education · friday poetry · poetry · politics

Educational Policy on Poetry Friday

Stacey Shubitz

Wild Rose Reader is hosting Poetry Friday this week.
Wild Rose Reader is hosting Poetry Friday this week.
The Conventions are over. As Americans, we’ve heard a lot of rhetoric and many attacks — on both sides.

I feel each of us, as teachers, must inform ourselves about the educational policies of both candidates so that each of us can make an informed decision about the policies that will affect our everyday lives as educators.

You can read more about each candidate’s educational policies by clicking on the links below:

  • John McCain
  • Barack Obama

    • But please don’t stop on those pages. Click on the hyperlinks to learn more than what’s just contained on those educational policy pages. [I’m linking to a press release and a speech too. For more on McCain’s plan, click here. For more on Obama’s plan, click here.]

    This forum is not a place for us to get political. However, if you’re really curious about who I’m supporting in this election, then read this very rough draft of a “Where I’m From As An Educator” Poem:

    I am from student teaching in
    Alphabet City and Spanish Harlem,
    which made me choose to teach
    in East Harlem
    when I completed my first masters.

    I am from schools in low-SES communities
    where an overwhelming majority
    of my students
    each year
    qualify for free- or reduced-price lunches.

    I am from wrapping on school cafeteria doors
    and sending kids down to a compassionate nurse
    when their bellies were empty
    at the start of a school day
    so they could have a proper breakfast
    and focus.

    I am from students whose parents
    put them on buses
    as early as 6:00 a.m.
    so that they could attend a better school.

    I am from soft tissues
    used to dry the tears of students
    who felt anxious the day of NY State or NY City Testing
    since they knew so much
    was at stake — summer school if they didn’t pass.

    I am from stories of apartment fires
    and have watched families relocate
    after their home was no livable.

    I am from classrooms
    that I make as homey as possible
    so my students feel
    like they have a second home.

    I am from young writers
    who record the stories of their lives
    on blank pages.
    The ups, the downs, the in-betweens.
    All of their words
    wash over me
    reminding me daily
    that I am privileged to be
    trusted with the stories
    of their lives.

    When I look for a candidate, I don’t just look for someone who is going to benefit me as a teacher, but I try to read between the lines in order to examine which candidate will truly make my students’ lives better so that they can feel safe when they walk to and from school with the knowledge that if they work hard in school, and do their personal best, they can live out their version of the American Dream.

    Edited at 23:15 p.m. to include this image:

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    Published by Stacey Shubitz

    Stacey Shubitz is a K-6 literacy consultant and former elementary teacher. She is the author of CRAFT MOVES and other professional books on writing workshop. Her forthcoming book, MAKE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM WORK FOR YOUR CHILD WITH DISABILITIES (Guilford Press, 2026), empowers parents to navigate the special education system.

    10 thoughts on “Educational Policy on Poetry Friday”

    1. It sounds like our classroom of students are very similar. Great post. Again…this is one of my favorite blogs. I found your blog this summer and send it out at least once a week to my colleagues. Your heart for students and to teach them well inspires me…especially after really long days!

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    2. It is a hard balance. Politics are very sensitive as a subject. We write what we are passionate about. I love that people are talking and writing about who they will vote for. I hope the vote will truly represent the people and lots of people will get out and vote.

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    5. Hi Stacey,

      I found your poem very powerful and moving–thanks for sharing it.

      And I too at first thought you were endorsing McCain when I got to the graphic of those happy smiling faces….but could not believe it.

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    6. I discovered this blog a few weeks ago and have been reading every few days. I think it’s difficult not to feel strongly about a candidate as a professional educator. I’ve found that the candidate I feel passionately about (Obama/Biden) aligns with my general teaching philosophy, as well. The two are inseparable in many ways.
      I appreciate your writing! I’m starting a new year at a different grade level and am having a difficult adjustment (it’s only my second “official” year). This is a great place to come for inspiration.

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    8. Rissable:

      I’m actually NOT endorsing the GOP/McCain. I thought the second graphic would make show who I was for, but perhaps the image wasn’t the right one…

      -Stacey

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    10. How can you say this is not a forum for politics when posting your views about the candidates clearly is? I applaud your urging us to read before deciding but how many Americans take the time to do that? Of course, we who read your blog are educators and we read, but in today’s world, isn’t it easier and faster for most of us to read the small bits of information and look at photos? I wonder if your endorsement of the Republican candidates may sway people who do not take the time to read to decide to vote for a candidate based on reasons they do not even realize are not quite right for them. Just something to think about. As always, thank you for making me wonder.

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