They're hearing us!

[proud2BlibKansan]

I was contacted by the campaign of a US Senate candidate. They are asking teachers to write statements endorsing her to put up on their website. I told the guy of course I would endorse her cause she's running against a disgusting human being as well as a horrible politician who doesn't begin to represent the kids in the state.

Then I said I wanted the candidate to make a statement on RttT. He said he had been calling teachers all day and was concerned that most of them had brought this up. I said hopefully none support it and he said no, he had gathered there was a 'disconnect' between teachers and Obama's education agenda. And he asked for details.

So you know me. I let him have it. Politely, of course :) And the guy said "Well I'm glad we are running our campaign this year and not in 2012." And I said unless the president makes some major changes in his education platform, he can count teachers out in 2 years.

And the guy said "Well then, he could lose labor too and who will do the door knocking and canvassing for him?"

We agreed this was a scary development and his candidate definitely needs to look into what is going on. He said there is no way he wants to see a Democrat running for any office who doesn't have the support of teachers.

Then he invited me to a reception for the candidate where I can discuss my concerns with her. And you betcha I'm going!

I realize this guy is just an underling on a campaign. But this was the first time I was asked what's going on. The assumption that teachers will automatically jump on the bandwagon to support a Democrat was not part of this conversation. That means they are listening. It's a small step, but a step nonetheless.

So let your voices be heard! They are listening!!

[Dinger]

1. Yes, I Think They Are Hearing Us.

I was scheduled to meet with a person connected to my congressman's re-election campaign this fall. Had a conversation which I suspect was very similar to yours. Also, I was going to work with his campaign to arrange a town-hall meeting with the focus being education, rttt, etc. But then my dad had a bad fall, and I am dealing with that now, and a student of mine passed away on that same day (Dante). I had to postpone the meeting, but asked that they call in a couple of weeks. Yes, they are starting to listen. It's actually not too late for Obama to change his education policy, but I am pretty sure he won't.

[Reader Rabbit]

2. That gives me a lot of hope.

Hope has been in very short supply since the insane RttT has been around, not to mention a president I voted and canvased for bashing teachers whenever he gets a chance.

[Hawkowl]

3. Good on you!

Keep it up!

[YvonneCa]

4. I agree with you. I think we have been...

...heard. Finally. That doesn't mean, necessarily, that things will be done as we say...but I think it means that teachers' voices will at least be considered. THAT is all I am asking for.

I want Obama to do education right...and be successful in improving public schools. I worry that that won't happen if only NYC, DC and Chicago reformers have his ear. That will hurt both the President and Democrats...not to mention children, schools and teachers.

This is hopeful. Thank you for sharing it here. :hi:

[femmocrat]

5. Thank you for speaking up for teachers.

You are an excellent spokesperson for us! :hug: