Maybe you've heard us speak about the importance of writing instruction in creating a more democratic society. Perhaps you've seen us present about helping young writers consider their words as a way to protest inequity and injustice -- whether it's a blog post about the rights of undocumented students, or a letter to a principal about the unfairness of silent lunches.
If you've been to one of our sessions, you've most certainly heard us talk about the importance of seeing asset in all students, recognizing the strength and brilliance every single child brings to a classroom.
If you're reading this, you've probably met some members of our grassroots collective. I bet they'e gushed about their awesome kiddos and the amazing words students have put to paper. Probably these teachers pulled out their phones and showed you the latest publication event they hosted, where every student shined.
But here's what you may not know. And it's way overdue that I share this.
In addition to all the work I outlined above, so many teachers in HTWP work for a better world OUTSIDE their classrooms too. They dedicate countless hours volunteering to keep our collective alive. To keep this sort of teaching alive. I won't name folks specifically, as there are too many. But if you're reading this, you know who you are. I'm talking about you, social justice warrior. This is you.
We are grateful. I AM GRATEFUL.
So, thank you:
*To the teachers who show up every single Saturday workshop, no matter what...pulling themselves out of bed to be part of these conversations.
*To the teachers who volunteer to help with the registration desk on these Saturdays, taking money and checks and greeting everyone with a warm hello.
*To the teachers who field emails and phone calls, helping us figure out next steps for a professional development day or a training.
*To the teachers who email their friends, telling them about our next big event.
*To the teachers who advocate with administration, lining up more work for us or creating space for new instruction in districts and schools.
*To the teachers who coach newbies as they take on this big work, sharing their expertise with generosity and kindness.
*To the teachers who gather purchase orders from their schools, so their friends can attend workshops without having to pay out of pocket.
*To the teachers who give up time over the summer, offering to help with our Institute.
*To the teachers who give up time over the summer, offering to work as leaders as we plan our next year.
*To the teachers who give up money to hire sitters, so they can attend a Saturday or pay a visit to our Summer Institute.
*To the teachers who spend time away from partners or spouses whenever they volunteer extra hours with HTWP.
*To the teachers who dedicate hours planning a presentation for a Saturday, and then show up and kick ass with so much great stuff. (Sometimes these folks haul boxes and books from their car in the Brazos garage to the Sanchez Building. It's not close.)
*To the teachers who volunteer their classrooms for researchers, so our work can be part of critical conversations in the field of education.
*To the teachers who form study groups, dedicating nights and weekends to learn more about their craft.
*To the teachers who offer their classrooms for model lessons, so we can videotape new stuff to share with others.
*To the teachers who hound kids after those lessons, trying to gather permission forms so we can use the video with others.
*To the teachers who form writing groups, knowing that teachers of writing must write.
*To the teachers who fill up those Amazon carts with beautiful new books, spending their own money to buy texts that reflect all the beautiful cultures and languages in our rooms.
*To the teachers who know we can't just shut our doors and do this work alone. That for real change to happen, we need a community.
And so they keep doing all of this. Every day. Every year. All the time. No matter what. Por vida.
If you see one of these teachers, tell them you see their work -- their social justice work. Tell them it matters.
And tell them thank you.
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