I just learned about Kipp Dawson early this morning. I got an email about a radio program where she is interviewed.
What got my attention was that Kipp spent 13 years working underground as a coal miner before she became a middle-school English teacher in Pittsburgh. I dropped a line to her, noting her unusual transition from coal miner to teacher, and she replied as follows:
You know, there is a strong parallel between these two “lives” these days. Underground we all were one another’s life savers; literally, of course. We watched out for danger and warned one another, and when one of us got hurt, all of us rescued. It was a fact of life, and it bound us all together despite whatever differences there were among us (race, gender, politics, etc.). It was the only way we could survive. And we knew things about “the life” that no one else could understand.
I’ll bet you know where I’m going with this. Today, under such scurrilous, vicious attack, teachers (and other school workers) have to be much like my coal mining buddies and I were. Unless we look out for and support one another — and perhaps even more importantly build alliances among all who care about kids and public education and our public sector workers — we’re doomed. And I don’t think we’re doomed! I feel a new period approaching where teachers are going to take back our profession, for the sake of our children.
You, Diane Ravitch, give us important tools with which to do this. We are grateful!
(PS: I wanted to delete the last line but Kipp said no.)
Great Quote. Worth repeating. Please tell Kipp Dawson — Bravo. gail janensch, Bridgeport CT
Gail,
Are you aware of the Jon Pelto blog here in CT. You probably are, but I just wanted to be sure. Here is another way to monitor the Vallas BOE:
http://www.aplusschools.org/good_over2.shtml
Click to access reportform.pdf
I will send you something else via email.
We are lucky to have have Kipp in the Pittsburgh Public Schools (she teaches at the school my two sons attend). And she’s right — there is reason for hope. We see a growing grassroots movement here in our part of Pennsylvania as families, teachers, and community members are uniting to fight for public education.
Well said, Kipp! Proud to stand with you.
— Jessie Ramey
So honored to call Kipp a friend and colleague here in the Pittsburgh Public Schools.
There’s something I can tell my student teachers!
This is the link to the interview with Kipp Dawson on Edcation Now! http://educationnowhermes.com/Education%20Now!%20Kipp%20Dawson%20AFT%20Conference%2008-16-2012%20-.mp3
Very nice analogy.
I met Kipp Dawson last week, and it didn’t take long to see that this is one dynamic and dedicated worker in the fight to save public education. Gates may have the money, but we have people like Kipp. That alone gives me hope.