Dear Governor Hogan, Our Teachers are Educating Us
January 27, 2021
Dear Mr. Governor Hogan,
Our teachers have been working really hard to make this year as good as any other. Teachers have made learning into games, given us surveys to give them feedback so they can better teach us, and mastered so many other things to engage us in learning.
Just like us students our teachers had to adapt. Not only did they have to adapt, they had only days to do and then be able to help students do it. Just like us they are learning to do all their work on computers. Even more they’ve had to learn how to teach us through computers. They have been blamed for so many things they have no control over.
Each day they stare at a blank screen because students don’t turn cameras on, but when they do they let the students know it is the highlight of their day to see them. They want to see us!
The other day you said something quite hurtful- that students have not gotten an education this year. Well, let me politely tell you why you are wrong.
Not only have teachers been educating us on the material in the class, but they have also taught us how to adapt to situations we aren’t used to. I know how to use google meet and all sorts of digital tools that we had to learn right along with content, but I could not have learned any of it my teachers had not taught me how.
We are learning valuable lessons, not just our school work. Our teachers have had to learn, and then teach, and deal with computer problems, and still help us with things we need help with. We are getting an education, and if it weren’t for these amazing teachers we wouldn’t.
So please don’t say such hurtful things to people who have been working so hard to give us the education we need.
Sincerely,
A well educated student
Jonathan H • Apr 4, 2021 at 9:35 am
Thank you Emily. It means a lot to hear that from a student
Joan Martin Prince Georges' County Public Schools. • Feb 12, 2021 at 7:57 am
Very well said. Could not have articulated the sentiments any better. I am thrilled that students have noticed and appreciate all the educators who are doing their best to impart knowledge / academic and real life scenarios in order for students to make real connections. I love all my students.
Most importantly,
“SHOW US TEACHERS SOME LOVE… ONLY WHEN IT’S SAFE; WE WILL RETURN TO SCHOOL! HAVE A HEART”
THANK YOU STUDENTS FOR YOUR LOVE.
wendel matthews • Feb 8, 2021 at 3:25 pm
Thank You to all Educators for your outstanding Service!!!!
Benjamin Mcknight • Feb 7, 2021 at 8:11 pm
This is why we do what we do! #Educator for life!
surinder kaur • Feb 7, 2021 at 2:55 pm
Well said, Emily!!
I felt it came from my heart.
Binki McKenna • Jan 31, 2021 at 4:46 pm
Thank you, Emily! It was hard to hear our governor say that kids aren’t getting a good education when I know that my fellow teachers and I are working harder than ever to make a good situation out of a bad one. And pass the word, teachers get so excited to see their students! So turn the cameras on and spread the love!
M. Claire Bradley • Jan 31, 2021 at 4:13 pm
Thanks, Emily!! This made MY day!!!!
Tyleet Sampson • Jan 31, 2021 at 1:25 pm
Brilliant! Thank you
Kristine Bloom • Jan 31, 2021 at 7:01 am
Emily,
I totally agree with everything you said. I see how hard teachers are working as I supervise my two grandsons ages 7 & 9. Besides the academic content they are learning, I am amazed at their abilities and confidence using computers and navigating the cyber world. As a retired teacher with 35 years in the classroom, my greatest respect goes out to all teachers and students at this time. Keep on writing! You have found your voice!
Denise Gregorius • Jan 30, 2021 at 11:51 pm
Thank you Emily!
Debra Adams • Jan 30, 2021 at 6:57 pm
Thank you for sharing your support of educators during this extremely stressful time of transition. I’m so glad that you have teachers who are giving their all to provide quality learning experiences to you. I am a graduate of Kenwood High School’s Class of 1993 and a teacher serving her 23rd year of students. Keep making KHS proud!
Helen Banting • Jan 29, 2021 at 5:51 pm
Emily thank you for speaking up for the people who taught you to be such an eloquent writer , for teaching you to speak your mind in such a respectful way for teaching you it’s ok to not agree with what a government official has to say and that you can voice your opinion on the matter. Teachers are trying so hard to make sure students still want to learn and log in to learn and it is very difficult. We miss the school full of noise and laughter and faces. Thank you!
Shannon Canal • Jan 29, 2021 at 3:40 pm
WOW! From the mouths of babes! THANK YOU for your courage to address the hurtful comments made by ‘that man’. Your words are healing and inspiring!
Carla Sizer • Jan 29, 2021 at 7:52 am
Thank you for standing up for teachers!
Jerri Lingham • Jan 28, 2021 at 10:06 pm
Emily,
Thank you for standing up for teachers. They are doing the best they can during this unprecedented time and also for students like yourself who have had to adjust to a new way of learning.
Dorienne Varounis • Jan 28, 2021 at 10:04 pm
This really touched my heart. From a teacher, thank you, Emily! ❤️
Michael Jankowski • Jan 28, 2021 at 8:03 pm
Thank you Emily. We are working very hard to provide the best instruction we can under these circumstances. Really appreciate your words and support.
