Teacher Resigns, Addresses Students on Respect and Standing Up Against Injustice (Full Transcript)

Speaker 1: There will be no clarifying questions. I don't answer to you anymore. My name is Amanda Kaufman and I resigned my position as teacher for the Shawnee Mission School District effective immediately. Several years ago, a good friend decided to leave education and she said to me, Amanda, teaching is like a bad marriage. You never get your needs met, but you stay in it for the kids. I didn't fully understand what she meant until this past month. Just like a bad relationship, our communication has broken down. You aren't listening. I thought that maybe like a troubled relationship, we could go to counseling, get an outside perspective to work out our differences. But when you failed up, failed to show up to the conversation, but sent your lawyer instead, I finally understood that this just isn't going to work. The kids and I deserve better. Despite the accusation that we as teachers have not been focused on the students during this difficult year, I've been thinking the most about what my students are taking away from watching the way you treat their teachers. Talking to the board or the administrators in this building is like shouting into the wind and I won't waste my breath, but I would like to address my students, many of whom are watching the live stream tonight. All right, guys, you all know that the most important lesson I want you to take away from your time with me is just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Usually I'm applying that lesson to technology violations or intellectual bullying, but it's true in life as well. I could accept this contract, smile and stay silent about the lies the district perpetuates about its teachers, but that doesn't mean I should. I hope that in your future relationships, whether they be personal or professional, that you will walk away when you should just because you can accept less for yourself doesn't mean you should. Here's another important lesson. Despite what you may be told, respect should not have to be earned. It is owed to you as a human being, especially by those who have power over you in some way. Disrespect in an uneven power dynamic is bullying. When we see bullying, we must stand up and call it out. Even when it's hard, even when it comes at a cost, just because you could stay silent doesn't mean you should. Starting over is never easy. You eighth graders know that well, as you prepare for high school, let me assure you, it only gets harder as you age, but just because you can stay in a familiar place doesn't mean you should go chase your dreams. Find your passions. Remember me in your acceptance speeches, but don't worry about me. I'm a highly educated, very talented teacher. They are in high demand right now in other districts. And finally, I don't know what I'll be doing when the bell rings at eight 40 tomorrow

Speaker 2: morning, but I won't be greeting you in the hallways. Please don't see my empty doorways, the sign that I've abandoned you or that I don't care. That empty doorway is my sign that you are still my favorite humans. And I will always be your biggest advocate.

Speaker 1: There will be no clarifying questions. I don't answer to you anymore. Okay.