Public education is the great equalizer

The following is a speech delivered to delegates of the ATA’s Annual Representative Assembly on May 20.

Good morning everyone. I deeply appreciate this opportunity to briefly bring greetings to this valued and valuable assembly. You are the reason I’m here today, in more ways than the obvious. 

I’m standing here this morning as a chronically disabled, excessively awesomely neurodivergent, fat femme who was raised in the Deep South and in a patriarchal culture that frankly doesn’t place a high value on any of these defining traits. 

I can sip sweet tea, clutch pearls, pat biscuits and spin a yarn under magnolias with the best of them, but that kindred country charm is worth a hill of beans when you’re different. It outright ends when you’re marginalized. It becomes a loop of bigotry and misogyny that makes sure that you know that you’re less than and frames your world view so that you actively gate-keep others into their less than roles as well. Access to quality public education breaks that cycle. 

I’m standing here today as a parent of five beautifully neurodivergent, culturally diverse, queer and racialized babies. I’m here as an education advocate that represents thousands of parents on school councils across our province. I’m here today because of each of you, because of your worthy profession. 

Education really is the great equalizer. Understanding the scope of our world, recognizing we are but a mere speck in a speck in the vast universe and that societies rise and fall, yet our humanity endures — all comes from my experiences within public education as a student. Teachers just like you nurtured my curiosity, helped me actively socialize, knew my worth and instilled in me such a profound respect for education that to this day, I know the truth. 

Education really is the most powerful tool we can use to change the world. I remember each teacher and their impact vividly, and I hope to honour their efforts by the life I live, the spaces I volunteer in and the communities I help build. 

It’s been a hard few decades in education here in Alberta. These last few years are ones I know we cannot forget. Our babies have been packed into classrooms, supports have been minimal, education has sometimes been a political football used to hopefully score votes, and teachers have been reduced to possible villainy. All for what purpose? Because education is the most powerful tool we can use to change the world. And you are world class educators. You are changing our world. 

We are not meant to be keepers of the world we inherit; we are meant to be innovative and expansive. Teachers, you are the light that sparks learning. You are the stewards of humanity and community. It is your work and your dedication that help every student make connections — to themselves, to their peers, to the concepts and to their communities. 

I recognize that you’re weary and worn. I also see how you still show up, over and over, for your students, for your colleagues, for your communities. Because of you, more people will have opportunities through education. More hearts will flourish, more minds will dig deep to create solutions and more growth will happen. 

Thank you for being agents of connection, keepers of curiosity and caretakers of compassion. You are professionals and you are partners with parents. 

I appreciate all the work you do in your classrooms, and all the work you will continue to do this weekend. You are important. Your work is important. From every student who has benefited from your dedication and expertise, we say thank you and we hope you have a good weekend participating in this valuable assembly. ❚