Educators are on the front line in the steadily changing, ever more challenging frontier of educating children. Here in Caddo Parish, we believe that a community that stands in support with educators is a more whole community.

We are stepping up as concerned citizens to support four key changes we must see in our Caddo Parish Schools.

#1- Educators invest thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours into gaining certification and hundreds more hours in continuing to master their craft. In light of this fact, we urge the CPSB and Administrators to create a “Stakeholders Committee,” to present new ideas, new curriculum and other major changes to this committee and involve this group of educators, counselors and support personnel in decision-making.

#2- In order for educators to deliver lesson plans in a way that facilitates student understanding, they must have the appropriate quantity and quality of materials, supplies and technologies. We urge efforts, initiatives and community partnerships that help educators to meet these immediate needs.

#3- As an extension to #1 and #2, we have recently learned that Caddo Parish Schools will be implementing a new Math and Reading curriculum for our elementary school students. Because these curriculums call for mid-year changes, harsh restriction for teachers, and technology requirements that our schools can not currently meet- we are requesting a HALT to the implementation of a new curriculum that could be more harmful than helpful to our students.

#4- With mental health becoming a part of a large national discussion around gun violence, teen suicide, and general health- it is critical that the mental health professionals in our schools are allowed the ability to counsel. Counselors should not be “pushing paper” but assisting students with their daily and long-term mental health needs. We are urging a process be initiated to make counseling a reality in our schools.

This list is not all inclusive of the various challenges of teaching today’s student in 21st century schools. We believe these requests align with the beginning of a long-term, collaborative process that will surely enrich our schools in achieving much needed transformation.

We want to make it resoundingly clear that the community-at-large supports our educators because they are community members just like us. We are willing to step up to ensure these changes take place. Thank you for adding your name!

(Photo credit: Stan Carpenter/The Times)