Event in DC This Friday…Like, Tomorrow
Hi, Everybody–
There is an Occupy event being held tomorrow at McPherson Square, just behind the White House, at 15th and K St. NW. Easy to get to on the Blue and Orange line downtown. This is for educators and people who care about what they do.
I’ll be there and hope to see some of you.
Here are the details:
We teach the 99%! Stand up for public education in DC!
Grade-in and Speak out
McPherson Square | 15th & K Sts NW
Friday, Nov. 18, 2011 — 4:30pm
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From New York to Seattle, teachers have joined the Occupy movement to stand up for public education. The reasons should be clear: from high-stakes testing to merit pay; from school closings to privatization; from the routine disrespect of educators to the bashing of teachers unions – the 1% have carried out an ugly and vicious assault on public education.
During the years of Michelle Rhee, DCPS teachers were ground zero of this assault. These days, Chancellor Kaya Henderson embodies all of Rhee’s policies – with a (somewhat?) friendlier face. Once again, school closings loom on the horizon. Layoffs and excessing persist. The grueling nature of the IMPACT evaluation system eats away at the morale of both seasoned veterans and promising young teachers. Worse yet, the prospects for many of the amazing and talented students that we teach are bleaker than ever – as even those who make it to college are likely to be saddled by mountains of debt and to face growing unemployment.
Occupy DC in McPherson Square is the place to highlight these issues. For over 6 weeks, activists have occupied the square and have held inspiring teach-ins and actions challenging corporate greed. Join us as DCPS teachers gather for a grade-in, speakout and march on Friday, November 18 at 4:30pm.