As I watched the signing of the Equal Pay Bill today, I was reminded of how far we have come. I am glad that I have lived through the amazing transition of "worth less" to valued equally.
My own journey included stops at the counselor's office in high school where I was told I had been named a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist (that meant no money) but that I shouldn't be upset because I would only be wasting a spot in college that was better given to a boy who would provide for his family while all I would probably do was get my "Mrs." and drop out.
When I finished my BA and went on to earn my M.Ed., I taught at Jackson State Community College in Jackson, TN. I was there for 3 years before we moved to Ohio. I ran a developmental education department in the school of technology, and I taught GED classes and industrial and technical writing courses in the Continuing Education program. As I was signing out at the end of my last term, the Vice Chancellor told me he was really sorry to have me go. Not because I had done such a terrific job growing the program for industrial education into the community but because "the only applicants for your job are men and we will have to pay them more because they have families to support." I was so mad I nearly broke the pen I was writing with!!
Through the years, as much as I do not like the idea of unions for teachers (I see myself as a professional capable of negotiating my own salary), I am very grateful for the progress that NEA has made in guaranteeing that each teacher, regardless of gender, receives the same pay for the same position and seniority.
So, to the next generations, daughters and granddaughters, look back with respect and a grateful heart to the women who preceded us and stood up for what was right and celebrate a great new day in the signing of this bill.
5 comments:
I wanted to major in Science and my University counselor told me that was ridiculous for a girl. And I believed him.
It is because of women like you that so many strides have been made for women like me. I am truly honored by all that you have done and taught me.
I've changed "Little Miss Muffett". In my version Miss Muffett stomps that spider flat.
When I heard Ms. Ledbetter tell her story at a campaign rally, I couldn't believe what she had gone through. To hear that you've had similar experiences makes me all the more thrilled to see this bill pass. Thank you for this post!
We've come a long way baby since we got the vote and thank God for all the generations of females who have fought onward & upward to earn our place on the same level as the male of the species.
We've come a long way baby since we got the vote and thank God for all the generations of females who have fought onward & upward to earn our place on the same level as the male of the species.
Post a Comment