Dear School Board.....

May 27, 2014

Hello.  My name is Tamara Lancaster.  Here is my story…

 

I am a child of God.

I am a wife.

I am a mother.

I am a sister.

I am a daughter.

I am a friend.

I am a paraprofessional in the Autism classroom.

I am worthy.

I am important.

I am trustworthy.

I am reliable.

I am patient.

I am kindhearted.

I am willing.

I am committed.

I am funny.

I am compassionate.

I am dedicated.

I am able.

I am calm.

I am reassuring.

I am creative.

I am strong.

I am interested.

I am supportive.

I am delighted.

I am emotional.

I am frustrated.

I am resentful.

I am tired.

I am angry.

I am confused.

I am in need of answers.

 

How on earth do you expect me, as well as my friends and co-workers, to continue to make a positive difference in the lives of young children?  How do you suggest we continue to offer every part of our being to the students and families we serve, knowing we are not valued monetarily or supported in our efforts?  How dare you suppose that what you are currently offering us will be accepted and considered fair?  How can you lay your heads on your pillows at night knowing you did not stand up and make your voices heard regarding the numerous concerns your county employees have mentioned to you?  For those of you with children, how can you accept mediocrity from your school board officials, knowing it is negatively affecting your own kids?

Why are you tolerant of the ludicrous pay scale?  Why do businesses continue to take precedence over our children – our future?  Why does the almighty dollar mean more than the education and well-being of the numerous children and families that demand our time and talents each day?  When was the last time any of you stepped foot into a classroom and actually took a moment to see how amazing we are?  Instead of continuing to insist that teachers collect data and create binders to show you how incredible they are, how about you actually COME AND WATCH THEM TEACH THE CHILDREN IN THEIR CARE?

Come see them greet the children by name each morning, console an upset student because of something that happened on the way to school, engage their classes into meaningful lessons that will positively impact them, and present topics that are interesting, creative and important.  Check out how well they handle all of the disruptive behavior issues in their classes.  See how they manage to reach the low students who need support while still engaging and challenging those who are higher thinkers. Watch how well they manage classrooms filled with 28, 29, 30+ students by themselves.

I invite you to walk with me as I physically, emotionally and intellectually interact with the incredible students I work with daily who happen to have Autism.  Watch as I encourage them to read, recall details, add, subtract, build, create, move, eat, use the bathroom, attend specials (PE, Music, Library, Art) and learn with their peers.  There is no down time in my day.  I accompany these beautiful, bright, fabulous children throughout their day from the class to the cafeteria, the bathroom and beyond.  I hit the ground running, and don’t stop until I escort my last student safely to their vehicle at the end of the day.

We are expected to perform at higher standards with lower pay, now increasing class sizes, and added stressors such as testing, data compilation and more meetings that just take away from the art we so love…TEACHING!  It is beyond time for a change.  We simply cannot do it alone.  We must have your support, encouragement and commitment to ensuring that our needs are met.  You will not regret it!  I guarantee it. 

The saddest thing to me is that I am now facing a decision to have to leave a profession that I love in order for my own children not to suffer due to my lack of funds.  What a crime that is.  Even worse, I know if I do leave, a replacement would soon be sought, without regard for any of the dedicated service I have given SCPS, knowing they can easily replace my position.  Well guess what?  You can hire another paraprofessional, but you will lose out on an incredible employee who absolutely adores what she does each day.  I know I am making a positive difference in the lives of young children, and in the kingdom of heaven.  Too bad I have to choose something different just to survive….shame, shame, shame.

 

Sincerely and with an eager, hopeful heart,

 

Tamara Lancaster