delegates to the 2020 NEA virtual Representative Assembly recommended Joe Biden as the next president of the United States. For decades, he has worked to make the ideals of public education the reality of public education.
Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris, are true leaders who will help to strengthen public schools. They understand that public education is the foundation of this democracy. They will listen to educators and help us design a racially and socially just and equitable system that prepares every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world. They will fight for access and opportunity for all of our students.
It’s time for us to turn up the heat—to combine our commitment, creativity, resilience, and collective strength, stand in our power, and lead in this moment. On November 3, on behalf of our students, colleagues, and communities, let’s be the difference that elects a pro-public education administration.
