Help Allison Wint Teach Again

During the course of a lesson on Georgia O'Keefe I was giving as a long term substitute art teacher, I said the word vagina maybe 10 times. Being that we were discussing Georgia O'Keefe, controversy in art, and her flower series, I did not feel using the anatomically correct word was excessive or vulgar. I even considered using a euphemism but I felt that would make the lesson into a joke.

The lesson took place on Thursday, April 21st. On Friday, April 22nd, during the last class of the day and also my planning period the principal came into my room and told me that according to a policy that she admitted I was not aware of that our productive conversation on controversy and art was considered a discussion on reproductive health which requires prior approval from the school to implement to give parents an option to remove their student. She told me that because I had said the word vagina with 8th graders that they would be removing me from my post for the remainder of the school year. I had never been required to submit a lesson plan ever for any reason so it never occurred to me to submit this one.

This decision was shocking to me. I have always been an advocate of not censoring the arts and never considered just the word vagina to be reproductive health or vulgar in any way. I knew discussing Georgia O'Keefe was about controversy and might cause some giggles amongst my students but I never dreamed that it would cost me my job.

This was a crushing blow to me not only as a teacher, but as a person. I have wanted to be an art teacher ever since I was 14 years old. I have never wanted to be anything else. My freshman year of high school brought me into the classroom of one of the best women I have ever known. Ms. Runkle encouraged me to use my seething teenage angst to my advantage and channel the energy into art. She was, and still is, goofy, intelligent, inspiring, and encouraging. Her support led me to where I am.

Unfortunately, like many new teachers, I have hit many bumps in the road in my year and a half as a teacher. Assault by a student, theft of my personal belongings and supplies purchased out of my own pocket when the district couldn't afford to provide them, classes of 40 kids or more, and most recently the censorship of my lessons and removal from my post. To some this would be a sign to stop, give up, and find a new calling, but I will not let a decade-long dream and passion die.

My love for teaching and art has led me on so many incredible journeys, has allowed me to meet amazing people, and has helped me to understand myself and those around me more. Something that precious...I can't bring myself to let that go. My mom is always telling me to 'just keep swimming' (Finding Nemo was one of our favorite movies) when things got tough. So even though this feel like a tidal wave right now, I'm going to continue my journey.

I am currently still employed by the sub company, but because of the way the pay grade system works, any job I take will be for less than half of what I was making while at Harper Creek Middle School.

Any donation made while I am in flux between jobs will go toward my rent, gas to get to and from sub jobs and job interviews, and normal everyday things like groceries. I have always been a pretty resilient and resourceful person and do not anticipate being in hardship for long, but because I am EXTREMELY uncomfortable accepting something for nothing, I am offering different pieces of my own artwork for each donation level.  

Thank you sincerely for all of the incredible help, love, support, and respect you have given me in this hopelessly surreal experience.