I have a new concept for Field Trips, it is called, “Legislators on the Bus…” – Legislators traveling to the schools, to the classrooms…. listening, learning and trying to teach the kids!

29 years ago, I began my teaching career filled with purpose and passion for engaging and educating my students by motivating and inspiring them to become the best learners and human beings they could possibly be.

29 years later, I am running for the Ohio House of Representatives along with 9 other Teachers in the state of Ohio.

Why are Teachers leaving their classroom to become Legislators?

To preserve Public Education, the quality, authenticity and integrity of Teaching and Learning in our classrooms so that ultimately, our students can build secure and successful futures.

An excellent statement, even a hopeful one. I hope that Osmond’s sentiments reflect a new appreciation for public school teachers.

I remember what my state organization said, however, as legislators took away almost everything teachers possess, except their commitment to doing the right thing, day after day: “Do not listen to what legislators say. Watch, instead, what they do.”

Since the Spring of Terror (2011), a couple of Republican state legislators, as close to moderates as my state now possesses, recently struck a “Gee Whiz!” posture about the Governor and State Superintendent of Public (SIC) Instruction’s radical reforms: “We did not appreciate how sweeping these new laws really are. Gosh! Maybe some moderation and reflection was in order in 2011.”

Thus, in 2012, to be fair, a few checks were put on the more radical reforms (SIC) put into effect by the previous year’s General Assembly. None of the rights teachers had lost were restored. The funding still tipped disproportionally toward charter schools and private schools. However, a couple of oversight groups were put into place to study proposals before some are out into effect.

Gosh! Hurrah! Nice to know that these suddenly contrite (sort of) legislators did not understand the implications or the legislation they voted for and passed overwhelmingly. Perhaps their consciences are affected by the loss of money their reelection campaigns might suffer because union membership is way, way down and pac money will not be as available as once it was for GOP legislators who espouse pro public education rhetoric. Again, to be fair, some of it may be sincere. May be.

I am, nevertheless, somewhat heartened to read that a few GOP legislators have had their “come to reason” moments. Perhaps this will spread to some of their colleagues. Perhaps a few state legislators will now think before the vote to cut public school teachers and our profession to the bone and the, like our State Superintendent of Public (SIC) Instruction boast that his rechanneling of funds to private schools through vouchers will be “the most important” accomplishment of his administration.

Incredibly, some of my state’s teachers will support this man in 2012.

Rumor has it, from reliable sources, that when he was in the classroom–a short time, you may be sure–he did not have the respect of his colleagues and was known as a rather dull and ineffective classroom teacher.