Although I am not a classroom teacher, I am an employee in Unit A of the Northampton Public Schools. My role places me in the position of supporting the teaching staff as they work hard to provide educational experiences for students.
Every day I see teachers who bring their best selves to the classroom. They also bring articulated lesson plans, strategies for differentiating instruction for a wide range of learners — and snacks, arts and crafts, games, plants and other science materials, books and films, props and photos.
They bring years of training and experience, growth mindsets, SEI certifications, SMART goals and so many passwords. They bring patience and band-aids and kleenex for wiping away tears. They bring hugs and high fives and logical consequences. They bring hope and knowledge. They bring their hearts every day.
It is time for the leadership in the city of Northampton to do the same. Making a budget is serious heart work. It is time for those in a position of leadership to put their money where their heart is.
Kathleen Casale
Longmeadow
The writer is a school psychologist for the Northampton Public Schools.