Dear Education Advocate,

Despite the good intentions of leadership, administrators, or lawmakers, we find ourselves in a time warp of the same issues discussed for far too long. However, there was a time when the following

• Educators were respected

• Educators were treated as professionals

• Educators had the autonomy to make decisions based on student needs

• Educators were provided a career path

• Educators were a part of the discussion and looked to when making decisions

The issues we are facing have always been there. However, non-educators have become the voice of what is needed as we have grown quieter. We turn to the water cooler, coffee maker, lunchroom, and before and after-school banter, and in doing so, we have chosen to stay inward rather than communicate outward. We must change our habits to change the results. It is the only way to attain a presence and movement for positive public education initiatives that build on the better times of the past while realizing new beginnings. So, the questions then become – “What will we choose to do?” “What do we need to fight for?” What do we deserve?”

Some will say that when we focus on stabilizing the profession of public educators, we are negatively impacting students. Simply put, they are wrong. It is time we all stood up, shared our personal stories, and stopped feeling guilty for wanting not only what is best for our students but for our families.

So, on this day, I ask you to take that first step in building a movement. Make this day, the next, and the days that come fulfilled with a purpose to be a part of something that others will talk about and want to be a part of for years to come. I ask you to be the leader others need.  I ask you to forgive yourself when you don’t have the strength to be that leader. I ask you to lean on others in our community of shared purpose when you doubt.

What now? Now we organize. Now we support. Now we prepare for YOU to lead us into a legislative session that will have an agenda that may not be about you, your family, or your students. This is our time to begin the journey. Please join by doing the following:

• Complete the legislative survey.

• Share the survey on all social media platforms.

• Prepare to join us at the Capitol this legislative session.

• Text “edactivist” to 22394 to receive FEA Action Alert Texts

• Click here to subscribe to the FEA Frontline so you can receive updates regularly.

I started this journey with you all when I decided enough was enough. We can and will do better, I told myself then. I still live with that purpose each day. There are countless of us who feel the same way and many who have stepped up to lead. Now is the time to join us. My phone number is 850-294-6811. If you need someone to listen, if you need someone to be there, please reach out.

In solidarity,

Scott Mazur, LCTA President