I am a Florida public school teacher. Today, my entire class got up at noon and walked out. We'd heard whispers that it might happen. We'd seen it on the news and all over social media. I must admit, though, it caught me by surprise. I've been teaching 29 years. This was a first.
The protest was organized by students, apparently. They saw memes and flyers online and a few students in our building spread the word. So, when the clock struck noon today, they followed their plan. One student got up and the whole lot followed. For about thirty minutes, they stood on the bus ramp in silence. No one spoke of why they walked out. No one made speeches about gun control. No one prayed out loud. They just stood there in silence.
I watched them from afar as tears rolled down my face. They were tears of frustration. They were tears of anxiety. They were tears of fear.
I am at a loss for words these days.
Wow. This is powerful. If you don't feel safe in a place you're supposed to be educated, where can you find solidarity. I had no idea this walkout took place all throughout Florida.
Thanks and yes, apparently,it went on all over the country this week. They are calling it the National School Walk Out. When I got home, I saw it all over the news. I am keeping our school children in my prayers, daily. Blessings
It's awful, and so sad. On another note, though, I have to say I am proud of kids across the country for taking a stance. People have been at risk for a long time and nothing has changed much. Sometimes it takes change to make change.
I wish you and all your students the best of luck once everything has died down.
Thank you so much. Many blessings.
Have you found out what this walk-out is about? Although I'm not in Florida, but I can imagine how you and a lot other teachers in Florida must have felt.
These students should have a spokesperson. I'm sure they'll talk soon.
Yes, we learned they organized as part of the National Schools Walkout. It was a reaction to the Parkland High School Shooting last week. When I got home from work, I read of walkouts all around the country. I am not sure how many participated. Thanks & blessings.
In this case, I think the walk-out, although uncomfortable for you and a lot other teachers, was a good thing.
I haven't heard of the Parkland High School shooting and will Google to read up on it.
You are mistaking welcome.
It is a shame that our world has come to this. Young people are supposed to be our future. They should not have to live in fear. A lot of things went wrong with this tragedy which could have been avoided. It was quite evidently the young man had mental issues and emotional problems.
As adults we need to address theses issues more diligently if anything is going to ever change. My prayers go out to all the families and students.
Amen. I absolutely agree. Many blessings.
There are so many that are standing with the youth of today. I am so proud of these young adults. I refuse to call them kids. Because they have all lost a bit of innocence. If anything good can come from this horrific event is that these American Youth have been awakened and please know there are a lot of people standing with them. The administration and the N.R.A. think that this too will pass. But these young people will not forget and I pray they will show the administration that more people with guns in there schools are not the answer. Teachers have so much on your plates having to shoot a student or a fellow student should not be added to your work load. Strange how they have no problem finding money for more guns in school but not for any projects that will improve these young Americans lives that will help prepare them for a future. I applaud you all.
Thank you so much for your kind words. Many blessings.
Such a sad state of affairs where school shootings have become a common thing. Even more so in the Parkland case where there were so many warning signs..
This is heartwrenching to read. I've heard about the gun-shooting that happened recently. It is quite brave that students are taking a stand. You must have been proud seeing your students doing this for awareness. I wish you all the best.
Thank you so much. All children bear so much. I pray for them daily. Thanks for reading. Many blessings
Many blessing to you to. :)
real great orgnized class, have a great time.
what happens if there is a lefty in the classroom? No sits for them. Maybe they do protest for that as well.
You must continue your e.s.l. classes. Even your gibberish has errors.