Activity
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michael74656 submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem (or letter) about a turning point in your life 8 months agoI Tore My Soul Out Today
Michael DeanI tore my soul out today
I could see no other way
Teaching was the goal I had
Since I was a little lad
Helping others to achieve
Was my purpose, I believe
But then ideology
Frustrated pedagogy
The choice for me became clear-
My kind was not wanted here
Thus I chose to walk away
And tore out my soul todayI tore my soul out today
I could see no other way
Students deserve honesty
Teachers with integrity
Discussing our history
Told to lie so they won’t see
The truth about prior pain
So the abuse can remain
With the truth play loose and fast
So we can repeat the past
Thus I chose to walk away
And tore out my soul todayI tore my soul out today
I could see no other way
Politicians monger fear
Demonize for all to hear
Students who don’t fit their mold
“So call them out” I am told
Put them at risk of abuse
Parents, peers, teachers, a noose
Pretend that they don’t exist
Convince them they won’t be missed
Thus I chose to walk away
And tore out my soul todayI tore my soul out today
I could see no other way
If truth you wish to discern
Science is the way to learn
Enabling discovery
Dodge cognitive fallacy
Contradict what they hold true
Though they be wrong, they can sue
You will soon be out the door
And able to teach no more
Thus I chose to walk away
And tore out my soul todayI tore my soul out today
I could see no other way
Ten Commandments on the walls
Bible verses in the halls
Bow your head, it’s time to pray
Everyone in the same way
You’re entitled to your beliefs
Public schools aren’t your fiefs
Teach them to your own children
And not someone else’s kin
Thus I chose to walk away
And tore out my soul todayI tore my soul out today
I could see no other way
Underfunded; called disgrace
Education’s aim efface
Keep them stupid and oppressed
They ban the books they detest
Analyze and synthesize
And you can see through the lies
Education is the key
To upward mobility
But I had to walk away
And tore my soul out todayVoting is closed
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Michael, I am an educator and I feel what you wrote in my soul. I haven’t walked away, but I understand those that do. As teachers, all we want is to help our students learn and grow, but what and how we teach seems to be dictated by people that haven’t stepped foot in a classroom. I’m sure you were a phenomenal teacher, and I am saddened that you…read more
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As a fellow teacher, I feel your struggle here. Love how you phrased leaving the profession as “tearing out your soul.” I completely understand the decision as there’s not much room left for soul in the “business” of education these days. I hope you find that that soul within you is indestructible and there’s a new home awaiting it out there.…read more
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