# data[].attributes.headline
I feel like this is a bit of a trap, because one reason I'm here is for the kids--to help them learn and be the best versions of themselves. But also, I'm here to do a job and earn a paycheck to provide for my family. I would not be here if I did not need that paycheck, because this is too hard. That should be okay to say, and yet I feel uncomfortable saying it. This week I'm acutely feeling that the unacceptable conditions we are under are being minimized because "we're here for the kids." I'm a human being, here to do a job. Things are not okay at my job. And we can't take advantage of teachers' desire to help our kids to try to justify unacceptable conditions for teachers. It is toxic, and it will make good teachers leave.

# data[].attributes.subject
I feel like this is a bit of a trap, because one reason I'm here is for the kids--to help them learn and be the best versions of themselves. But also, I'm here to do a job and earn a paycheck to provide for my family. I would not be here if I did not need that paycheck, because this is too hard. That should be okay to say, and yet I feel uncomfortable saying it. This week I'm acutely feeling that the unacceptable conditions we are under are being minimized because "we're here for the kids." I'm a human being, here to do a job. Things are not okay at my job. And we can't take advantage of teachers' desire to help our kids to try to justify unacceptable conditions for teachers. It is toxic, and it will make good teachers leave.

# data[].attributes.headline
I would say it is because of the kids, but most days I honestly don't know. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I would say it is because of the kids, but most days I honestly don't know. 

# data[].attributes.body
For me, I have come to work every day - for 37 years I have either taught or led an elementary school in an urban district - I come every day hoping to make a difference in the lives of children and also staff. I want to help staff grow into their careers.... but above this, I show up because I have seen the inequity that exists between suburban schools and urban schools and it so wrong! If I can do something, anything, to give our children, our families, a school they deserve, then it is worth everything.

# data[].attributes.body
I am here to build the kind of world I would like to live in. I'm here to give every student the opportunity to be successful, and to know that someone truly cares for them.

# data[].attributes.headline
Kids deserve an amazing education, no matter the zip code. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Kids deserve an amazing education, no matter the zip code. 

# data[].attributes.body
I was a child who was often not listened to when I was upset, angry, frustrated, etc. I want to be an ear for those who need it. I want these students leaving my room not only better academically, but better overall as humans. I want them to know there is more out there. I want them to believe in themselves the way I believe in them.

# data[].attributes.headline
My Why? I'm here to make a difference in the lives of children. I want them to have a better life and be prepared for what life has to offer. I also want them to feel safe and loved here. 

# data[].attributes.subject
My Why? I'm here to make a difference in the lives of children. I want them to have a better life and be prepared for what life has to offer. I also want them to feel safe and loved here. 

# data[].attributes.headline
For myself, it's the fierce and fabulous smiles of the kids. I am also thankful to work with adults that can provide positivity and humor when needed. Positivity and humor makes coming and doing our jobs awesome. I want to empower and give kids the confidence to be successful in life and make sure there live is even better than they can imagine it being. More importantly, I want kids to be comfortable to go into the real world with confidence.

# data[].attributes.subject
For myself, it's the fierce and fabulous smiles of the kids. I am also thankful to work with adults that can provide positivity and humor when needed. Positivity and humor makes coming and doing our jobs awesome. I want to empower and give kids the confidence to be successful in life and make sure there live is even better than they can imagine it being. More importantly, I want kids to be comfortable to go into the real world with confidence.

# data[].attributes.headline
When I first started teaching, I said I wanted to make the difference in the life of one student. Over the years, one was not enough. Our kids deserve me! A teacher who will give them all I have every day and will love them forever. They will forever be "my" kids.

# data[].attributes.subject
When I first started teaching, I said I wanted to make the difference in the life of one student. Over the years, one was not enough. Our kids deserve me! A teacher who will give them all I have every day and will love them forever. They will forever be "my" kids.

# data[].attributes.body
I know that all some of my students have is me. While some days really suck, the good moments are why I'm here. Regardless of what they do or don't learn, I'm here to make a difference in my students lives.

# data[].attributes.body
Not really sure today!  After the weekends events and some thinking about the kids who I've had who have lost their lives to violence, I'm just not sure.

# data[].attributes.headline
Today, I do not know how to answer that.  I know that I am here to make a difference.  

# data[].attributes.subject
Today, I do not know how to answer that.  I know that I am here to make a difference.  