Going Anyway

This Is About The Students

Tuesday, May 16

Today during my free period I received a call on my classroom phone.

"Mr. Easton," I said.

A lady introduced herself as Laura Pinkle from our local news station. "Would you be willing to sit down with us at your school to an interview with us?"

"What would this be for?" I asked shyly.

"A few people have told us about what you do with the kids and your way of teaching. We're very intrigued because we think education is very important, even in the roughest schools."

"It's most important in the roughest schools," I told her, but my voice stayed timid.

"There ya go." She sounded like she was just trying to agree with me. "We also understand that you're moving, so we know you're busy, but we'd like to do it as soon as possible."

"Okay, I'll have to talk to my boss, and see if he's okay with all of this."

"He's actually one of the ones who recommended you."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes."

"I'm not doing a good job of representing teachers if I'm leaving though."

"Do you wanna leave?"

"It depends on the day."

"May I ask why you are moving?"

"My aunt and uncle live up in Iowa, and my aunt is a principal at a middle school up there. Also, I'm raising my niece, and the schools are better there."

"What makes the schools better up there?"

"I think they have more money than we do, so they hire better teachers who are more dedicated."

"It sounds like you're pretty dedicated." I laughed a little awkwardly. "So, would you be willing to have a sit down conversation with us and talk more in depth about what you do for students and why?"

I stared at my white board, sighing. "I mean, I'm leaving in two weeks, so it's not going to be easy, but yes."

"But at least you care."

"Yeah, I know, and that makes it harder," I told her.

"We need people to care though, and I think you're doing something wonderful. I think your story needs to be heard. I don't know if you realize how many people you have personally affected."

I swallowed. "I literally have just been doing my job."

"You don't like compliments, do you?"

I chuckled a little. "I don't know. I don't get them very often." Then I realized that probably sounded like I was asking for pity.

"That is a shame."

"It's okay."

"It's not, but could we come down tomorrow?"

"To the school?"

"Yes, your principal already okayed this."

"Ummm, okay. When do you wanna come down?"

"We want to interview you during your plan hour, and film at least one of your classes. What are your plans for tomorrow?"

"I was going to have the kids finish their book report project."

"So, would tomorrow be a good time?"

"Yeah, actually, that works out just fine."

"Okay, perfect."

"When are you planning on airing this? Can you interview other teachers, too?"

"Probably Thursday night. We were planning on just interviewing you, students, and the principal."

"But—"

"Just let something be about you for once."

"But I'm leaving, so none of this should be about me. Really, this should be about the kids."

"But this is about the students if it's about you. You've made that pretty clear."

"Thank you."

We worked out the details, and the crew is coming tomorrow morning.

After that phone call, I decided to go down to Jeff's office. He was sitting at his desk, probably playing a game because he shut his computer quickly when I came in.

"What's up, Steven?"

"Congratulations, Jeff, your school is going to be on the news," I said, almost sounding bitter.

He folded his arms and leaned back in his chair. "Why do you hate me so much? Not everything is my fault." His bleak tone threw me off guard.

"I don't hate you, Jeff. I just think we could do a lot more than what we're doing." The lack of emotion in my tone calmed me.

"Maybe I've been too critical of your goals, but at the end of the day, I want the same thing for our students. I called this news station because you are selfless, and I knew that a little recognition of these students would mean everything to you. Yeah, in order to do it, you're going to have to speak out, but if people hear our story, maybe we have a chance at growing."

I took his words in and sat down. "It means a lot."

"I hope you know how much of an impact you've had here, and I hope you know that you have changed this place. When you leave, I promise, in your name, we will progress."

I tried to swallow the lump in my throat, but I couldn't do it.

"Don't get all emotional on me," he said, putting his hands up.  "We're the ones who are losing you."

I ran a hand through my hair. "Am I really doing the right thing?" My voice was quiet because if it has been any louder it would've cracked.

He sat up in his chair. "Let's just say if you want your job back, you have one here."