Speechless

I don't even know fully what to say about this news report on a teacher suspended for using the book The Freedom Writers Diary in her English classes. I've used this book. I've used the film in class. The film is the first realistic representation I've seen of teaching and the screwed up public education system without an over-glorified, all-sacrificing teacher who makes it look easy. The book presents authentic voices and situations. Perhaps this school board in Indiana is afraid of truth and afraid of their children's reality. With that they do their children a huge disservice. They are failing to keep their children at the heart of their decision-making. Remember, we teach the children we have, not always the children we want. If I were this teacher in Indiana, I would actively look for another job in another district.