In education, we talk a lot about teachable moments. Over the past four weeks, we have all witnessed extraordinary events in Wisconsin. Governor Walker’s proposed legislation has sweeping implications for K-12 and higher education, the environment, and workers’ rights – both in our state and across the nation.

I am disheartened and upset that these events have largely gone ignored in many local schools. Friends who are public school teachers have been explicitly told to not discuss the issues with their students – even when it is relevant to their content area and their lesson plans would meet key state standards. My sixth grade son has engaged in many conversations with his classmates – but those only happen at the lunch table or during recess. As a teacher educator, I was advised to not talk about Governor Walker’s proposed legislation with my pre-service and practicing teachers. (But I did anyway.  I couldn’t, in good conscience, ignore issues that directly affect their current practicum placements and their future careers in public education).

The classroom can be a place where we can teach critical media literacy skills, where we can show students how to really listen and understand divergent points of view, and where we can model respectful discussions.  We need to take advantage of teachable moments – for our sake and for our students.

But there have been many bright moments, too. My son and I have spent a lot of time at the Capitol – marching, chanting, singing, talking with others… and eating pizza, thanks to Ian’s and donations from around the world.

Megan Schliesman, Dawnene Hassett, and I organized a story hour in the capitol and dozens of families joined us.

Evelyn Galindo-Doucette and I have led a weekly run around the Capitol square, 14 laps (~8 miles) in honor of our 14 Democrat Senators.  This Saturday, we’ll run at the same time as a rally and a tractorcade. (Only in Wisconsin!)

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