Several people have asked me why I did not join them in Albany for the big rally, which drew more than 10,000 people to protest the state’s overuse and misuse of high-stakes testing.
I was invited to speak, but I declined because of health reasons. In the past couple of years, I have had severe spinal pain due to arthritis. It comes and goes. It was especially bad in May when the invitation came, and I am dealing with it now with doctor’s visits, x-rays, MRI, medication.
I wish I could have joined you in Albany. I hope you understand why I did not.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Take care of yourself, Diane – we need you.
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Indeed!
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Diane, so sorry to learn of this. Of course, your decision is understandable – and wise. As with all the challenges you take on, I am sure you are managing this one with grace and courage.
-jg
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One person can only do so much. I’m sure your work played a large part in drawing the crowd whether you were physically present or not. You turn one voice into many.
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We missed you Diane! It was a great day, full of hope and solidarity. My one beef was that there weren’t enough concrete courses of action proposed. Only the wonderful kids who spoke seemed to have done any real fighting. We need concerted steps to take!
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Diane, I think it is your work that inspired those who did attend the rally. Keep doing what you are doing:) You are my inspiration. Words matter!!! xo
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Diane, You have made this selfless promise to be speak and rally for educators, helping teachers and students to feel that someone really cares. But remember this, your health comes first and we understand that you cannot be every where all the time. Only Samantha from the late TV series Bewitched had that power. She wiggled her nose and poof…
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You have done so much work to right the wrongs in education that you need no excuse! Please take care of yourself because you have educated and inspired so many and we need you strong for we have a long way to go.
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I so agree!!
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Get well soon and thank you for all your work. I have always admired you as an academic even when I disagreed with you and greatly appreciate your work as an activist on behalf of our children and educators.
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I hope you are feeling better soon. We need you!
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PLEASE DO take care of yourself!!!!
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Diane, Glad you are taking care of your health. Please know you are an inspiration to many and I draw from your strength and wisdom. Be well.
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Diane,
Your health comes first. You got the ball rolling.. now it’s up to us to put our backs into it and keep it rollong right over the reformers.
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Not to worry, I will be ready in September when my new book is out. I will travel the nation supporting teachers and public schools against the privatization movement.
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Diane,
Please, please, take good care of yourself. Find time to relax and restore. Your health is # 1, always, always…
We will join you on your tour, city by city, state by state, our voices will join together and be heard with yours at the helm.
Thank you for your heart, your intellect, your perseverance, your vision… your courage to “right what is wrong,” for our children, our teachers, our democracy.
You are my Hero.
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I speak from experience: get a thermophore heating pad (moist,penetrating deep heat). It is not a cure-all but it can help. You can compactly take it with you as you travel the nation! Also, Powerstep Pinnacle shoe insoles and/or Heel That Pain heel seats insoles (the hard/firmer kind not the gel kind) because each step you take affects the back! I’ve been there and I feel your pain. Best wishes and hope you get relief soon.
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I echo that, Diane.
You are my hero!
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She has definitely got the ball rolling. North Carolina is getting national attention now!
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Feel better soon, Diane. We need you strong. Thanks for all you do!
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Get well soon! You’re blogging probably raised the awareness of many who did attend.
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I was there. I was discouraged with the number in attendance. 10,000 would be high, maybe twice as many who were actually there. My union rep suggested 350 from the Rochester area went, which the local paper corroborated. So, take an average of 350 from Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany may have a had a few more due to proximity…Southern Tier, North Country and the “downstate” delegation… I’d say around 5,000 on the high side. The first section in front of the capitol building was full, but not packed. Beyond that, it was a smattering of people. While I am glad to have gone, and will go again, it was a pathetic showing given the hundred thousand plus teachers in this state. I appreciate the work of my NYSUT to have made the day possible. They could’ve saved some money on the painter’s caps though….an “I was there” shirt would have been something I would have actually worn.
Diane, thanks for your tireless efforts. I enjoyed hearing you speak at the NYSSMA conference last December. Your advocacy for children and educators is amazing.
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Diane, you have probably done more good through this blog informing and encouraging the rest us than anyone’s physical presence could do at any one rally.
If you never left your house again and had to type this blog with a pencil in your mouth, your contribution would be still be crucial.
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Hope your back pain is alleviated. I have found that swimming is the best treatment for back arthritis, and I cured much of my other kinds of back pain with Sarno’s book (when the orthopaedists, etc couldn’t help–athough the exercises they have given me help, and stretches). Also you can get a deep heat (I think from Mercola.com)heating pad. I haven’t tried turmeric (?), but some say that helps too, if you are looking for more natural remedies.
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I agree that you need to move if you suffer arthritis. I’ve taken turmeric and many other supplements for years to no avail. I know have a knee that is just bone on bone – awaiting replacement. I can imagine how much worse spinal pain must be. Take care. But do a warm water swim if you can — I take a class called “poolates”.
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Hope you’re feeling better soon. You definately were the impetus for this rally, masterly working your magic behind the scenes.
20,000 would have shown had they known you were going to be there! Next time…because I think we’re going to need a next time.
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Thank you Diane. It has brightened my day knowing that you were asked to speak.
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I empathize with you. I’m glad you are taking care of yourself. You are important to so many people!
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Sorry to hear about your pain. Take good care of yourself.
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Take care of yourself!
You are so needed!
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D,
Hope you take good care of yourself. You ate making a tremendous difference and are helping to with the “spirit of the troops”.
Should also start thinking of an apprentice 😥: need you that much.
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Diane,
Please, please, take good care of yourself. Find time to relax and restore. Your health is # 1, always, always…
We will join you on your tour, city by city, state by state, our voices will join together and be heard with yours at the helm.
Thank you for your heart, your intellect, your perseverance, your vision… your courage to “right what is wrong,” for our children, our teachers, our democracy.
You are my Hero.
You are our Hero.
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Healing thoughts and thanks for all you do!!!
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Diane,
Please take care of your health. We need your voice of reason. You have inspired me and so many others to keep up the struggle. No “excuse” necessary.
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I am sorry to hear of your pain Diane. It’s good that you declined to speak because your health must come first. Please continue to take care of yourself.
You already go way above and beyond the call of duty (an understatement) and we know it’s because you care so much.
Hopes and prayers that you soon experience much relief!
I can hardly wait to read your new book in September
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Diane was with us in spirit and solidarity. Her voice is a unifying one we respect and admire. Dick Iannuzzi, NYSUT President
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Diane,
Have you tried an anti-inflammatory diet with no glutens or dairy?
Read up on Mark Hyman. It can really help you.
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Rest, refresh and recuperate, Diane. Take as good care of yourself as you do of everyone else in America. You are a national treasure!
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Please, you were missed but life is about balance. I’m impressed again because you know when to say no. I’m so grateful you are a voice for public schools and the time and energy you put into defending it…for years and years. It is evident. You know what you are talking about and make amazing arguments in a no nonsense way. I learn so much. I look forward to seeing you speak and continue to read your blogs.
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I was really hoping to see you. You are an inspiration and a great friend and ally
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Please, please, please take care of yourself. Rest and recuperate!
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So sorry about the pain. So excited about your book tour!
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