From The President

Stand in the Gap and Share Your Story

The long-term relationships I built with my homeroom students were the highlight of my years as a high school teacher. Long before I had my own child, I thrived on being their “school mom” from freshman year to graduation. That experience was incredibly rewarding and joyful.

One of those students who stayed with me all four years was especially dear to my heart. He struggled at school and at home. I constantly fussed and encouraged him, like teachers do with students who don’t grasp their potential. Despite demonstrating his capabilities and making progress in many areas, major setbacks always seemed to follow. His determination to persist through challenges motivated me to do my part to help him through it all.

He loved soccer, and that kept him “in the game” for most of his high school years. I really wanted him to experience success and overcome his hardships. About two weeks before graduation, he got into trouble that rightfully resulted in serious consequences. Our administration took away his opportunity to walk at graduation. I was devastated. Although I knew consequences were necessary, depriving him of this significant life milestone seemed harsh. I went to work advocating for him with administration. Finally, I convinced them that he could face the consequences for his misbehavior through other means. He walked at graduation! Calling his name as he received his diploma was one of the most rewarding moments of my career. His face beamed as he made his way across that stage. This culmination of his journey, his struggles, and his successes made me incredibly proud because I had a small part in making that moment possible.

I am not sharing this story to sing my praises but merely to encourage you to continue advocating for our students even when it’s hard. We make a difference when we step up and speak out for them. My student simply needed an advocate who knew how to find a path to a better outcome. He needed someone to stand in the gap when he didn’t know what to do. We want every student to succeed and to prevent them from “falling through the cracks.” We need to empower students to tell their story and find the means to overcome barriers. Every student lives with his or her own set of challenges – whether poverty, home life, academic struggles, or behavior. Our challenge is to stay focused on advocating for every student to fulfill their potential. Advocacy comes in many forms. I know so many teachers who are shouldering the burdens for their students, especially due to the pandemic. We must continue to bridge the gap and advocate for them for equal access to resources, digital devices, internet connectivity, socialemotional supports, and so much more. Taking care of students’ needs should be our passion.

Likewise, educators need someone to advocate for us. PAGE members know that our legislative team will represent us well this session of the General Assembly as they do throughout the year. The pandemic can’t stop PAGE’s strong efforts for Georgia’s teachers and students. Let’s help our PAGE team continue to carry the banner for our students and us by responding to surveys, attending local government forums, and talking with our local representatives and senators about the real issues we face every day. Many of us combining our voices and working together makes a real difference.

We must tell our story. We can be proud of our journey and what we do for those we serve. Be heard, be seen, and stay safe!

Lindsey Martin PAGE President