There is no such thing as “just teaching.” Every teacher knows teaching means forming relationships with our kids. Even when non-school related things arise, we care about the whole child. Lately, I’ve been inundated with comments saying it’s my job to teach, not involve myself in my kids’ personal lives. That could not be further from the truth. Nobody outside of education could possibly fathom the time, care, and energy we pour into our students. We cannot just put those feelings and actions aside. I will continue getting hate for standing up against racism. But I love my students like my own kids and would protect them at all costs to the best of my ability. To those with little to ni knowledge of what it’s like to be a teacher, kick rocks. Our kids deserve better, no matter their color, gender, disability, socio-economic status. Always.