A Loss of Inspiration

As teachers and as citizens of this country, we face uncertain and tumultuous times. Economic recovery is still something that we are all hoping for, and there seem to be too many fingers pointing at education. I am all for education reform, but it seems that politicians are trying to redo everything in a matter of months instead of making truly educated decisions that was transform learning institutions for the better. Nonetheless, unions have been under attack as those from the private sector have found a nice scapegoat.

Let's put all of that jibberish aside for just one blog post. I must admit something that I am not proud of. Up until recently, I did not feel invested in my union. Sure... I paid my dues, and I never missed a meeting, but in my heart of hearts I did not feel like I was really part of it. I did not feel like I had a personal stake in it. As the events of the last two years started to unfold, I would look more towards my union as a source of strength and solidarity. My timing was actually perfect, as a new force of leadership was about to emerge. Enter Craig Lagnese. He was a science teacher at the High School that was our new district union president. He had passion in his voice, hope in his heart, and a smile on his face. Through his words I found inspiration. I started to become more involved in union discussions. Even if I was not talking, I was listening.. really listening. If i would ask him a question or email him, the answer was quick, complete, and respectful. In the past few months, I have gotten to know Craig a little better, and I feel that I am better for it. The funny thing is that he was younger than me. Usually you think that those that inspire you so much would have their wisdom from eons of more experiences, but perhaps he lived more in his years than most do in twice the time.

It is with deep sadness when I say that Craig lost his battle with lung cancer just yesterday. It gives me chills to think that only two months ago he was standing in front of a group of us at a meeting as if nothing was wrong. Three weeks ago he had been diagnosed. I feel very fortunate to have known him. Even in our last emails just eleven days ago, he wrote that he had still so much to do. That's the kind of person that he was. I am also grateful that I was able to express to him my sincere gratitude for inspiring me and for everything that he had given us.

He was truly a great teacher, colleague, leader, friend, and mentor. We will try to press on in his honor as he would have done.

In Unity. Rest in peace.