Liberation Letter: My Radical Teacher

My Radical Teacher

by Kelli Pyron Alvarez

Today's society seems to bend over backward demonizing teachers–they are lazy and ineffective, they are indoctrinating students, they're bullies, they make too much money and demand too much. Teachers have become these radical beings who are somehow responsible for the downfall of our society. Few other professions are as misunderstood and as demonized as a teacher, and I should know, I have been teaching since 2006. 

There are several teachers who stand out in my memories for various reasons. I have had teachers who were ineffective, mean, and condescending. I have also had teachers who were kind, bent over backward to help me succeed, and supported me in and out of the classroom. Just as there are all types of people in this world, there are all types of people. But there is one teacher who stands out among the rest–Mrs. Rainbolt. 

I joined Mrs. Rainbolt's class in 1989-1990 when my family had moved to a new town and I had to start a new school halfway through the first semester of second grade. I was unbelievably shy, knew no one, and things at home were unstable to say the least. If I am being honest, I had some issues. I didn't know how to ask for the help I needed. It turns out I didn't need to. 

Mrs. Rainbolt was one of those radical teachers the media warns us about. She was all up in my business, always asking me questions and talking to my mom. I got held after class and I don't even know how many meetings my mom had with her. And I am forever grateful. Mrs. Rainbolt made sure I had clothes to wear, food to eat, and support to deal with the issues I was facing at home. She knew what questions to ask me so that I had the support I needed. I didn't have to know how to ask for help, because Mrs. Rainbolt was always three steps ahead of me. 

The truth about teachers (not all, but the majority) is that we see our students more than their parents do half the time. We care about our students, not just in terms of what they can produce academically, but the whole student. We know that their lives don't end, their issues don't cease to exist, the moment they walk in the classroom doors. We know that they are complex beings, whether they are in kindergarten or graduate school. A good teacher–one like Mrs. Rainbolt–ensures that their students are set up for success. There is an abundance of good teachers out there, and they need our support.

Mrs. Rainbolt is what right-wing media would call a socialist. She clothed and fed me when it wasn't her job, using her own money. She made me talk about my feelings and emotions and even made sure I met with the school counselor. She dared to care for me as a person instead of focusing on "doing her job." Mrs. Rainbolt was a radical teacher, but more than that, she was my friend when I needed one. She inspired me to be the person I am today, the teacher I am today, and I am forever grateful for her radical care.