I sit down with one of my students, for what turned into a reflection on the last chapter of my time at this school. She talks about how important it was for students to have someone who could bridge the gap between them and their teachers—someone who spoke up for “the party that wasn’t there.” Explaining the teachers’ perspective to frustrated students made a real difference. I was genuinely shocked when she told me, “I know for me personally, if we didn't have some of the conversations we had, I would still not like a ton of the teachers I have.”
I wish I hadn’t needed the reassurance, but the bullying and ostracization from some of my colleagues—and their insistence that teachers thought I was a "joke"—got to me.
My student’s words reminded me why the values I held onto as an educator—the importance of empathy, the necessity of real communication, and speaking up for those who aren’t present—were worth it, even if it meant losing my position.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jennibgaither.substack.com (https://jennibgaither.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
27 Sept 2024
Voices of the Unheard: July 2, 2024
In July 2024, Taniya, a member of the class of 2021, reflected on her experiences during the pandemic and how they shaped her journey.
Taniya shared the isolation and frustration of learning from home, the importance of getting therapy, and the need for more ethics training in both education and work. She also discussed the lack of accountability in education, both during and after that time. Now, as she builds her cybersecurity business and continues her education, we reflected on the long-term effects of those years and the urgent changes still needed in education today.
This episode is a reminder that the pandemic’s impact on students didn’t end when schools reopened. I also hope it gives you insight into how incredible my students are and why they were, and still are, worth fighting for.
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jennibgaither.substack.com (https://jennibgaither.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
27 Sept 2024
Voices of the Unheard: June 2, 2021
In this Google Meet, recorded in June 2021 after more than a year of virtual learning, we discuss the systemic failures that virtual schooling exposed and the ongoing communication breakdowns between students, teachers, and administration. The conversation sheds light on the emotional toll, the inequities in the system, and the persistent denial of institutional accountability.
Although these students’ voices—like those in November 2020—were ignored then, they now serve as invaluable primary sources that challenge the narrative of education during the pandemic. As the school system attempted to return to “normal,” students shared their frustrations with being forced to navigate an experiment that left many of them struggling.
My advocacy for students—based on the very principles my school had taught me—ultimately led to me being labeled a pariah and painfully treated as one. But we need to protect students, and we need to protect integrity.
Thanks for reading Now What! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jennibgaither.substack.com (https://jennibgaither.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
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