I was a GROOMER today

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That's what people who don't spend any time in schools say about teachers these days, right? Chris Christie started the demonization of teachers during his 8 year tenure as NJ governor calling us "mules" who were indoctrinating their students in terms of political beliefs. As the GOP has become more unhinged in its claims both politicians and general Republican voters have this belief that teachers are trying to convince students to become transgender or gay, to pee in litter boxes instead of toilets, etc. It is absurd to anyone who actually spends time in a school but that is the kind of crap that the talking heads on FOX News, OANN, Newsmax, etc. repeat every single day so it has become their truth. It is not the truth, of course. Teachers want to educate students about their subject(s). Sure we can serve as mentors for struggling students. We can become heroes or rock stars as we walk through the cafeteria because we are funny. Our job and our goal, though, is to teach the kids. We want to put information into their brains no matter hard they may resist. Other discussions posted here today by my GOP friends got me thinking and, well, I guess today they would call me a "groomer". I was wearing one of my science long-sleeved Ts with my khakis. It has a series of statements one below the other about science. Off the top of my head it says: THE EARTH IS NOT FLAT VACCINES WORK WE'VE BEEN TO THE MOON CHEMTRAILS AREN'T A THING CLIMATE CHANGE IS REAL STAND UP FOR SCIENCE Each of the statements is in a different color so it definitely attracts attention. I wear it pretty much once a week. My science teacher colleagues love it. I guess people who don't believe in vaccines, climate change, or science could call me a "groomer" for wearing the shirt. Honestly I wish it said EVOLUTION HAPPENS too. Anyway I was wearing the shirt at the doctor's office this afternoon. A coworker of mine who teaches history said "NJChicaa, I LOVE that shirt!". I laughed and thanked him. Then--even better--the freaking superintendent of the district walked into the waiting room with his daughter. He recognized me despite my mask because we worked together for the first few years I was at my current building. He saw me and my shirt, said hi, and continued on. He didn't seem to have a problem with it either. I don't see how he could as they are all science facts.