At a rally in El Paso, Texas, on Monday, Donald Trump Jr. encouraged young audience members not to listen to “loser teachers that are trying to sell you on socialism from birth.”
“Keep up that fight, bring it to your schools. You don’t have to be indoctrinated by these loser teachers that are trying to sell you on socialism from birth. You don’t have to do it.” —Donald Trump Jr.
.@DonaldJTrumpJr's message to young conservatives: "Keep up that fight. Bring it to your schools. You don't have to be indoctrinated by these loser teachers that are trying to sell you on socialism from birth." pic.twitter.com/IGzyK48Ilp
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 12, 2019
Understandably, this did not go over well with all educators, including Sofie Kondro, who was eager to clap back on social media about what it’s really like to be a “loser teacher.”
“I am a loser teacher. When I get to school, I start my day trying to figure out what my kids need from me. This one needs encouragement. That one needs extra time to finish the essay. This one needs love. That one needs advice.” said Kondro in a post on Facebook.
I am a loser teacher. I get up every morning at 5:30 am to pack my bag and make a lunch I might not even get to eat and…
Posted by Sofie Kondro on Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Kondro wasn’t the only one to share what it is like to be a “loser teacher.” #LoserTeacher trended on Twitter, with a flood of educators and advocates defending the work of teachers.
@DonaldJTrumpJr – I am one of those “loser teachers” and I will do more good in the next five days in my classroom than you will do in the rest of your sorry life. You are the broken progeny of a failure of a father. Try breaking the cycle and being your own man. #beBetter https://t.co/kf1Jp2GfkY
— defnotjennifer (@defnotjennifer) February 12, 2019
This #loserteacher has nightmares about her students every night: will they be okay? Will they eat? Are they cold? Will they remember their homework? How can I encourage them? What do they really need? #LoserTeachers @DonaldJTrumpJr @GOP @AOC
— Renee Dickinson (@DoctorMama) February 13, 2019
Teachers like Annie Burge talked about what keeps “loser teachers” busy all day, like practicing tornado drills, encouraging reading, and grading 48 tests before dinner.
Silly me! I can't believe I forgot to indoctrinate my students today! I must have been too busy being a #LoserTeacher who encourages choice in reading, focuses on critical thinking during chess club, and gets hugged by a parent for caring for her child ♡ https://t.co/2haMDEoQcR
— Annie Burge (@Library313) February 13, 2019
At my school we teach kids how to think critically, we provide them with clothes and food, we help their parents pay bills. We also take them in as foster placements, celebrate their successes, expand their world view, and give them love. 🤷🏻♀️ #loserteacher @DonaldJTrumpJr
— Emily Boedeker (@ebboedeker) February 13, 2019
Stayed late at work & I’m still gonna sit down & grade 48 tests before dinner. Then I’m going to raid my son’s art supplies to use for a lesson rather than spending more $$ on classroom supplies. Tomorrow I’m going to motivate children to learn, like I do every day. #loserteacher
— Stardust (@beanrighthere) February 12, 2019
While other teachers, like Andrea Thomas, talked about teaching students how to seek reliable facts and form their own opinions.
As a #loserteacher I promise to continue teaching my students to question what others say and write, look for reliable evidence and support as the foundation for any argument, and be weary of those who insult the opposition in attempt to discredit them.
— Andrea T (@AndieTomas) February 13, 2019
Teacher advocates showed their solidarity and support as well.
To all of the Dedicated Teachers, don't get discouraged by being called a #LoserTeacher We know what you do every single day makes a difference. Remember, it is all about the kids. #TxEdTuesday
— Mrs Call (@Teri_Call) February 13, 2019
Both of my parents were loser teachers 🍎
And dedicated 30+ years to their profession
Positively impacting thousands of students
Whilst being grossly underpaid #loserteacher https://t.co/Ov1547YEfG— Nate Gemberling (@ngemberling) February 13, 2019
What’s your take on Trump Jr.’s “loser teacher” comment? Come and share in our WeAreTeachers Chat Group on Facebook.
