Hold ‘sleep strike’ instead

Many teachers in the area walked out on Wednesday. But not all. In Cheney, we decided against this means for sending a message to Olympia. And while I certainly do not presume to speak for all, I believe I speak for many when I say, this may not be the best way to achieve our end.

Simply, it is too disruptive to the families we serve; it lacks teeth, trading a day for a day is nothing more than a nibble, and, importantly, it may not endear our cause to a public possibly doubtful of our true intent. So, what, then?

What if we change our means? What if we engage in a “sleep strike”? I, as many, lose sleep over the issues in education and, to varying degrees, it affects my performance on the job. I suspect I am not alone. So, let’s take a school night and intentionally sacrifice our sleep for the things that already keep us awake.

Yes, it will affect our performance the next day, but that’s the point. It won’t disrupt our families, and it may even earn empathy, showing through sacrifice that our strength truly matches our conviction.

Monte Syrie

Cheney High School teacher