Mr. J
Perry Hall Middle
S. Greenberg • Jan 28, 2021 at 7:50 pm
Thank you! ❤️
B. Romano • Jan 28, 2021 at 7:23 pm
Thank you, Emily. We teachers are so proud of our students. I’m sure your teachers are very proud to
have you as a student! I look forward to reading what you write in the future. Keep up the great work and always advocate for yourself and others.
Wenona Galotta • Jan 28, 2021 at 7:13 pm
Thank you so very much Emily for speaking out on our behalf <3
Sharon Woods • Jan 28, 2021 at 6:32 pm
Thank you for your kind words and recognizing what we are doing! We really are trying our best!
Tori Wilson • Jan 28, 2021 at 6:29 pm
Very nice perspective Emily!
J.Singh • Jan 28, 2021 at 4:42 pm
Thank you Ms. Overby! The small number of leaders making decisions for the whole are not even on the outside looking in! You put into words for students that many may try to express, but have a hard doing so. You are right! The biggest reward that comes from this are the relationships that still can be built and remain strong even if we don’t see the students! I appreciate you. I appreciate being a teacher. I appreciate our students. I am grateful that we could get through this together! ~Ms. Singh
Nurse Quinn • Jan 28, 2021 at 4:30 pm
From the girl who I remember as quiet and shy, to a young lady who is finding her voice, proud of you!
Claire Ritterhoff • Jan 28, 2021 at 4:11 pm
Well stated, Emily! I hope your wonderful letter is brought to Governor Hogan’s attention. Not only are teachers providing excellent instruction under a most challenging situations, incredibly, they are also sponsoring extracurricular activities, such as The Eye of the Bluebird! I’m a retired BCPS reading specialist and they amaze me! I see a bright future for you as a writer!
Julie Boyden • Jan 28, 2021 at 3:16 pm
Thank you, Emily!
Today has been a TOUGH day!
I really appreciate your words. Very encouraging. If no one else recognizes what we are trying to do, I am glad that the students recognize!
Jessica Taylor • Jan 28, 2021 at 3:04 pm
Thank you!
Jeanne Hersh • Jan 28, 2021 at 1:04 pm
Thank you so very much! ❤️
Darlene Blankenship • Jan 28, 2021 at 11:33 am
Emily , you rock and you are beautiful . Your letter is certainly appreciated.
Joan Cooper • Jan 28, 2021 at 8:30 am
Emily—thank you for expressing the difficult but rich time teachers and students have spent together during this virtual year. I invite anyone who doesn’t think schools are “open” or that anyone who thinks students aren’t learning to spend the day with me. I’m grateful for my administrative team, planning teams, our parents and students.
Martin Bergoffen • Jan 28, 2021 at 7:31 am
Thanks so much Emily. Your advocacy skills will be a big plus as you set out to change the world for the better.
Rita Phillips • Jan 28, 2021 at 7:18 am
Thank you for so eloquently putting into words the thoughts and feelings of so many (myself, a BCPS kindergarten teacher, included) at this time.
Rebecca Chisholm • Jan 28, 2021 at 6:51 am
Well said! ❤️
Christy Moore • Jan 28, 2021 at 6:20 am
Thank you for this piece, and for understanding how hard teachers are working. We understand how hard students are working as well.
Amy Rosenkrans • Jan 28, 2021 at 4:59 am
Thank you Emily!
Victoria Baker • Jan 27, 2021 at 10:23 pm
Thank you Emily for standing up for what you believe is right!! Thank you for giving teachers a voice!!!!
Dave Quinton-Schein • Jan 27, 2021 at 10:06 pm
HECK. YES.
Thank you. Some days I ponder racing my wife to write my resume, but stuff like this keeps me in it.
Have fun saving the world. If it was easy, someone would have beat us to it.
Pamoja, tutashinda.
-Mr. QS
Dulaney High School
Richelle Sprouse • Jan 27, 2021 at 9:36 pm
Thanks Emily for those kind words! Some teachers have shed many tears trying to learn the technology and then implement it with little time for practice! Thanks for recognizing our struggles and hard work! We are dedicated to our students and their families and love our jobs!!
Courtney Stavrakis • Jan 27, 2021 at 9:21 pm
Thank you for standing up for your teachers, and for teachers all over the state! You are a truly outstanding scholar, and your voice is appreciated. Even if Governor Hogan doesn’t hear you, I hear you and the educators in Maryland hear you. We are proud of you and we are forever grateful for your support!
Vera Skinner • Jan 27, 2021 at 8:14 pm
Thank you!
Helen Tasker • Jan 27, 2021 at 7:59 pm
Thank you for this piece. I am high school English teacher in Western Maryland, and this reminds me that I am modeling how to get through these times. I will say that when students share their stories of how they are helping their families and communities, or even how they are struggling, my heart fills up. Your generation seems to be compassionate and engaged in so many ways. Thank you for affirming the teachers; it helps us carry on!
Be well. Shine on!
H. Tasker
Ms. Sullivan • Jan 27, 2021 at 7:19 pm
Well said, Emily O! Brava!