Critical Voice

Having a "critical voice", or standing up for what you believe is right, is one of the most important qualities anyone could ever have, especially teachers, because often times they will need to serve as advocates for their students. Situations will arise at some point, sooner or later, that you feel strongly about and hopefully your conscious will urge you to allow your critical voice to be heard. Personally or professionally, there will come that time in every one's life. The surest way to become unpopular with people these days is to stand up for an absolute standard of right and wrong. You'll probably be ridiculed or flat out rejected for saying certain things are right or wrong, but staying true to your beliefs always wins in the end. Right?

Is it always a good idea to let that critical voice speak? I thought about this the other day in class when we were discussing some of the scenarios from the first article. (I can't think of the name right now!?) The sad truth is that new teachers have virtually no job protection. That's scary, because we all want to get and maintain our positions as newbies. It's possible for someone not to be selected to be rehired for next year based on anything that may have upset their colleagues or administrators. I would think that some administrators would welcome a fresh, new teacher who stands up for what his or her students need, yet some would not and could see this as "bucking authority."

I guess everyone has to judge their own situation and act accordingly. I would love to say, "O'h yes, I will defend what is right 100% of the time, no matter what," but I admit that I don't want to be the one that rocks the boat. Yet, as I continue to argue with myself, I think of a quote, "If you don't stand up for what you believe in, who will?"

Tenure! Now, that's what I need before speaking up, right? It seems to provide a safety net for job security at least. In the meantime, I'll have to read my administrator carefully and ultimately remember to do what's best for my students. After all, they are the reason I am there!