Montel Williams is a True Public Schools Advocate

Montel Williams did something truly amazing yesterday.

When he heard the Newark Student Union was having difficulty getting food during their sit-in at Cami Anderson’s office, he volunteered to personally send them something to eat!

He tweeted, “Could any reporter currently covering #OccupyNPS @NewarkStudents kindly tell the district spokesperson I intend to send these kids food ;)”

That takes guts. He wasn’t just offering his opinion. He was threatening to get involved.

It’s that kind of integrity that’s behind his #StandUpForPublicSchools campaign. Here we have a national celebrity, known as a groundbreaking talk show host who could just sit back and enjoy life. But instead he uses his notoriety to help public school teachers!

That might not sound like much to some, but our public schools are under attack. You’d be hard pressed to find anyone in the public eye to say something nice about our school system. Our national debate about education is curiously absent teachers. Yet here comes Montel who not only praises our work but starts a campaign to advocate for us and our students! Heck! Another one of his hashtags is #LetTeachersTeach!

Finally we have a prominent figure with the courage to take the public stage and not call for more school closures. He calls for support!

Last night he even went on Fox Business to talk with former MTV VJ Kennedy who famously said “There really shouldn’t be public schools.” And he boldly told her the truth: public schools need our advocacy!

As teachers, it brings tears to our eyes to finally see someone have our backs. He’s taking some heat on twitter for it, too. But, Montel, just know we will always be there to back you up.

You are truly badass! Much love and appreciation from all of us at the Badass Teachers Association!