YES, YES, YESSS! Read Julie Conlon’s great story that explains why teachers must all tell our stories to people beyond our school. I can’t resist repeating just how Julie says it:

I would brag about Shauna, who read a Louisa May Alcott novel in a day, and about Roberto, who wants to start a student book club. . . . Unfortunately, the negative stereotypes of teachers as professionals will prevail until we convince others that our job is about a lot more than low pay and summers off. . . . The people we meet in a bar or those we sit next to on a plane cannot see into our classrooms to witness the daily flashes of brilliance, inspiration, and enthusiasm that fuel our fires and give us the energy to teach. Instead, they hear the stories on the news and believe them. We need to invite them into our world and tell the stories about the students and the teachers we work beside everyday.

Julie, I just hope that in this new year, teachers across the country begin listening to you.