Still We Teach

This poem is written to be experienced in two directions. Read it first from top to bottom to feel the weight of fatigue, frustration, and uncertainty that we've heard elevated from many educators in the field today. Then, read it again from bottom to top—where the lines transform into a testament of resilience, care, and the unshakable reasons why teachers continue.

Still We Teach

We are tired and shaken

So stop trying to convince me that

We are stronger together

I’ve realized that

The system is broken beyond repair

And I’ve stopped believing that

We are building a better tomorrow

As we plant seeds today

Ever changing mandates and superhuman expectations

Policy makers with no classroom experience pushing 

Self-care is community care

But, the reality is

We don’t know how much longer we can hold on

We used to say

We stay because we care

We lesson plan after hours with no overtime pay

Our ears are burning with your condescension when you say “summers off must be nice”

Even though

Everyday someone raises their hand, learns to read, believes again

It’s impossible to ignore that

We still haven’t healed from the shutdowns and social distancing

Despite knowing full well that

It takes a village

The next generation will come to understand that

It just isn’t enough

So, I refuse to accept that

Progress is possible

Because evidence shows that

We are tired and shaken

How can you say

We are unbreakable

And still we teach