We’re more than the Common Core
We wake up early, every morning, ready to teach,
and we look forward to opening our classroom door.
We quietly ponder which student we’ll reach,
because we’re more than the Common Core.
We spend countless hours planning lessons ahead,
and we genuinely desire for our students to soar.
We reflect on each school day before resting in bed,
because we’re more than the Common Core.
We deliver instruction, plus manage off-task behaviors,
and we interact with students from eight to four.
We teach with conviction and with zero disclaimers,
because we’re more than the Common Core.
We seek ways to increase our students’ learning,
and we try to influence their lives, like never before.
Like Rafe, we teach like our hair is burning,
because we’re more than the Common Core.
We’ll always advocate for, and defend, public education,
but we don’t seek fame, profits or a national tour.
We believe every teacher deserves a standing ovation,
because we’re more than the Common Core.
We value our colleagues for the work that they do,
for no teacher wants to be considered a “bore.”
We spend our monies on paper, pencils, and glue,
because we’re more than the Common Core.
We don’t undervalue the power that WE possess,
and the need to teach ALL students to safely explore.
We teach to engage, and not to a standardized test,
because we’re more than the Common Core.