For the Weary: Oklahoma Teacher Walkout Day 8

I don’t presume to speak for teachers, nor could I possibly understand how they’re feeling about all that’s happened in Oklahoma lately. But I have been active in social media groups and online in my support for the walk out, and I’ve followed this matter closely. I’ve noticed a shift in mood in the last day or so, as it’s become abundantly clear that our state legislature and governor have absolutely no intention of providing further funding for education this year. Instead, the focus is shifting to audits and administration “reform,” using the same talking points we’ve heard these past few years to justify cuts to state agencies and services.

This disappoints me on many levels. Our teachers have done everything they can and more to shed light on the dire situation with Oklahoma education. They’ve walked out, marched, walked miles and miles, met with legislators, written eloquent and thoughtful letters and posts, and shared honest and painful truths. Yet it appears it’s not enough. The legislators and governor insist that the pay raise and funding increase they passed is enough and that teachers should be thankful and return to their classrooms. They claim there’s nothing more they can (will) do this year. Additionally, a group of “concerned taxpayers” has formed that is pushing a ballot initiative that threatens to rollback the passed funding and teacher pay raises, and this effort appears to be gaining momentum.

I don’t have much in the way of answers. I think the lines have been drawn clearly and it’s obvious where the priorities of those in power remain. I’ve tried to refrain from partisan politics in my posts, though it’s clear to me where the parties stand and who is willing to take further action, and who is not.

I hate to see the teachers give up now, and I hope they won’t. I’ll continue to support them as long as they remain at the Capitol and out of their classrooms. As we move forward, though, it’s important to think about what we who don’t work in education can do, and for better or worse that will involve politics. It will involve much more engagement on the part of parents and taxpayers and citizens. It’s not enough to just vote in general elections. It’s not enough to just pick a team and blindly support our preferred side. We must be engaged, as I’ve said before, in ways we haven’t. That means showing up in ways we haven’t. It means getting to know school board members and administrators. It means doing serious research on candidates and their positions. It involves much more than checking a box on a Tuesday without doing the homework beforehand, assuming we even show up to vote. It means supporting candidates who are serious and committed and willing to do the hard work it takes to both win and govern.

I won’t presume to tell you how to vote or which party or candidates to support, though this experience has demonstrated clearly to me where our elected leaders’ priorities are and what solutions, if any, they believe are necessary to address the issues the teachers have highlighted. The evidence is there, both in their words and deeds and lack thereof. I would caution against a knee-jerk anti-incumbent backlash, as tempting as it may be, however. There are people in the Capitol who have worked hard and tried their best. Though they may have come up short, we need their voices and leadership. Regardless of party, it should be clear who represents your priorities and your values. If you believe they represent you well, they deserve your vote. That being said, if you believe the status quo is acceptable, which I clearly don’t, then by all means let’s continue the pattern we’ve been in and elect the same exact people.

Like I’ve said many times, I’m so proud of our teachers. They’ve showed tremendous courage and strength. They’ve brought attention to serious issues that have been neglected for too long in this state, and in many other states. They’ve highlighted issues that many voters probably haven’t given a lot of thought until now. Regardless of what happens in the next few days, we owe them a debt of gratitude beyond the already colossal thanks we owe them for dedicating their lives to our children. Though it is difficult and frustrating, and in many ways unfair and unacceptable, we may have little recourse right now other than to voice our anger at the ballot box. See you in November.