We, as teachers, have seen a continual erosion of what we control. The dialogue has become it is the fault of teachers that our schools are failing. It is the fault of teachers that our schools are not safe and welcoming environments to all students. It is the fault of teachers that a high proportion of our kids of color are suspended or expelled.

However,

We do not control the rules we can use in our classrooms . . . these are now dictated by our district.

We do not control the curriculum . . . this is now dictated by our district.

We do not control the roster . . . these are determined by site administration.

We do not control who we work with . . . this is determined by district administration.

We do not control suspensions or expulsions of our students . . . this is determined by site and district administration.

We do not control our professional development . . . this is now dictated by our district.

What we control?

Very little.