Hats off to teachers of Stoneman Douglas High
When I first heard news about the tragic events in Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, I feared for the lives of my two grandkids who attend a nearby school.
Since then, students’ mobilization against gun violence has become a beacon of hope. Their voices are strong, fearless and well-informed. Whether challenging the president, Congress members or apologists for the seemingly invincible National Rifle Association, the students had done their research and knew how much money lined the pockets of their leaders.
Clearly there was serious learning happening in this school. People who suggest teachers should start carrying weapons are ignoring the obvious. Teachers already are armed, and are in the process of arming their students. At Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, with more than 3,000 students, teachers tasked with the responsibility of educating, parenting, counseling and coaching already have given their students the ability to think creatively and critically — vital skills needed to be proactive citizens in a democracy. In an educational environment dominated by standardized tests that produce neat little charts and graphs, that’s no small feat.
Bravo to the history teacher, the debate teacher, the civics teacher, the drama coach, the journalism teacher, and all the educators who were never mentioned by name unless they died alongside their students. Whoever prepared these students to participate in public life at such a tender age, will you please step forward and take a bow?
When my grandkids have the opportunity to attend high school, I hope they’ll get the quality of education happening today at Marjory Stoneman Douglas.
Iris Keltz has lived in the Rio Grande Valley since the late 1960s. A retired educator, she divides her time between Taos and Albuquerque. She is the author of two award winning books, Unexpected Bride in the Promised Land and Scrapbook of a Taos Hippie.