A fierce urgency. This is what I feel when I walk through Erving Elementary School and witness massive dysregulated behaviors, anxiety, anger, and a loss of identity. I am watching my students facing the world of 2022, post COVID. I feel a fierce urgency when it comes to leveling the playing field so that all students have equal access to learning. My work as an educator is more important than it ever has been. I am talking about working with children who are deeply complex, who are impacted by variables that are outside of our control. We have been traumatized by the past two and a half years and children are bringing their broken sense of school and misinformed sense of humanity into this learning environment. It manifests as disruptive and distracting behaviors that take away from the job of educating. I fear that you have seriously underestimated the challenges of being a teacher.
The role of a teacher has changed since I first began 20 years ago. I became a teacher to do exactly this; make a significant difference in the lives of the children I teach, whatever it takes. For as long as I can remember, I have known that teaching is my calling.
It breaks my heart to stand in front of you today justifying my professional worth. I paid out of pocket to become a highly qualified and educated teacher. I proudly wear the badge of a classroom teacher. And I’d like to believe that you are proud to be a part of this distinguished organization sitting in front of you tonight. Erving teachers deserve the security of a fair contract.
Let me paint you a picture: a day in the life of an Erving Elementary School teacher. There are approximately six hours of content teaching in which we prepare dynamic and engaging lessons consisting of varying activities that address the diverse needs of each of our students. We assess the way our students attend these lessons as well as the work they produce in meaningful ways. We communicate with families and collaborate with colleagues on a daily basis. We meet benchmarks and standards. We juggle, shift, supplement and triage. We bring our passion, curiosity, expertise and support to transform a post-Covid population of young developing minds.
Erving Elementary’s support for students has always been impressive. I learned early in my career that the successful schools are those that function like a village — working harmoniously and symbiotically. Ten years ago, Erving Elementary was the epitome of a smooth running organization. The administration, School Committee and town community truly valued the individual talents of Erving’s devoted teachers. And that organically trickled down to the well being and achievements of its students.
The School Committee was present and involved holding monthly meetings that allotted a section of time to hear classroom updates from various teachers. Members were genuinely enthusiastic about our work and frequently visited classrooms during lessons of interest. I remember feeling honored to share a snippet of what was happening in my classroom and there was a reciprocal sense of trust and appreciation.
I have regard for this unique school and community, particularly because I have worked in schools with poor funding, overflowing class sizes and minimal support. Our school is amazing because of the people who show up every day. And our students need us now more than ever. We go above and beyond without blinking an eye. Technically our work day begins at 8:15, but you can be sure that many of us show up earlier. And technically our work day ends at 3:30, but I assure you that most of us are here much, much later. And when we do finally walk out of the building, it is often with our plan books, laptops, and papers in tow. We go above and beyond the hours in front of students because that is what it takes to do the most important job in the world: educate the children of our future.
Unit A teachers have been working for the past 54 days without a contract. I wonder if some of you would perform with this level of dedication if you were on our side of the table? Negotiations began in the spring, and we are beyond disappointed that a respectable, reasonable, fair agreement has not happened yet.
The consumer price index increased 8.2% from August ‘21 to August ‘22. We are experiencing the largest 12-month increase since 1982 and it is not projected to go down anytime soon. Social security received a 5.9% increase in 2022 and will receive an 8.7% increase in 2023. That’s the cost of living increase, net zero. The district’s negotiating team has shared that for every 1% increase in teacher salary calculates to approximately $16,000 divided among 28 teachers. That figure is out of a $3.5 million budget. Your low and quite frankly perplexing offers are insulting.
I have always believed that we are all here for the children. That every decision is centered around students. At this particular juncture, I am not confident that you are putting the students first and I question your motives.
It is naive to think that Erving teachers working without a fair and worthy contract isn’t impacting the overall morale and success of this school.
Elizabeth DeSorgher is a fifth grade teacher at Erving Elementary School and president of the Unit A president of the Erving Teachers Assocation. Her remarks were delivered to the Erving School Committee last week.