John Arthur: My love letter to public education

I know things have been rough lately, and I don’t want to pretend like everything’s OK with us because it’s not.

It’s not.

But I’m not going anywhere, and I want you to know why. I want you to know why I’m staying right here, with you, and I want you to know why nothing’s ever going to change that. I want you to know why I love you.

First, though, let’s just clear the air. I know you hate it when I say that I don’t recognize you anymore, but I don’t! You’re out here with all your new technology and tools. You’ve changed, and that’s OK! So have I. I’ve changed, too. I’d like to think we’re growing together and getting better and better, don’t you?

I also know that seeing teachers calling it quits all around us is freaking you out. I get it, you’re afraid I’m going to leave you, too. You keep saying, “You’re going to find another profession with more money and greater prestige, and you’ll forget all about me.”

And, yes, that sounds kind of nice. But those other jobs don’t have what you have. They don’t have your heart, they don’t matter in the ways that you matter, they don’t make the world a better place the way you do. And no matter how much you seem to want to talk me into it, I’m not interested in any other job, I won’t quit you.

And I’ll tell you this, I’m not staying in this relationship for the kids. Lord knows I love them, but that’s not fair to them or us. No, if we’re going to make this work it must be because it’s best for you and me, teacher, and education. If this isn’t healthy then we’re not doing them any favors, we must take care of us before we can take care of them. Period.

Let’s recognize that a lot of our problems are just the pressures of the pandemic getting the better of us. That and these other people, the gossips and fearmongers, always inserting themselves into our relationship, they certainly aren’t helping. They’re making decisions about our relationship, deciding for themselves what’s best for us, and unfortunately, they have that power. I just hope that as they make their choices and pass their bills in their hallowed halls, they recognize the simple and beautiful foundation of our relationship: taking better care of me is taking better care of you and showing love for teachers is how you show love for public education.

And I know some people are out here saying crazy things, accusing teachers of teaching all kinds of nonsense in our classrooms. It’s not true. I don’t even know what some of it is. You know I’m committed to you, Public Education. I am committed to teaching truth and justice, to uplifting every child who comes into my classroom because you told me I must. And I’m also about uplifting every adult big-hearted enough to dedicate their lives to taking care of our kids, and I want to say thank you to all of them, too.

That’s why I got into this relationship in the first place, and that’s why after nine long years together I can honestly say that I am still madly in love with you. I love you because you welcome all kids into your classrooms and believe in their potential. You won’t turn anyone away!

I love you because you saved me when I was a kid. You helped make my dreams come true, and you better believe that I’m going to take good care of you. I see you; I celebrate you, and if anyone tries to say anything against you, I will rise to your defense. And, as you can see, I’m not alone.

I need you; our kids need you; our country needs you, and I thank you sincerely for the beauty and blessings you bring into all our lives.

Sincerely, Your Devoted Teacher,

John Arthur

John Arthur, Bluffdale, teaches sixth grade at Meadowlark Elementary in Salt Lake City, and is the 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year.