Well, there goes my secret identity.
Yup. Suburban Princess Teacher, Clark Kent, Jason Collins – we’re all out of the closet now.
A few days ago I sent a story into the Huffington Post about the mini-mental-breakdown I had following a very trying school year. I wasn’t expecting to hear back…this was the Huffington Post, afterall.
But I got an e-mail back within the hour.
“We want to publish your story but you need to use your real name.”
To paraphrase the foul mouth kitties above: Damn! Now things just got real.
I checked in with a good friend who is both an amazing writer and a trusted mentor. She said it was time. Time to stop hiding and step out of the shadows. Let the writing speak for itself.
So, I put on my big girl panties and took a big cleansing breathe and…pushed send.
Let me know what you think. I’m pretty sure I can handle it.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/heather-hollis/the-moment-i-knew_27_b_3427778.html
Dr. SPT 
Well written and sad but so true too often. We (some parenrs) expect teachers to do what they haven’t done themselves. And this generation of ‘every child gets a trophy’ just for participating has not been a good thing. Add in all the standardized testing. We have a recipe for fewer and fewer great educators. It is pushing some very good teachers out of the profession sadly.
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Thanks Pamela. The stories coming out the Huffington Post page are very telling. So many people telling similar stories. It takes a village and if the villagers keep attacking each other…
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Phenomenal Heather!!!!
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Thanks Karen. It’s easier to write now that I’m coming out the other side. The crazy train is rolling into the station. 😉
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I so admire you! Beautiful writing, Heather.
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Oh Jennifer I so admire YOU. You always look like a modern day Mary Poppins with your little ducks all in a row and then you lean in and whisper the funniest things. Keep fighting the good fight. The little muchkins deserve the best.
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Everyone has their struggles……we often think that everyone else has it made, that they all lead “charmed” lives…..the truth is something far different. By telling your story Heather, I am sure you have helped numerous people. Our words can be soothing, uplifting, motivating. They can also wound, like that parents’ words wounded you…. …..Squeeze out your tube of toothpaste – then put it back…….you can’t…..and that is like our words….. once they are out there, they are out…..your story reminds me of this important lesson and also how being brave enough to share a story can help others.
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Thank you, Janice. It’s so true. I’ve had a few comments from people saying that I need to get a thicker skin and to suck it, it’s part of the job. But I don’t think putting up disrespect or nastiness should be the part of any job. We need to demand better from people.
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Kuddos to you!…For writing the article, for representing teachers while using your real name (I’m not that brave) and for fielding the good, angry and downright bizarre comments in response to your personal story.
I’m curious, have you returned yet or are you returning in the fall? Either way, best of luck!
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Hi!
Thanks for the kind words. I am headed back in the fall. Different school this time, different grade, different position (resource, instead of classroom). I’m looking forward to it, even though one of the abusive parents from last year is actually a teacher at this new school! Lots of deep breathing…
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Yikes! I’m amazed that parent is a teacher…they should know better…
One of the best parts of our job is that we always get a “do over” and have a new beginning each fall. Best of luck with your new job; all of those changes will be good!
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Wow! I just read your Huffpo piece, and I am so sorry that you had to go through that. I keep telling people that the rising student/teacher ratio is killing education, but no one seems to think it makes that much of a difference. Great piece, and my hat is off to you for using your real name; I haven’t gotten there yet…
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Isn’t it incredible how one thing can set into motion a breakdown of sorts? Everything just builds up inside until one day it blows up in our faces. I think it’s great that you spent so much time recovering, and have gotten back into writing. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
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