All this comes from a good place, but let me just highlight the subtle, negative messaging that helped convince me to quit teaching after a decade in the field.

You extol the sacrifices; the missionary mindset; the over-the-top service. I know that’s coming from a good place, but what you’re actually doing is saying that’s what teachers *must* do in order to be considered “good.” You admit it yourself: this is a gigantic ask. It causes burn out. It doesn’t work systemically. And it’s a big reason why teachers are both quitting and why they’re going on strike.

The message I hear is, “Be an angel or better, or Don’s right.” I’m sure you don’t mean that, but that’s what someone from within the field readily hears.