Teacher gave a powerful speech explaining why he's resigning, and the whole school went silent
'We need the freedom to be a safe adult for the students to confide in when they need support...'
Education is sacred and should absolutely be free from any social, economic, or political bias. However, things haven't been the same, especially in Florida. Daniel Scott, a teacher at Springstead High School, resigned after working for three years. His resignation wasn’t driven by raises, promotions, or better jobs, but his reasons were a wake-up call to the education system. The Florida teacher's speech was shared by José Rolón (@nycgaydad) earlier this year.
In his speech, Scott mentioned discussions on pay, certification issues, and a lack of mentorship, but not the "Draconian working conditions" that have forced many teachers like him to leave their careers. He said a majority (83% of teachers) have quit the profession in the first three years. "I am leaving because I feel the board is more interested in removing pride flags and banning literature than they are in protecting us, as educators," Scott announced in the video shared by Rolón on June 23, 2023. He said he decided to leave his career because he no longer felt confident about giving his students a healthy and safe environment. "I am leaving because I refuse to work for an organization that sees supporting kids for who they are as indoctrination," he added. Scott mentioned that he refused to teach kids history that is based on a nationalistic narrative rather than an accurate one. "I am not the first to leave, nor will I be the last. Students need great teachers to protect them, teachers need a great school board to protect them," Scott said. Moving on, he continued saying how teachers should be allowed to teach students the subjects they have expertise in, most honestly, and without fabrication. "We need the freedom to be a safe adult for the students to confide in when they need support," Scott added.
Reacting to the video, @johnoglesby commented, "I totally agree with you; however, you're doing exactly what they want you to do: leave! Their aim is to destroy public education. If you don’t stand and fight, who will?" Similarly, @judithmarshall50 said, "I totally agree with everything he said. Unfortunately, his words are falling on deaf ears. The death of the teaching profession is exactly what they want. Words from one person will not suffice; what will is a physical united front in the form of strikes."
@eszostak1 said, "You would make a great president! Get rid of the old politicians who are only thinking of themselves! We need more great teachers to teach what is important to our children, and maybe we will have a better country and planet by the time they make better decisions than our current system!" @lalloupalooza wrote, "Forthright. Authentic. Brave. Heartfelt. Bravo. AND, what a tremendous blow to education and the many students who will never sit in his classroom." @bowen_barb commented, "Sadly but well said. My condolences for being put in a position that you need to quit a profession that you will obviously miss dearly." @catsgrandma1952 wrote, "I'm sorry they are losing a great teacher and an even better man. Thank you for all the lives you have touched."
You can follow José Rolón (@nycgaydad) on Instagram for more lifestyle content.
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