My son wants to be a teacher
And I feel like I’m sending him into a war zone
Imagine my pride and joy when my son came to me and told me he wanted to be a teacher. This career choice was especially meaningful as both of my parents were teachers. Specifically, he wants to be a history teacher, just like my dad, the grandfather he never met.
My dad was a great teacher. He was the kind of teacher who made history and economics exciting, even for the kids who were failing in every other subject. My dad was a legend, and every student called him “Professor” from his high school days all the way through to his days as a college professor with not one but two Ph.Ds.
What mom wouldn’t be proud that their child wants to inspire and educate the next generation (or two).
And yet, with each passing day, teachers have become more than just those who expand worldviews, challenge students with new ideas, and push them to go the distance.
Teachers have become students’ protectors from bullies, book bans, fearmongering, and the saddest role of all, the first line of defense against an active shooter.
I suppose I could worry about him being arrested for teaching the truth about our country's history because that’s becoming more and more possible in a world where knowledge frightens those who want to control us. Perhaps I should worry about him creating a safe place for a student who has nowhere else to turn to talk about their gender identity, sexuality, or an abusive home and the parents those kids are running from.
But it’s the guns that worry me the most. I know my son; he will be the kind of teacher who would take a bullet for his kids, just like my dad would have.
And while I am so proud of him, I can’t hide the fact that a part of me wishes he would choose a career that is “safe.” It’s depressing to think that being a teacher is no longer… safe.
I’m angry that my opportunity to be proud of my son is now tainted with fear for his life. I suppose I would have a better handle on my emotions had he chosen to be in the military, also like my dad.
It takes a lot of compassion and empathy to be a teacher and courage, yet I never expected that courage would have to include facing down the barrel of an AR14.
The Trump/Vance team told us to “get over it” and that “It’s just a fact of life,” all the while refusing any legislation that might lessen the impact of gun violence. FYI, during the AR14 ban from 1999-2004, gun violence fell by almost 70%.
I guess they expect teachers to suck it up…right? As in so much of what our society values, it’s the money and their power that matters. Not the lives.
We don’t have to accept this as our “new” reality. We can choose to say no to more kids and students dying for no other reason than greed.
I wonder if we will have the courage to do that, or will we simply hand our teachers a panic button and turn the other way, offering empty thoughts and prayers?
We shall soon see.
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